Roadtrip The Great East Coast Tasmania

5 March 2024

Roadtrip The Great East Coast Tasmania – One of the best roadtrips in Australia

The Roadtrip The Great East Coast Tasmania, earns its place as one of the best road trips Australia has to offer. Get set to embark on an unforgettable journey with its blend of natural beauty, brilliant food and wine, plus accessibility! Yes, the Great East Coast Tasmania road trip boasts excellent infrastructure and amenities which make it so convenient and comfortable for road trippers of all kinds, whether you’re an eco and nature lover, luxury travellers or families seeking adventure.

It’s here on Tasmania’s east coast, that you’ll experience wonderful scenery, fabulously fresh oysters and stunning coastal landscapes of pristine beaches and lush forests, all within easy reach from the road. Each stop along the route presents Insta worthy vistas and opportunities for adventure. Roadtrip the Great East Coast Tasmania and see such a diverse range of attractions, accommodation, charming seaside villages, world-class vineyards, and historic sites. There’s something for everyone!

So let’s go…

HOBART TO ORFORD: Take the Tasman Highway (A3) eastward out of Hobart, passing through Sorell and continue east on the Tasman Highway (A3) until you reach Orford.

LAUNCESTON TO ORFORD: Head southeast on the Midlands Highway (National Highway 1) until you reach Campbell Town, then take the Lake Leake Highway (A4) eastward, and at the junction with the Tasman Highway (A3), turn left and head southeast toward Orford.

Welcome to Orford! Take a leisurely stroll along the Prosser River or have a fun filled day of picnicking by the river, where kids can splash in the shallows and search for hidden treasures along the riverbanks. When you get to the Orford Convict Road, you can imagine yourself in the shoes of Tasmania’s mischievous past residents. And don’t forget to refuel with a stop at the local cafes, where the food is so good, even the convicts would have traded their last meal for a bite!

ORFORD TO SWANSEA:
- Distance: Approx. 57.2 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 41 min
Welcome to Swansea – a town that isn’t just about swans, though you might spot a few gracefully gliding along the foreshore. Take a scenic walk and immerse yourself in stunning views and the kids can collect seashells and watch boats bobbing in the bay. At the East Coast Heritage Museum, you’ll discover that history is for everyone! There’s an interactive journey through time, complete with hands-on exhibits and storytelling sessions.
Don’t forget the delicious homemade ice cream from one of the local shops. And there’s plenty of choice of eateries. The seafood here is so fresh, it practically swims onto your plate. If you have time, visit Devil’s Corner (just south of Swansea) – a popular winery known for its innovative approach to winemaking and striking architectural design. Enjoy wine tastings, food pairings, and scenic views from the lookout tower, overlooking Moulting Lagoon and Great Oyster Bay. Other good wineries if you have time, are Spring Vale Vineyard and Craigie Knowe Vineyard in the north.

SWANSEA TO FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK:
- Distance: Approx. 62.5 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 53 min
Welcome to Freycinet National Park – where you’ll strap on your hiking boots and embark on a family-friendly trek to the Wineglass Bay lookout. The kids can feel like kings and queens of the world as they survey their sandy domain below. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the park’s sandy beaches and shady forests, stopping to play games and spot wildlife along the way. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a family kayak tour around the peninsula? It’s a great way to get up close with Freycinet’s famous coastline while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Otherwise, the popular Gala Estate Winery is a 30-min drive south of Swansea along the A3 highway.

FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK TO COLES BAY:
- Distance: Approx. 3.8 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 6 min

Welcome to Coles Bay – and prepare to set sail on the culinary seas! Hop aboard a scenic cruise around the Freycinet Peninsula and keep an eye out for playful dolphins and friendly seals. Back on dry land, unleash your inner chefs with a family cooking class featuring fresh local produce—it’s a delicious way to learn about Tasmania’s culinary heritage with a little family bonding thrown in!

COLES BAY TO BICHENO:

Distance: Approx. 37.8 km
Driving Time: Approx. 30 min
Welcome to Bicheno – and get ready for fun in the sun! Bicheno is oozing with excitement—and we mean that literally! Witness the Bicheno Blowhole in action, where waves put on a spectacular show, and when the sun starts to set, get ready for the twilight ritual of the cutest parade as fairy penguins waddle back home to their burrows. (tours available too). It’s like a red carpet event, but with feathers and flippers! You can explore nearby Douglas – Apsley National Park for bushwalking and swimming in natural rock pools or visit Freycinet Vineyard – one of Tasmania’s oldest vineyards. Try their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which thrive in cool climate and their tastings and cellar door sales, allow you to sample award-winning wines with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. Or eat great seafood at the Lobster Shack steps from the water.

BICHENO TO ST HELENS:

Distance: Approx. 75.9 km
Driving Time: Approx. 1 hr 2 min
Welcome to St Helens – a history lesson with a great view! Wander along the foreshore and soak in the scenery of Georges Bay. See the St Helens History Room for intriguing tales and hands-on history lesson, complete with interactive exhibits and storytelling sessions. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not rent a family-friendly kayak or paddle board and explore the bay together? And don’t forget to check out local art galleries showcasing St Helen’s artists.

ST HELENS TO BAY OF FIRES:

Distance: Approx. 30 km
Driving Time: Approx. 30 min
Welcome to the Bay of Fires – where the rocks are as fiery as your favourite chilli! The orange granite rocks and the turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea is a stunning contrast ereryone loves, and it’s a popular spot for artists. You’l also find lots of shells and hidden treasures washed ashore by the tide. This spot is good for a snorkel, swiim or a sunbathe as the white sands are soft. At night, there’s a million stars overhead from these parts. You’ll remember the Bay of Fires forever.