A little planning goes a long way
Coles Bay feels wonderfully tucked away on Tasmania’s East Coast, yet getting here is all part of the journey. From the drive into Freycinet to getting around, stocking up and planning your days, here’s what you need to know before your stay.
01 — GETTING HERE
A beautiful drive along Tasmania’s East Coast brings you to Coles Bay and the doorstep of Freycinet National Park.
02 — GETTING AROUND
Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore Freycinet, its beaches, walks and the surrounding East Coast at your own pace.
03 — PLAN AHEAD
A little preparation for groceries, dining, national park access and popular experiences makes your Freycinet escape wonderfully easy.
GETTING TO COLES BAY & FREYCINET
The road to Freycinet
Getting to Coles Bay is part of the experience. The drive takes you through Tasmania’s East Coast landscape before the Hazards appear and Freycinet begins to feel very close. Coles Bay is best reached by car, giving you the freedom to explore the national park, beaches and surrounding East Coast during your stay.
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Coles Bay is around 2 hours 35 minutes by car from Hobart. We recommend allowing longer — the journey follows Tasmania’s beautiful East Coast, with plenty of places worth stopping along the way.
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Allow around 2 hours 10 minutes from Launceston via Lake Leake Highway. As always in Tasmania, give yourself a little extra time and enjoy the drive rather than rushing it.
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We recommend having your own car. Coles Bay itself is small, but the beaches, walking tracks, Freycinet National Park and surrounding East Coast are spread out. Having a car gives you much more freedom to explore at your own pace.
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Yes. The main entrance to Freycinet National Park is reached by driving through Coles Bay, and a valid Tasmanian Parks Pass is required to enter the national park. Passes can be purchased online or from the Freycinet Visitor Centre.
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If you’re coming from Hobart, don’t be in too much of a hurry. Orford, Swansea and the vineyards and producers along the East Coast can easily turn the drive into part of your holiday. From Launceston, the Lake Leake route brings you through a very different side of Tasmania before meeting the East Coast.
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Absolutely. Wildlife is common on Tasmanian roads, particularly around dawn and dusk. Slow down, stay alert and drive to the conditions, especially on unfamiliar or winding roads. Where possible, avoid driving within the national park at night — you’re sharing the road with native wildlife.
GETTING AROUND
Take the road slowly
Having your own vehicle is the easiest way to explore Coles Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula. Beaches, walking trails, lookouts, wineries and little East Coast stops are spread beyond the village, so having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Allow more time than the map suggests. Roads can be winding, wildlife is often active around dawn and dusk, and chances are you’ll find somewhere worth stopping along the way. Around here, the journey is part of the experience.
Food, fuel & supplies
You’ll find the essentials in Coles Bay, from groceries and fuel to plenty of good places to eat. If you’re planning a longer stay or something a little special, it’s worth organising ahead so you can spend more time enjoying Freycinet.
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There are two convenient options in town. Coles Bay Convenience on Garnet Avenue stocks groceries, fresh produce, meat, bread and everyday essentials, while Iluka General Store on the Esplanade also carries groceries, fresh produce, meat, bread and other supplies.
For a large shop or specific items, it’s still a good idea to stock up before arriving in Coles Bay.
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You don’t need to arrive with everything. Coles Bay has local stores for everyday groceries and essentials, as well as cafés, restaurants and takeaway options.
If you’re arriving late, staying for several days, have particular dietary requirements or plan to cook most of your meals, doing a larger shop before arriving can give you more choice.
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Yes. Iluka General Store on the Esplanade has fuel, so you can fill up in Coles Bay.
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Absolutely. Coles Bay and the surrounding Freycinet area have everything from coffee and casual meals to fresh local seafood and special dining experiences.
Explore our Eat & Drink guide for the places we recommend.
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Yes. For something special waiting for you during your stay, Picnic Coast offers beautifully prepared food and picnic experiences on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Availability and delivery options can vary, so we recommend arranging this in advance.
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Yes. For a special dinner without leaving your accommodation, What Grows offers bespoke dining centred around regional and seasonal produce. It’s a beautiful option for celebrations, longer stays or simply making one night of your Freycinet escape particularly memorable.
Bookings should be arranged in advance and will depend on availability and your accommodation.
GOOD TO KNOW
A little planning makes exploring easy
Freycinet National Park is right on the doorstep of Coles Bay, with many of the region’s best-known walks, beaches and lookouts located within the park.
A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required for entry to Freycinet National Park, so we recommend organising yours before you arrive. During busy periods, particularly summer and holidays, allow extra time for parking and consider starting popular walks earlier in the day.
Take water, wear suitable footwear and be prepared for Tasmania’s changeable weather — even when the morning starts beautifully.
And take your time. Freycinet is best enjoyed without rushing from one place to the next.
HOW LONG TO STAY
Don’t rush Freycinet
You can see the highlights of Freycinet in a day. But to experience more than Wineglass Bay, give yourself a little more time.
2 nights
A great introduction. Walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout, explore Coles Bay, enjoy fresh local seafood and leave time for a quiet beach or sunset by the water.
3 nights
Our sweet spot. Enough time for the national park, a longer walk, beautiful beaches, local food and wine — and time to actually enjoy where you’re staying.
4+ nights
Freycinet at its best. Follow the weather, discover quieter corners of the peninsula, revisit a favourite beach, linger over lunch and leave space for doing absolutely nothing at all.
Before you go
A few simple things to know before setting off can make your Freycinet stay even easier.
What should I pack?
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket whatever the season, plus comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore Freycinet National Park. Sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle are worth having too — Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, even on a beautiful day.
Do I need a Parks Pass?
Yes, if you’re visiting Freycinet National Park. A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required for entry, and it’s easiest to organise yours before you arrive.
How far is everything from Coles Bay?
Coles Bay is a great base for exploring Freycinet, with the national park, beaches, walks and many local experiences close by. But the wider East Coast is worth exploring too, so allow more time than you think — especially if you’re planning stops beyond the peninsula.