Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park covers the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast of Tasmania, around two and a half hours' drive north of Hobart and the same distance from Launceston. It was declared in 1916 and is one of Tasmania's oldest national parks. The peninsula is dominated by the Hazards, a pink-tinged granite mountain range that rises sharply out of the sea and forms the backdrop to most of the park's signature views.

The single most famous spot in the park is Wineglass Bay, a perfect crescent of white sand on the east side of the peninsula. The standard visit is the steep climb to the Wineglass Bay Lookout (about 1.5 kilometres each way, mostly on stone stairs), which gives the iconic view of the bay surrounded by the Hazards. Continuing down to the beach itself adds another hour each way and is well worth the extra effort.

The Hazards Beach Circuit is a longer 11 kilometre loop that crosses the peninsula and combines Wineglass Bay with the quieter Hazards Beach on the western side. It takes most of a day at a moderate pace and is one of the best day hikes in Tasmania. For experienced multi-day walkers, the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is a 2 to 3 day backpacking loop that adds the southern Mount Graham and Cooks Beach sections.

Coasteering, sea kayaking, sailing day trips and rock climbing on the Hazards are all popular activities run from Coles Bay, the gateway town just outside the park. Coles Bay has a small but serviceable food scene, two main accommodation precincts (the Freycinet Lodge inside the park and the holiday house clusters around Muirs Beach), and the famous Saffire Freycinet luxury lodge on the northern edge.

Freycinet is at its best in summer (December to March) when daylight is long and the water is cool but swimmable. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant for hiking. Winter is cold but quiet, with frequent low cloud on the Hazards adding drama for photographers willing to wait. The park is open year-round.