
Download or view online this region's Holiday Guide. It is full of information to help you plan things to see, places to stay and where to go. You can kayak into world-renowned Wineglass Bay, or trek to views seldom exceeded, picnic on a secluded beach or dive amongst the shipwrecks off Flinders Island. The choice is yours on this coast of wonders, from berry feasts to exploring pristine wilderness.
You will find everything you need to know about the East Coast, from the coastal Mt William National Park to the former convict settlement, now wildlife haven of Maria Island. On your travels, drop in and say hello to the friendly people in local Visitor Centres. They will be able to give you a few inside secrets on the region - just look for the blue and yellow `i' symbol.Why explore the East Coast?
Whether they are fishermen, wine makers or walking-guides, you will hear a different life story from friendly locals whose values are shaped by the rhythms of nature, and the stunning beauty of the east coast. At its northern extremity is Flinders Island, where you can hunt for the Killiecrankie 'diamond', or dive into a world of giant crabs and crays.
At Mount William National Park, in Tasmania's north east, Forester kangaroos acknowledge visitors with casual indifference. Heading south, around the Bay of Fires, the sea is aqua and deserted shell-strewn beaches stretch for kilometres of silica sand. House-sized granite boulders reddened by lichens, are polished smooth by waves that thump and sigh as they crumple onto the shore.
Just before the small fishing town of Bicheno, is the Douglas-Apsley National Park, a landscape of rugged river gorges, waterfalls, and gently flowing rivers. Nearby, occupying a whole peninsula, is spectacular Freycinet National Park, with Coles Bay at its entrance overlooking crystal-clear Oyster Bay, an ideal place for diving, snorkelling, kayaking, boating and fishing. The park is dominated by the pink granite of the Hazards Mountains and best known for the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay.
Enjoy superb seafood of cray, scallops, oysters, salmon, and berries in Swansea, before the journey south and the first sight of Maria Island. The whole island is a national park, free of vehicles. It is a refuge for Forester kangaroos, wallabies and the round small pademelons. You can stay in the tiny settlement of Darlington, watch the Cape Barren Geese or any of the 130 resident bird species, and relax as you learn of the Aboriginal, convict and settler histories.
Ferry services to Maria Island depart from Triabunna, the gateway to Maria and also Australia’s first rural municipality. Just south from Triabunna you will find the popular holiday destination of Orford, located on the mouth of the Prosser River with unsurpassed views across to Maria Island.
The East Coast regional tourism authority have a great site to explore. The Wineglass/Coles Bay area also has a site full of information.
Brochure: If you would like a copy of the East Coast Holiday Guide posted to you (Australian addresses only) please send an email to this address: managervic@freycinet.tas.gov.au
East Coast Escape - from the Bay of Fires to Orford.
North East Trail - from St Helens to Bridport and Launceston.
Local help from Tasmania's Visitor Information Centres is available at:
St Helens
61 Cecilia St
Ph (03) 6376 1744
Email: sthelensvic@bodc.tas.gov.au
Web: www.tasmaniaseastcoast.com.au
Triabunna
Cnr Esplanade and Charles Street
Ph (03) 6257 4772
Email: triabunnavic@freycinet.tas.gov.au
Web: www.tasmaniaseastcoast.com.au