Freycinet National Park Tasmania: Best things to do, where to eat and what to see in winter

Year after year, a certain stretch of sand is dubbed as one of our best beaches. But a lesser known spot just minutes further should really own the crown.

Continuously voted as one of the best beaches in the country, it’s easy to see why year after year Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park walks away at the top of the list.

But a lesser known slice of sand just a few kilometres away further into the famous national park is well worth the extra steps — and the views along the way will literally stop you in your tracks.

Wineglass Bay in Tasmania is regularly voted Australia’s best coastal spot. Picture: iStock

Starting off the hike from Freycinet Lodge, sitting just over two hours north of Hobart, the picturesque 10km hike through bushland and coastline will take your breath away at every turn.

As the path snakes along the Tasman Sea, strap up your hiking boots because while the walk tetters between beginner and intermediate, the journey encounters several steep gradients that will really get the heart pumping.

The magical spot known as Hazards Beach is, in my opinion, better than Wineglass Bay.

Winding past Honeymoon Bay and taking in the Hazards Mountain Ranges, it’s easy to see why the region has been dubbed the jewel of Tasmania’s eastern coastline. With the spectacular granite mountain range surrounding the turquoise bays, the trails do get busy most times of the year — but if you manage to visit outside peak season when the air is cool and the water is crisp, you will have no trouble finding solitude at every turn.

The walk down to Hazards Bay is breathtaking

Wineglass is great, but would you look at Hazards!

But while some are drawn to the region to indulge in all that Wineglass Bay has to offer, it is lesser-known (and lesser visited) Hazards Beach, just a few kilometres further, that is the real standout.

White sand as far as the eye can see, with a cascading set of wooden stairs down from the bush to the beach, the water seems almost clearer than its famous sibling.

It’ll take some serious will power to jump in (especially if you’re a Sydneysider who rarely takes a dip in less than 21 degree water) but the swim will be well worth it – chills and all.

Hiking through Freycinet National Park is a bucket list item.

Oh, and if you’re lucky — your Freycinet Walking Tour guide may even break out a bottle of Tassie’s finest cuvee to help warm you back up post-dip.

Hiking through Freycinet National Park, there's stunning views at every turn.

But if walking to perhaps some of the most incredible scenery Australia has to offer isn’t quite your thing — this slice of Tasmania has so much more to offer … it’s almost embarrassing to say it’s taken me three decades to visit.

STAY

If seclusion is what you’re after (and let’s face it, Tasmania dishes that sweet, sweet serenity out in spades) then you cannot go past a stay on Picnic Island.

This slice of heaven can be all yours. Picture: Luke Tscharke

Picnic Island sleeps 10 and is the perfect spot to escape it all. Picture: Aaron Jones

Surrounded by the Tasman and just a short 10 minute boat taxi from nearby Coles Bay, the island has enough rooms to sleep 10 adults.

It’s cosy and rugged, and you instantly feel like you could be another world away from humanity.

But while you might feel like you’re all on your own, think again. The island is actually used as a breeding ground for some super-cute fairy penguins. But don’t let their size fool you, because they may be small but their vocal chords are not. So if you do want a sound night sleep without the chorus of screaming penguins (literally) — best bring a set of headphones.

The accommodation is quaint and comfortable. Picture: Aaron Jones

But the secluded nature of the island is what makes a stay here an experience like no other. You really can do as much — like a trip to the hiking trails at Freycinet or a fishing tour from Coles Bay — or as little as you like.

The main homestead has a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and incredible Insta-worthy fireplace looking out over the water.

Picnic Island at Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania, is a truly unique accommodation stay.

But while on holidays, the last thing you want to do is cook — so make sure you book in local Chef Chris from What Grows who will give you the paddock to plate experience of your life (or in our case … a feast from the sea).

The oysters in Tasmania are a must, obviously.

Chris from What Grows will cook you up a storm.

Lobster, freshly shucked oysters, mussels and array of sides — it’s the ultimate indulgence and the perfect way to lap up a night or two on your own private island.

FOOD AND DRINK

You’re in Tasmania for a reason, and that’s to loosen that belt and lap up all the best wine, seafood and salt (yes, salt) the region has to offer.

Tasman Sea Salt’s Salt Sommelier experience shows you how the salt is harvested.

Most of us have done a wine tour, but what about swapping that for a salt tasting instead? It caught me off guard as well, but if you’re keen to learn about how to make good food taste even better — swing by Tasman Sea Salt for a unique tasting that will leave you surprised … and a little thirsty for a wine or two later.

Tasman Sea Salt’s Salt Sommelier experience is a great way to try the local produce.

Tasman Sea Salt’s Salt Sommelier experience. Picture: Kerry Heaney

Basically, after learning the complex nature of harvesting sea salt from the ocean, guests will try several types of food with a range of salts. From smoked trout with a sprinkle of wakame seaweed salt to a boiled egg with a few flakes of the smoked salt, the tour will give you a completely different perspective on the kitchen staple.

While the tasting will make a dent in your stomach, it’ll still leave you with plenty of room to go for lunch at nearby Mel’s Kitchen.

Mel’s Kitchen is the perfect lunch stop on your way to Freycinet National Park.

The stunning views match the food and wine.

Sitting among Spring Vale Vineyard, whose makers produce a delicious array of cool climate wines, Mel’s Kitchen is the perfect spot to park yourself for a share-table style lunch.

From fried chicken tacos, to local scallops and marinated lamb cutlets — it’s the perfect spot to lap in the natural beauty of Cranbrook on your way to Freycinet.

The menu is perfect for sharing.

There’s plenty of vegetarian options too.

If you’re keen on doing a bit of a tasting, take the less than 15 minute drive to newly opened cellar door Devil’s Corner.

This cellar door started in a humble shipping container, perched on a hill just off the side of the road, after the company estimated there would be only a few thousand visitors a year.

Instead, more than 20,000 people came in their first year, a number that jumped to 35,000 a year later.

Now, with the upgraded cellar door and an incredible view out of the Freycinet Peninsula, the winery quickly saw visitor numbers increase to around 100,000 each year, helped also by the fact it is on one of the state’s most popular and picturesque tourist drives.

The views from Devils Corner are incredible from every corner. Picture: Ilona Schneider

But if wine isn’t your thing, there’s a little stop about 30 minutes further north in the small fishing village of Bicheno.

Next door to Waubs Harbour Distillery is perhaps the best fish and chips in the state.

If you're into whiskey, swing by Waubs Harbour Distillery in Bicheno.

Quaint and perfect for a day trip with little boutiques and perhaps that state’s best fish and chips, swing by Waubs Harbour Whiskey for a tour and some killer views out across to Governor Island.

The distillery is in an incredible location that was once an old oyster hatchery.

The distillery is owned and operated by brothers Rob and Tim Polmear who wanted to create a “truly maritime Tasmanian single malt whisky”. The duo took over the an old oyster hatchery and transformed it into a world class production facility. If you’re into whiskey — and a view to go with your tasting — you won’t find a better spot.

This journalist travelled as a guest of Tourism Tasmania