Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach, Tasmania - Iconic Views, White Sands & Coastal Beauty

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 1, 2021
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Tasmania

Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach, Tasmania - Iconic Views, White Sands & Coastal Beauty

The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit is one of Tasmania’s most iconic walks, located in Freycinet National Park on the state’s East Coast. Famous for its sweeping lookout views, crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches, this walk showcases some of the very best scenery Tasmania has to offer.

It’s easy to see why Wineglass Bay is one of the most popular places to visit in Tasmania. We completed this walk on a stunning winter’s day in July, but it would be equally magical in summer, when you can cool off with a swim at Wineglass Bay, Hazards Beach, or both.

Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach: One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks

The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit is officially recognised as one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania. While it’s one of the longer and more challenging walks on the list, the variety of landscapes and unforgettable coastal scenery make every step worthwhile.

The Walk Details

Distance: 11 kilometres circuit - Time: Allow 5 hours - Grade: Grade 4 (challenging)

This walk includes steep climbs, many steps and a long return section, so a good level of fitness is recommended.

The Climb to Wineglass Bay Lookout

The walk begins with the climb to Wineglass Bay Lookout, one of Tasmania’s most famous viewpoints. The track ascends steeply on a well-constructed stone path with many steps over a distance of around 1.3 kilometres.

There are several benches along the way where you can stop, catch your breath and take in the views. About halfway up, a secondary lookout offers sweeping views over Coles Bay, providing a beautiful preview of what’s to come.

At the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Wineglass Bay, where brilliant white sand curves around turquoise water framed by the pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range.

Descending to Wineglass Bay Beach

After soaking up the views, return down the track until you reach the sign for Wineglass Bay Beach. From here, the trail descends through eucalypt forest via more than 1,000 stone steps, leading you directly down to the beach.

Wineglass Bay

Often listed among the world’s top beaches, Wineglass Bay is every bit as spectacular in person. Nestled beneath the Hazards Range and surrounded by pink granite peaks, the beach feels wonderfully wild and untouched. Once on the sand, take time to relax, wander along the shoreline or enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. After your break, rejoin the track and continue towards Hazards Beach.

Crossing to Hazards Beach

The walk from Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach cuts across the park’s narrow isthmus on a mostly flat, well-maintained track with sections of boardwalk. This section takes around 45 minutes and offers a pleasant contrast after the earlier climbs and descents.

After climbing a sand dune and a short set of wooden steps, Hazards Beach comes into view. This long, open beach is far quieter than Wineglass Bay, and you may find yourself with the space almost entirely to yourself. There’s a bench at the base of the steps where you can sit and enjoy the view, or head straight down to the shoreline for a swim in the clear blue water.

The Return Walk to Coles Bay

From the end of Hazards Beach, follow the signposted track back towards the car park. The trail climbs gently before looping around rocky sections of Mount Mayson, offering wonderful views across Great Oyster Bay. The final section of the walk is undulating and rocky, finishing through coastal woodland as you return to the Coles Bay side of the park.

Good to Know Before You Go

A fantastic walk with incredible views, but be prepared for a long return section
Toilets are available at the day-use area near the car park
A valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass is required

How to Get to Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is approximately a 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from either Hobart or Launceston. Turn off the Tasman Highway (A3) onto Coles Bay Road (C302), about 12 kilometres south of Bicheno. Drive through the township of Coles Bay and continue for 28 kilometres on a sealed road to reach the park entrance and the Freycinet Visitor Centre.

Is Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Walk Worth It?

This circuit is one of Tasmania’s most rewarding walks, combining an iconic lookout, world-class beaches and varied coastal landscapes into a single unforgettable hike.

If you’re looking for a walk that truly captures the beauty of Freycinet National Park — and you’re prepared for a bit of a challenge — the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit is an absolute must-do.