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Top 5 Must-See Places on the East Coast of Tasmania - Iconic Beaches & Natural Wonders

  • Oct 14, 2021
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 30



Top 5 Must-See Places on the East Coast of Tasmania - Iconic Beaches & Natural Wonders


Tasmania’s East Coast is one of the most beautiful regions in the state, and the Great Eastern Drive is the perfect way to experience it. Stretching for around 220 kilometres from Orford in the south to St Helens in the north, this scenic coastal route delivers turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, national parks and some of Tasmania’s most iconic landscapes. From wildlife-filled islands and famous lookouts to secluded beaches and crystal-clear swimming holes, here are our five must-see places on Tasmania’s East Coast.


Cute baby wombat on Maria Island.


Maria Island is a truly special destination, offering a rare mix of natural beauty, abundant wildlife and fascinating convict history. With no cars on the island, it feels wonderfully peaceful and untouched.


Wombats roam freely across grassy flats, kangaroos graze near the shore and seabirds nest along the coastline. Add in long sandy beaches, dramatic painted cliffs, fossil-rich bays and historic ruins, and it’s easy to see why Maria Island is one of Tasmania’s most unforgettable places to visit.



Stunning views of Wineglass Bay from Lookout.


Located in Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is one of the most photographed and celebrated destinations in Tasmania — and for good reason. From the lookout, the view of the perfectly curved white-sand beach and crystal-clear turquoise water is simply breathtaking.


Whether you admire it from above or hike down to the beach for a swim or shoreline walk, Wineglass Bay is a must-see highlight of the East Coast.



Beautiful Beach at Friendly Beaches

Friendly Beaches - Endless Sand & Coastal Wilderness


The Friendly Beaches stretch along the northern edge of Freycinet National Park and offer long, sweeping expanses of pristine sand backed by dunes and coastal bushland.


Less crowded than many other East Coast beaches, this reserve is perfect for quiet walks, photography and soaking up the wild beauty of Tasmania’s coastline. You can wander for minutes or hours — the beaches here seem to stretch endlessly in both directions.



Stunning clear water at Apsley Waterhole

Apsley Waterhole and Gorge - Beautiful Hidden Waterholes & Gorges


Hidden within Douglas-Apsley National Park, Apsley Waterhole is one of the East Coast’s most refreshing natural surprises. Surrounded by bushland and rocky cliffs, the water here is a striking shade of turquoise.


It’s a beautiful spot to pause and take in the surroundings, and on a warm day, it’s ideal for a cool swim or paddle in the clear water. The nearby gorge adds to the sense of seclusion and natural beauty.



Beautiful orange rocks at Bay of Fires.

Bay of Fires - Orange Rocks & Stunning Beaches


The Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most unspoilt and visually stunning coastal regions. Spanning more than 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, it’s famous for its vivid orange-lichen-covered granite rocks, brilliant white sand and clear aqua water.


Remote, peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful, the Bay of Fires is a place to slow down, explore quiet beaches and experience Tasmania’s coastline at its most spectacular.



Why the East Coast Is Unmissable


Tasmania’s East Coast delivers an incredible variety of landscapes in a relatively short distance — from wildlife-rich islands and world-class beaches to hidden swimming holes and dramatic coastal scenery.


Whether you’re road-tripping the Great Eastern Drive or exploring one destination at a time, these five must-see places showcase exactly why the East Coast is one of Tasmania’s most loved regions.




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