Best of Tasmania
Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay: Walking the Hazards
Freycinet National Park on Tasmania's east coast is home to Wineglass Bay, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches. The most popular walk is the Wineglass Bay Lookout track from the car park at Freycinet Peninsula to the saddle between the pink granite Hazards mountains, a moderately demanding uphill climb where the bay is revealed dramatically at the top, a steeper walk than its short distance suggests, so allow ample time and check the current walk duration and track grade on the official Parks Tasmania website before setting out. Continuing down to the beach itself is a longer, steeper descent that adds considerable time each way. The park also has the Hazards Circuit (around 11 kilometres), Cape Tourville Lighthouse (short walk, excellent views), and a range of sea kayaking and boat tour operators. The nearest town is Coles Bay, about three hours from Hobart. Entry to the national park requires a Tasmania Parks Pass.
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1
Wineglass Bay Lookout
A 2.5km return walk to the saddle above Wineglass Bay for what is often described as one of the world's most beautiful beach views, a crescent of white sand framed by pink granite.
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2
Wineglass Bay Beach Walk
A further descent from the lookout to Wineglass Bay beach, a 3-hour return trip, for swimming in the clear, cold Tasman Sea water.
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3
Freycinet Peninsula Circuit (3 days)
A 3-day wilderness walk around the entire Freycinet Peninsula, with camping at remote beaches and continuous views of the pink granite Hazards.
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4
Coles Bay Village
The base for all Freycinet activities, with a general store, the Freycinet Lodge and boat hire for exploring the peninsula from the water.
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5
Hazards Beach Walk (Freycinet Circuit Day 2)
A 6km walk from Coles Bay to Hazards Beach through coastal heathland, a remote granite beach with no facilities and outstanding serenity.
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