Bay of Fires, Freycinet & the East

From the Bay of Fires to the Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania’s sunnier east coast offers 100 miles of rugged cliffs, secluded bays, and striking coastline. Tour the Great Eastern Drive from Orford to St Helens and discover bustling resort towns, vineyard cellar doors, and exquisite local eateries. Climb Mount William and look over the Bass Strait to the north and the colourful Bay of Fires to the south. 

Sample delicious seafood in Bicheno and local wines in Swansea. Spot Tasmanian devils in the Douglas-Apsley National Park and ringtail possums on Maria Island. Dive among world-class reefs, swim in tucked-away lagoons, and hike rich bush trails around coastal bays and mountain slopes. Enjoy trekking, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, bird watching, and fishing, or simply relax on the soft sands of some of Australia’s most stunning beaches along this incredible Tassie coast.

250 years after Captain Furneaux coined its dramatic name, the Bay of Fires is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Australia. Originally, the name was born from First Nations campfires burning along the rugged coast. Today, it represents the stunning effect caused by the region’s brilliant orange lichen as it grows on granite boulders beside the pale sands of its beautiful beaches. Swim in the cool water of secluded inlets and hidden coves.

Dive among the marine life and reefs of Binalong Bay. Kayak in Ansons Bay Lagoon. Spot black cockatoos, honeyeaters, and white-bellied sea eagles from the heathlands of Humbug Point. Breathe wildflower aromas at The Gardens and visit the iconic 130-year-old Eddystone Lighthouse. From Mount William in the north to the small town of St Helens in the south, the Bay of Fires is a must-see destination for any Tasmania trip.

See kookaburras and sea birds above the pristine bays and bushland trails of one of Australia’s oldest and most beautiful nature reserves at Freycinet National Park. Explore rugged hills and remote bays from the picturesque resort town of Coles Bay. Look down from clifftops and granite peaks to the clear waters of the bay below. Immerse yourself in the incredible natural beauty of Wineglass Bay. Take a cruise to sail among pods of dolphins. Or ride a water taxi from the beach to discover the incredible hiking trails nearby. 

Gaze out at sunset to see the changing light as it reflects off The Hazards, three pink granite crags rising dramatically from the sea. Take a romantic walk along the rock and sand beach of Honeymoon Bay, or cross the peninsula to the tranquil Sleep Bay where local wallabies hop among beachside rocks.

Tasmania’s east enjoys milder winters and warmer summers compared to other regions of the island. Long August mornings and crisp January afternoons offer the ideal complement to the beautiful and rugged coastline while the changing colours of spring and autumn bring new vibrancy to its wildflower heathlands and lush vineyards.

Summer temperatures average from 12°C to 24°C while winters can see daytime temperatures ranging from 6°C to 15°C. Pack suitable layers for the season and you’ll find that any time is the right time to visit the Bay of Fires, Freycinet & the East. Crowds are rarely a concern, but the summer months of December and January are popular with Australian visitors and bring extra energy to the resort towns and beaches dotted along the coastline and among the national parks.