_edited.png)
Bicheno Tasmania
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Feb 27, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Bicheno Tasmania
Bicheno is a charming and laid-back seaside town on Tasmania’s stunning east coast, perfectly positioned 160 kilometres east of Launceston and 177 kilometres from Hobart. Known for its relaxed holiday vibe, Bicheno is a favourite escape for both locals and visitors looking to soak up sun, sea, and spectacular coastal scenery.
The town offers beautiful sandy beaches, dramatic rocky headlands, and a variety of scenic walking trails that showcase its natural beauty. Fresh local seafood, quirky cafés, and boutique shops add to its appeal, while wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting penguins, seabirds, and even wallabies nearby.
Bicheno is also one of the closest gateways to Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, making it an ideal base for exploring some of Tasmania’s most celebrated natural attractions. Whether you’re chasing adventure, wildlife encounters, or just a peaceful coastal getaway, Bicheno has something for everyone.
Bicheno Town Centre
Strolling through the streets of Bicheno, you’ll find a delightful mix of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and boutique shops that make the town a pleasure to explore. From fresh pastries in the morning to relaxed lunches and evening dinners, there’s something to suit every taste and plenty of opportunities to soak up the town’s laid-back coastal charm. Bicheno also has an IGA supermarket, bottleshop, newsagency and surf shop.
The Lobster Shack
The Lobster Shack is a truly unique Tasmanian seafood destination. Famous for its iconic lobster burger, it offers stunning views over the dramatic rock formation known as the ‘Gulch’ while you enjoy your meal. Beyond the burger, the menu features a mouth-watering selection of fresh local seafood, including oysters, prawns, mussels, octopus, and salmon. You can choose to dine in and savour the atmosphere, or grab a takeaway to enjoy while exploring Bicheno’s beautiful coastal surroundings.
Foreshore Walk
Along Bicheno’s foreshore walk, every step offers spectacular views of the rugged east coast. The trail winds past iconic granite rocks, their surfaces painted in brilliant orange lichen, contrasting beautifully with the deep turquoise of the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the salty sea breeze make it a wonderfully immersive coastal experience.
Take your time along the walk, and you might be lucky enough to spot some of the area’s native wildlife. Echidnas slowly ambling through the grass, wallabies grazing near the rocks, or seabirds swooping overhead are all part of the charm.
Benches along the way provide perfect spots to pause, take in the scenery, or even enjoy a picnic while watching the waves shimmer in the sunlight.
Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in the dramatic coastal beauty, the Bicheno foreshore walk is a great experience.
Bicheno Blowhole
Just a short walk from Bicheno’s Esplanade Reserve is the town’s famous Blowhole, a fascinating natural feature that never fails to impress. Here, ocean waves are forced through a narrow opening in the rocky coastline, sending a spectacular jet of water shooting into the air — a dramatic display of nature’s power.
The blowhole is at its most impressive during high tide or when the swell picks up, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue of the surrounding waters. The viewing area is easily accessible, making it a great spot for photographs or simply to pause and marvel at the raw beauty of Tasmania’s east coast.
Whalers Lookout
The Whalers Lookout walk is a short but steep 1.7-kilometre return trail that starts right in the heart of Bicheno. Though the climb is a bit of a workout, the effort is more than worth it. At the top, the enclosed lookout rewards you with sweeping panoramic views over the town, its sparkling crescent-shaped harbour, and the surrounding coastline.
From this vantage point, you can take in Bicheno’s charming seaside streets, the golden beaches below, and even spot some of the local wildlife along the shore. The lookout is also a fantastic spot for sunrise or sunset, when the light transforms the water into brilliant shades of blue and turquoise.
Bicheno Town History Trail
Bicheno also offers a Town History Trail, a self-guided walk that takes you through the heart of the town while uncovering its fascinating past. Along the trail, you’ll pass historic buildings, charming cottages, and sites that tell the story of Bicheno’s origins and early days as a fishing and whaling settlement. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the people, events, and industries that shaped the town, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of its heritage.
Bicheno Penguins
Bicheno is one of Tasmania’s best places to see the island’s famous little penguins in their natural habitat. As dusk falls, these charming creatures return from the sea to their burrows, creating a magical wildlife experience. Popular spots for penguin spotting include Redbill Beach and Waubs Beach, where you can quietly watch them waddle across the sand.
For a guided experience, you can book a Bicheno Penguin Tour, where knowledgeable guides share insights into the penguins’ behaviour, breeding habits, and conservation. The best time to see these little penguins is from September to January, when they are actively breeding, or from June to August, when they are busy building and maintaining their nests.
Attractions near Bicheno
Freycinet National Park, situated on Tasmania’s stunning east coast, covers much of the Freycinet Peninsula and is a paradise for nature lovers. Famous for its striking pink granite peaks, pristine white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the park is also home to a rich variety of native wildlife and birdlife.
Whether you’re seeking scenic walks, breathtaking lookout points, or peaceful spots to relax by the shore, Freycinet offers a spectacular mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge
The Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge are located in the Douglas-Apsley National Park in Tasmania. The Douglas-Apsley National Park is a haven for bushwalkers and nature lovers, featuring rugged gorges, clear rivers, and peaceful rainforest trails. You can enjoy a range of walks, from short strolls to multi-day hikes, and spot native wildlife such as wallabies and echidnas. The park is located about 60 kilometres northwest of Bicheno, making it an easy day trip or overnight adventure from the east coast.
Comments