Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach are located in Freycinet National Park. This is a wonderful walk, and from the lookout, you can see amazing views of Wineglass Bay. Then, walk along the beautiful sandy beach of Wineglass Bay and across to Hazards Beach.
I know why this is one of the most popular places to visit in Tasmania. We had a beautiful day in July to do this walk, but it would be fantastic in Summer to swim at either Wineglass Bay or Hazards Beach (or both).
The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit is one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania
The Walk - 5 hours - 11 km Circuit - Grade 4
Wineglass Bay Lookout
The crystal clear blue waters and white sandy beach of Wineglass Bay are truly amazing sights and are one of the most photographed places in Tasmania.
The first part of the walk is to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. It is a steep uphill walk on a well-constructed rocky path with lots of steps. (Approximately 1.3 kilometres). There are several seats to relax and catch your breath on the way up and the view at the top makes it totally worth it.
There is also a lookout with sweeping views over Coles Bay, about halfway up the track.
Once you have enjoyed the views from the Wineglass Bay Lookout, head back down the track until you see the sign for Wineglass Bay Beach.
Follow this well defined track with over 1000 stone steps down through the eucalypt forest to Wineglass Bay Beach.
Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. It is nestled in the iconic Hazards range and bordered by pink granite peaks.
Once on the beach you can enjoy a break in this stunning setting, have a swim in the pristine water or wander along the white sands. Then, head back to the trail and continue on to Hazards Beach. The trail cuts across the national park’s isthmus on a flat, well-maintained track with some sections of boardwalk. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Hazards Beach.
Hazards Beach
After climbing up a sand dune and onto the wooden steps, you will be rewarded with views of the beautiful Hazards Beach.
This beach is not as popular as Wineglass Bay, so you may find you have it all to yourself. There is a bench at the bottom of the steps to enjoy the views, or you may want to swim in the lovely blue water.
You then walk down to the end of the beach, where you will see a sign pointing back to the carpark. Follow the signs back onto the path then climb up and around the rocks on Mount Mayson to reach the Coles Bay side.
Continue to walk up and around the low rocky coastline, which offers amazing views across Great Oyster Bay. The long walk back to the car park is undulating and rocky and finishes with a stretch of lovely coastal woodland.
Notes:
Great walk with wonderful views but be prepared for the long walk back.
Toilets available in the day-use area near the carpark.
.A valid Tasmanian National Park pass is required.
Directions to Freycinet National Park
The park is about 2.5 to 3 hours from either Launceston or Hobart. Turn off the Tasman Highway (A3) onto the Coles Bay Road (C302), 12km south of Bicheno. The main park entrance and Freycinet Visitor Centre are accessed by driving straight through the Coles Bay township, 28km from the highway on a sealed road.
Camping at Freycinet National Park.
We stayed at Friendly Beaches in the Freycinet National Park, a lovely spot right near the beach but protected from the wind by coastal bushes surrounding the campsite. You can stay for a maximum of 14 nights. There are toilets available near the day-use area. The cost for 2 Adults is FREE!
The turn-off is approximately 19km before the Coles Bay township and the main Freycinet National Park entrance.
You can also camp at Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay, and Ranger Creek on a powered site for $16.00 per night. These areas are really popular, and you need to book with the Visitor Centre.
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