# Freycinet National Park

> A granite peninsula of pink-tinged peaks called the Hazards, white beaches and clear, cold water, home to Wineglass Bay, one of Australia's most photographed

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/au-freycinet-np/

A granite peninsula of pink-tinged peaks called the Hazards, white beaches and clear, cold water, home to Wineglass Bay, one of Australia's most photographed beaches.

- **Region:** East Coast Tasmania
- **State:** Tasmania
- **Nearest town:** Coles Bay
- **Highest peak:** Mount Graham (579 m)
- **Established:** 1916
- **Best season:** December to April; wildflowers in spring
- **Suggested time:** 1 to 2 days

## Before you go

- The Wineglass Bay Lookout is about 1.5 km each way on steps. Go early in summer, when the car park fills and the path has little shade.
- The sea is cold and the beaches mostly unpatrolled. Swell and currents can be strong, so swim only with care and never alone.
- A park pass is needed, and the Richardsons Beach campground must be booked well ahead for summer and school holidays.

## Wineglass Bay and the Hazards

Three pink-tinged granite peaks, the Hazards, rise above the western side of the bay. The track climbs to a saddle for the classic view of the white curve of beach, then drops by a long stairway to the sand. Many walkers continue across the isthmus to Hazards Beach and back in a circuit of about 11 km.

## Beaches, lighthouse and wildlife

Friendly Beaches, in the north of the park, is a long open stretch of sand with a short dune walk. Cape Tourville has an easy cliff-top loop that is lovely at sunrise. Wallabies graze near the campground at dusk, and white-bellied sea eagles are sometimes seen over the bays.

## Getting there

Coles Bay is about 30 km off the Tasman Highway at Swansea and roughly 2.5 hours' drive from Hobart. The park entrance is a few minutes beyond the town. Bicheno, about 45 km north, is the nearest larger base for fuel and food. Roads are sealed, but wildlife is active at dusk.

## FAQs

**How long is the walk to Wineglass Bay?**
The lookout is about 1.5 km each way, usually an hour to 90 minutes return. Going down to the beach adds a long descent, and the full circuit via Hazards Beach is about 11 km and takes four to five hours.

**Can I camp in Freycinet National Park?**
Yes, the main campground is at Richardsons Beach, with limited sites. Book well ahead for summer and school holidays. Other options include private parks in and around Coles Bay.

**Can I swim at Wineglass Bay?**
Yes, in the sheltered bay, but the water is cold even in summer and there are no lifeguards. Check the conditions, avoid swimming alone, and take extra care at open beaches such as Friendly Beaches.

## Places to see

- [Wineglass Bay Lookout](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-wineglass-bay-lookout/)
- [Wineglass Bay Beach](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-wineglass-bay-beach/)
- [Cape Tourville Lighthouse](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-cape-tourville/)
- [Friendly Beaches](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-friendly-beaches/)
- [Bicheno Blowhole](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-bicheno-blowhole/)
- [Darlington, Maria Island](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-maria-island-darlington/)
- [Painted Cliffs, Maria Island](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-maria-island-painted-cliffs/)