‘THE WOW FACTOR’ would be a good way to describe the treat you’re in for if you take a trip to the Freycinet Peninsula on East Coast Tasmania. This stunning part of the world is all about colour - a collection of natural hues that cover the spectrum and blend seamlessly into one another in a way that makes your hairs stand on end and elicits a sigh of delight. In fact, the Peninsula would be a fine inspiration for one of those colour charts you find in upmarket paint stores. A delicate palette of muted pinks and pastel blues, all the way up to sunset orange and vibrant azure. Pink granite mountains stand like sentinels over creamy white sands and sparkling turquoise waters. Add some exotic coloured wild growing orchids, deep burgundy of the wines from local vineyards and you’re a little way towards understanding the mix. There’s a little bit of magic about this place...ok, well rather a lot actually! 

The Freycinet Peninsula stretches all the way along East Coast Tasmania from Bicheno to Buckland and in East Coast Tassie you will find a little slice of paradise waiting to be discovered. The peninsula is a relatively well kept secret and you understand why when you see it as there is a strong urge to want to keep it to yourself so that it retains its allure. There is a warmth about the place too, an unspoken welcome in the friendly faces of locals from the pretty towns that dot the coastline. 

As with much of Tasmania you will sense the unhurried pace, which quickly rubs off on you, bringing you a sense of calm and peace as you go about your day. Despite this, there is a wealth of things to do in the Freycinet Peninsula, just find your own pace and give yourself twice as long as you intended to!! 

This is one of the greenest parts of the world too – both in the sense that vast areas are designated National Parks and in the environmental sense as locals take pride in maintaining a sustainable eco friendly infrastructure. The Freycinet Peninsula proudly wears the badge of Green Globe 21 Certification, the global benchmarking system for sustainable travel and tourism. Though the numbers of permanent local inhabitants are small, they are passionate about retaining the magic of the place and it shows. The small peninsula town of Coles Bay has even become Australia’s first plastic shopping bag free town!! In the first 12 months alone, this tiny seaside town has made a big impact on the global planet friendly cause by stopping the use of over 350,000 plastic shopping bags. Imagine if all towns the world over followed suit! 

So take yourself to the jewel of Tassie and melt effortlessly into a different world. 

What to do in Freycinet Peninsula

Freycinet National Park: Freycinet National Park covers a vast area of the Peninsula and is the perfect place for walking and wildlife spotting. The Park is home to an array of fabulous beaches and beautiful wildflowers spring up all over. Visit the astounding ‘Hazard’ at Coles Bay, a collection of 300 metre high pink granite outcrops. Not only will they have you spellbound, but it’s impossible to take a bad photo of them! 

This is fabulous walking territory for all abilities. The longest walk is probably the 27km Peninsula Circuit but there are numerous other shorter walks, all offering an appeal of their own and the ubiquitous picture postcard scenic views. 

If you’re short on time, it would be an absolute scandal to leave the Park without taking a walk to Wineglass Bay. Named as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, it’s easy to see why as you swoon over the perfect curve of white sand and azure sea. It’s the sort of place that marriage proposals are made of!! 

Rock Climbing: Get high and see the coast from a different view.....hanging off a rock face!! The combination of jaw dropping scenery and jaw dropping heights makes this a world class climbing destination for those in the know. However, if you’re a complete novice there are experienced climbing guides who will take you for a taste of the thrill, all in the safest way possible. 

Sea Kayaking: The gentle loll of the kayak on clear waters as your paddle gently dips in and out , allowing you a panoramic view of the horizon and an altogether closer view of the sea life takes a lot to be beaten. Keep an eye out for dolphins that frequent the area. This is surely one of the most relaxing ways to get around the peninsula. Take lunch onboard or join an organised group who will cook up a storm on one of the beaches as you dry off under the warming sun. Once you’ve tried it you’ll be hooked. 

Nature and Wildlife: Even if you weren’t looking out for wildlife you’re likely to stumble across a whole host of Tasmanian creatures and birds on this part of the coast. A bird lover’s haven especially, you might see the rare protected white bellied sea eagles gliding above the cliffs, or large groups of gannets diving for lunch. You’re almost certain to hear the raucous screeches of the yellow-tailed black cockatoos and if you’re lucky you might spy a honeyeater. If out after dusk you could catch a glimpse of the iconic Tasmanian Devil and you will almost definitely see wombats, wallabies and possums. The land, sky and ocean are rich with wildlife in this neck of the woods. Migrating whales and pods of dolphins are common sightings so keep your camera to hand at all times! 

If you have a particular interest in wildlife, it would be worthwhile hiring a local guide to assist you and provide some fascinating insights into the creatures that inhabit the Peninsula. 

For something a little different, take one of the available penguin tours running out of Bicheno of an evening, to see Fairy Penguins in their natural environment. You can view the penguins from a specially built private rookery built by Bicheno locals in an effort to protect their penguins. By viewing in this way you get to have a close up view of these cute and cuddlies without disturbing the penguins as they make their nightly journey from the ocean to home! 

Wineries: If you’re partial to the grape you’ll probably already know that the East Coast of Tassie produces world acclaimed cool climate wines. To discover them for yourself head to one of the wineries that offer cellar and vineyard tours and make your own mind up as to who should win the taste awards! 

Sleeping

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to sleeping arrangements as anything goes here and you will just as easily find romantic beach camps as you will luxury boutique lodges and everything in between, there really is something to suit every taste and pocket. 

For true romantics, try the secluded beach camp at Bryan’s Beach, lay back and sky gaze and make a wish on every shooting star. Sure to make even the most cynical romantic fall under its spell! 

If you fancy seeking out some unusual digs, take a short ferry ride over to Maria Island and taste the bygone days of the convicts by spending a night in the Penitentiary – don’t worry, once you’ve served your time of a night on this beautiful island, you’re free to go! 

On the luxury side of things, treat yourself to a stay at Freycinet Lodge, inside the National Park. A fee does apply because of the location but it’s more than worth it as it’s a place you can truly relax and rejuvenate, as well as being a superb base for exploring the National Park. 

Or for those of you who prefer an architecturally modern sleeping abode you can’t beat the swanky Avalon near Swansea, for endless sea views in a magazine worthy contemporary structure.