Wineglass Bay Lookout, Tasmania - Iconic Views Over One of the World's Most Famous Beaches

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 17, 2021
3 min read

Updated: 14 hours ago

Beautiful view of Wineglass Bay from the Lookout

Wineglass Bay Lookout, Tasmania - Iconic Views Over One of the World's Most Famous Beaches

The Wineglass Bay Lookout walk is one of Tasmania’s most iconic short hikes, located in Freycinet National Park on the East Coast. While the climb to the lookout is short, it’s steep in places — but every step is worth it once you reach the top and see the breathtaking view unfold below.

From the lookout, the perfectly curved white-sand beach, crystal-clear turquoise water and pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range combine to create one of the most photographed and instantly recognisable scenes in Tasmania. Visiting at sunrise is especially memorable, as soft light spills across the bay and the colours slowly come to life.

Wineglass Bay Lookout - One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks

The Wineglass Bay Lookout walk is officially listed as one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania. It’s a must-do for visitors wanting big scenery without committing to a full-day hike.

The Walk Details

Distance: 2.6 kilometres return - Time: Allow1.5 hours -Grade: Grade 3 (moderate)

The walk is steep in sections but well-constructed and suitable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness.

What to Expect on the Walk

The walk begins at the main car park and immediately starts climbing through scrubby bushland and between massive granite boulders. Early on, you’re treated to beautiful views across Coles Bay, with the Freycinet mountain peaks rising behind the township.

The track is well maintained, with stone steps and several benches along the way where you can stop, catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. About halfway up, a secondary lookout offers sweeping views over Coles Bay and Great Oyster Bay — a perfect place for photos or a short rest.

Reaching the Wineglass Bay Lookout

As you continue climbing, the track weaves through rocky outcrops before opening up to the main lookout area. In fact, there are several viewing platforms at the top, each offering slightly different angles over Wineglass Bay.

From here, the view is nothing short of spectacular — a brilliant arc of white sand framed by vivid blue water and rugged pink granite peaks. It’s a view that never disappoints, no matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos.

Return Options & Longer Walks

After enjoying the lookout, you can return to the car park via the Boulderfield Track, which offers a slightly different perspective on the landscape.

For those wanting to extend the adventure, you can also continue down to Wineglass Bay Beach and walk across to Hazards Beach, completing an 11-kilometre Grade 4 circuit that takes around 5 hours.

Facilities & Practical Information

Toilets are available at the day-use area near the car park
A valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass is required
Plenty of parking is available and suitable for motorhomes

How to Get to Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is around 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from both Hobart and Launceston. From the Tasman Highway (A3), turn onto Coles Bay Road (C302), approximately 12 kilometres south of Bicheno. Continue through the township of Coles Bay and drive 28 kilometres on a sealed road to reach the main park entrance and the Freycinet Visitor Centre.

Camping in Freycinet National Park

We stayed at Friendly Beaches within Freycinet National Park — a beautiful camping area close to the beach and sheltered by coastal vegetation. Stays are permitted for up to 14 nights, with toilets located near the day-use area. The campground is free, and the turn-off is around 19 kilometres before Coles Bay and the main park entrance.

Is Wineglass Bay Lookout Worth It?

The Wineglass Bay Lookout walk delivers one of Tasmania’s most unforgettable views in a relatively short time. With well-formed tracks, multiple lookouts and iconic scenery, it’s an essential stop on any East Coast or Freycinet itinerary.

Whether you visit at sunrise, midday or late afternoon, this walk captures the magic of Freycinet National Park and is one experience you won’t want to miss.