Freycinet and Wineglass Bay – A Four-Day Winter Escape

Sue and I chose to spend four days at Freycinet in late May 2026 to celebrate a very special milestone—our 50th wedding anniversary. Leaving Howrah on a sunny Sunday morning, we travelled up Tasmania’s East Coast through Sorell, Orford, Triabunna and Swansea, enjoying stunning beaches, sunshine and coastal scenery along the way.

One highlight was stopping at the historic Spiky Bridge near Swansea. Built by convicts in 1843, its unusual vertically placed stones give it a distinctive appearance and fascinating history. We also visited Devils Corner Winery, where the viewing tower provided spectacular views of the Hazards.

We settled into our Freycinet accommodation and enjoyed a relaxing dinner on our first evening, the perfect way to unwind after a day of travel. Our accommodation was surrounded by bushland, and a walk along the beach revealed the breathtaking beauty of the Hazards and the peninsula’s pristine coastline.

We booked a wonderful half-day cruise to Wineglass Bay. With a storm approaching, we brought the cruise forward by a day. The following morning, we awoke to kookaburras and joined Captain Mark and his crew for a memorable journey around the Freycinet Peninsula. Despite increasing swell, we successfully reached Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most iconic beaches. Along the way, Mark shared fascinating stories about the Hazards, local wildlife, and the region’s whaling and sealing history. Lunch was served at Crocketts Beach, where I sampled my first fresh oyster.

Tuesday was spent exploring Freycinet National Park. The visitor centre provided excellent advice on local walks, including the famous Wineglass Bay lookout and the Aqua Express service, which assists visitors wanting easier access to Hazards Beach. We also drove to Cape Tourville Lighthouse, where the mobility-friendly track offered magnificent views of the Tasman Sea and Wineglass Bay. With the storm approaching, the crashing waves made for a spectacular sight.

Although winter had just begun, wildlife was plentiful. We saw white-bellied sea eagles, dolphins, seals and signs of migrating whales along the coast. Combined with the white sandy beaches, blue gums and sheoak forests, the peninsula showcased Tasmania’s natural beauty at its finest.

If visiting Freycinet, I recommend bringing binoculars, purchasing a Parks Pass and taking time to visit the National Parks Visitor Centre. The team at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre in Hobart can provide maps, brochures, Parks Passes and assistance with booking the cruise to Wineglass Bay and the aqua taxi around Freycinet. For Sue and me, this four-day getaway was a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of marriage in one of Tasmania’s most spectacular destinations – a truly special trip we will never forget.

Michael Hutchinson - Volunteer
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre