There’s more to this national park than its famed white-sand bay

Seven wonders within Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

When you think of Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park, the curvaceous, turquoise-rimmed Wineglass Bay likely comes to mind. But the park’s lesser-known attractions are exceptional, too.

1 Unbelievably beautiful campsites

Affordable camping on the water’s edge … Honeymoon Bay.

Given the views here are so exceptional, campsites within Freycinet National Park (part of the area of the toorerno-maire-mener clan of the Oyster Bay nation, according to historic records) are in high demand. For the summer, a ballot system operates, with spots allocated months in advance. Campsites are on the water’s edge – some nestled within the delicate sand dunes – but all have access to toilet blocks, electric stoves and drinking water at the nearby visitor centre. Fall asleep to birdsong and wake up with the strong Tassie sun.

2 (Almost!) private beach views and secluded dips

Serene Sleepy Bay, pressed between orange granite outcrops.Credit: Tourism Tasmania

Freycinet is packed with access to great on-foot adventures, thanks to well-maintained and manicured walking tracks alongside natural wonders. In warmer weather, the proverbial gold at the end of the walking-trail rainbow is delivered by secluded shores from which you savour the crystal clear waters and listen to their lapping. Picturesque Sleepy Bay is known for its bright orange, lichen-covered boulders and the gentle lullaby of the swell. Try the white sands of Richardsons Beach (if you can nab a parking spot) or the quiet serenity of Honeymoon Bay for a dip, too. BYO snacks, but leave no trace.

3 Nibble-worthy mussels and oysters grown in the park

Locally grown mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm.Credit: Stu Gibson

It’s one road in and one road out of Freycinet National Park, and that road will take you straight past Freycinet Marine Farm. Owned by Julia and Giles Fisher, this no-frills, order-at-the-counter affair serves up homegrown Pacific oysters, overflowing bowls of exceptional Tasmanian blue mussels and bright orange prawns on plastic trays. The seating is rustic, the service is quick and the oysters – creamy, succulent and lightly oceanic – are unforgettable. See freycinetmarinefarm.com

4 Seal sightings and noisy Nuggets

Meet the locals … Australian fur seals congregate along the coast.Credit: Tourism Tasmania/Bodhi Images

Once you’ve done the very comfortable walk up to Cape Tourville (pausing to look down at the whale size scale on the sealed path), cast your eyes off to the horizon until you find The Nuggets, a group of small granite formations, some just 300 metres from the cliffside. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Freycinet’s happiest, laziest residents: seals who stake claim to these rocks for all-day tanning and napping. Their more lively (and loud!) antics are worth a watch.

5 Scoops and seabound excursions

Hit the water with Wineglass Bay Cruises.Credit: Tourism Australia

Technically just before you start your journey into Freycinet National Park, the community of Coles Bay enjoys uninterrupted views of the park’s best features and shares the area’s pristine waterways (and local wildlife). It’s also packed with exceptional Airbnbs and the well-appointed, family-friendly BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park (big4.com.au). Wander the level foreshore track and pause at local favourite Ice Creamery & Co (icecreameryandco.com.au) for a boysenberry scoop, before booking tickets for a day on the water with Wineglass Bay Cruises (wineglassbaycruises.com.au) to explore coves via catamaran on a leisurely four-hour, fully catered trip.

6 Scenery from beyond the tracks

Kayak the region’s many sparkling bays on a tour with Freycinet Adventures.Credit: Tourism Australia

BYO standup paddleboards or kayaks and set out for a paddle in Freycinet’s many sparkling bays. If you’re not bringing your own equipment, Coles Bay’s Freycinet Adventures (freycinetadventures.com.au) does a three-hour family-friendly kayaking tour and Freycinet Paddle Boards Outdoor Hire (freycinetpaddleboards.com.au) hires paddleboards, surfboards, boogie boards, fishing rods, camping gear and more. Freycinet’s waterways make for idyllic snorkelling (especially the sheltered Sleepy Bay pocket) and the Freycinet Walk and Cycle Track is a gentle cycle through bushland and eucalypt forest not visible by car.

7 Locals exposure

The Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre runs guided walking tours.Credit: Tourism Australia

Freycinet is home to hundreds of species of bird, mammal, insect and off-the-coastline marine life. Forty-three species are native and seven are endemic to Tasmania, so if you spot red-necked wallabies (Bennetts), eastern quolls or red-bellied pademelons, you’re meeting the locals. The park is home to 600 native species of plants, too, including 50 plant species endemic to the state. If you’re visiting in December and January, head to the visitor centre for a guided tour, part of the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Discovery Ranger program.

The writer travelled at her own expense.