Day 1: Arrival and Camping at Swimcart Beach
Our adventure began with a drive to the stunning Larapuna / Bay of Fires area in the Northeast of Tasmania. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this region did not disappoint.
We left Nipaluna / Hobart and headed to St. Helens for a very late lunch at The Social. The place had a fantastic vibe, and it was the perfect spot to relax and refuel after the nearly 3½ hour drive. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively, making it a memorable dining experience.
Our goal was to camp at Cosy Corner South, but not a single campsite was to be found (I should’ve known better and left the big smoke early given the Easter holidays). We then drove back towards Binalong Bay and arrived at Swimcart Beach. Finding a spot to camp was a bit of a challenge as most campsites were booked out. However, luck was on our side, and we managed to secure a couple of spots for our vehicles and tents. With five of us in the group, it was a relief to find a place to settle in. The white sandy beaches and the sound of huge waves breaking greeted us at Swimcart Beach, and this turned out to be home for the night.
We were treated to a stunning display of stars on Saturday night. My wife kept pointing out what she believed were shooting stars, but they turned out to be satellites which was a reminder of how we are constantly disrupting nature. This led me to do some research, and I discovered that about 14,000 satellites are circling the Earth in 2025. This statistic was quite shocking and gave us a stark reality check about the modern world we live in.
Day 2: Hiking Mount Victoria Regional Reserve
The next morning, we started our day with a coffee at the Lifebuoy in St. Helens. The cozy ambiance and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee set the tone for the day ahead.
We then drove in-land to the Mount Victoria Regional Reserve. The hike took us about four hours to complete, with plenty of time spent at the summit to soak in the panoramic views. The trail is marked by a pink ribbon across the road from the car park, which is easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it. The hike itself is intermediate, with some exciting scrambling sections towards the summit.
One of the highlights of the hike was the incredible variety of fungi we encountered along the trail. The fungi displayed a spectrum of colours varying from white, electric blue, purple, and red, adding a magical touch to our journey. It was a reminder of the diverse and vibrant ecosystem that thrives in this region. Seeing the red fungi took me back to my younger days of playing Super Mario, as the fungi were the real-life versions of what I used to see in the video games.
We got back to the car park around 3:15 pm, which gave us a decent amount of time to get back to the “big smoke” (Hobart) just after dark. We (luckily) didn’t see any wildlife along the roads, and it was a stark reminder to always leave plenty of time for your drive, especially over autumn and winter as the sun sets quite early here in Tassie.
Our Easter break in the Northeast of Tasmania was nothing short of fabulous. From the stunning starry skies at Swimcart Beach to the vibrant atmosphere at restaurants and cafes, and the rewarding hike at Mount Victoria Regional Reserve, every moment was filled with adventure. The company of good friends, the beautiful weather, and the breathtaking landscapes made this trip unforgettable.
Adi Munshi - Manager
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre
