Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania: Bay of Fires to Orford

Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive strings together some of Australia’s most dazzling coast, from the fiery lichen rocks of the Bay of Fires to the calm beaches and vineyard country around Orford. This road trip is pure coastal poetry. Think sugar-white sand, luminous blue water, penguins at dusk, world-class seafood and wine, and hikes that climb to views you will remember for the rest of your life.

This comprehensive guide covers the route north to south, highlights, wineries, walks, wildlife, food, overnight options, practical tips, and suggested itineraries. Whether you have three days or a week, this is your blueprint for an unforgettable east coast Tasmania road trip.

Why Drive the Great Eastern Drive

• Short distances with huge variety. In roughly 300 kilometers you move from wild granite headlands and orange-lichened boulders to protected bays, vineyard valleys, and convict-era heritage.
• Signature icons. Bay of Fires, Bicheno penguins, Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, Spiky Bridge, Maria Island, and Orford’s gentle beaches.
• Tasmanian produce at its peak. Cool-climate wines, oysters harvested that morning, crayfish, scallops, berries, creamy cheeses, and distinctive small-batch spirits.
• Easy planning. The route follows the A3 Tasman Highway with frequent viewpoints, towns, cellars, and walking tracks.

Trip Planning Essentials

How far and how long

• Suggested direction: North to south, Bay of Fires to Orford. You can drive it either way.
• Total distance: About 300 to 330 kilometers, depending on detours.
• Driving time without stops: Around 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
• Comfortable trip length: 4 to 7 days. You can dash it in 3, but you will want more time to swim, hike, and linger at cellar doors.

Approximate leg distances:

• St Helens to Bicheno: 77 kilometers, about 1 hour
• Bicheno to Coles Bay turnoff: 38 kilometers, about 30 minutes, plus 20 minutes into Coles Bay
• Coles Bay to Swansea: 43 kilometers, about 40 minutes
• Swansea to Triabunna: 50 kilometers, about 40 minutes
• Triabunna to Orford: 7 kilometers, about 10 minutes

Best time to go

• Summer, December to February: Classic beach weather and long daylight. Book well ahead.
• Shoulder seasons, March to May and September to November: Ideal hiking temperatures, vivid water clarity, fewer crowds, excellent wildlife encounters.
• Winter, June to August: Quiet roads, crisp skies, cozy cellar doors, and dramatic light for photography. Pack warm layers.

Weather and what to expect

Tasmania’s east coast is milder and sunnier than the state’s west, yet weather can shift quickly. Ocean breezes cool hot days. Nights can be chilly year round. Always carry a warm layer, hat, sunscreen, and water.

Road and driving tips

• The A3 is sealed and in good condition. Allow extra time for scenic stops and slow travel behind caravans or wildlife.
• Drive daylight hours if possible. Native animals are very active at dawn and dusk.
• Fuel is available at St Helens, Scamander, Bicheno, Coles Bay, Swansea, Triabunna, and Orford. Top up regularly.
• Mobile coverage is reliable around towns, patchy in national parks.
• A Parks Pass is required for Freycinet National Park and Maria Island. Buy online or at visitor centres.

The Route: North to South Highlights

Bay of Fires and St Helens

Start at the northern jewel, the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, framed by white sand beaches and orange-lichened granite boulders that glow at sunrise and sunset. The water is impossibly clear. Base yourself in St Helens, the largest town on the east coast, or in Binalong Bay at the southern end of Bay of Fires.

Top stops:

• Binalong Bay: Paddle in glassy shallows, slip into rock pools, and photograph the lichen-burnished boulders at dawn.
• The Gardens: A scenic drive north from Binalong Bay with short walks to spectacular coves. Keep your eyes on the turquoise water for dolphins.
• Swimcart Beach and Cosy Corner: Free beachfront campsites and long walks on sugar-white sand.
• Bay of Fires Lodge Walk: A guided multi-day soft-adventure that pairs comfort stays with coastal walking and kayaking.

Close by:

• St Helens Mountain Bike Trails: Flowing coastal and forest rides, including the famed Bay of Fires trail that rolls from the Blue Tier to Swimcart Beach.
• Pyengana: Visit Pyengana Dairy for clothbound cheddar and creamy ice cream, then walk to St Columba Falls, one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls, via a short forest trail.
• Blue Tier: Ancient myrtle and giant eucalypts, with the short Goblin Forest Walk delivering a fairytale feel.

Eat and drink:

• Lease 65 Oysters: A rustic oyster shed near Moulting Bay. Slurp them fresh with a squeeze of lemon.
• The Blue Shed, St Helens: Waterfront dining with scallops, seafood platters, and local wine.
• Bayside Inn and Panorama St Helens: Relaxed spots for a post-adventure meal.

Stay:

• Bay of Fires Bush Retreat: Stylish glamping and cabins close to the beaches.
• Swimcart or Cosy Corner campgrounds: Beachfront and free, first come first served.
• Panorama St Helens or Bayside Inn: Comfortable hotel bases in town.

Scamander, Beaumaris, and Four Mile Creek

South from St Helens, the road hugs dunes and estuaries. Scamander sits between river and surf, with excellent fishing and a relaxed holiday-house vibe.

Do and see:

• Scamander River: Kayak the calm waters, watch for black swans, then head to the beach for a swim.
• Beaumaris and Four Mile Creek: Quiet surf beaches with long, empty sands. Perfect for a picnic and a barefoot walk.

Taste:

• White Sands Estate at Ironhouse Point: Home to Ironhouse Brewery and Distillery, plus a beachside restaurant and sweeping coastal views. Order a tasting paddle and seafood lunch.

Stay:

• Scamander Beach Resort: Beachfront rooms and a pool.
• White Sands Estate: Rooms and villas with on-site brewery and distillery.

Falmouth and Chain of Lagoons

Pull off the highway to find your own cove. Falmouth is a tiny hamlet with character, old bluestone walls, and oceanfront walks. Chain of Lagoons delivers exactly that, a string of peaceful lagoons behind windswept dunes. Bring a camera and a thermos for a slow, soul-soothing stop.

Douglas-Apsley National Park

A granite-and-gorge wilderness between St Helens and Bicheno, Douglas-Apsley is one of Tasmania’s most underrated parks.

Highlights:

• Apsley Waterhole and Gorge: A short walk through sandalwood and eucalypt forest to a perfect swimming hole. The full gorge walk is for experienced hikers, best undertaken in stable weather.
• Heritage and wildlife: Dry sclerophyll forest shelters wallabies, echidnas, and a chorus of birds.

Practical tip: Water levels rise quickly after rain. Check conditions before entering the gorge and carry sufficient drinking water.

Bicheno

Bicheno blends fishing village charm with accessible nature. The coastline around this friendly town is a playground of blowholes, penguins, snorkel spots, and family beaches.

Must-do:

• Bicheno Blowhole: Watch the ocean push geysers of spray through a natural rock tube. Best on a swell day.
• Penguin Tours: Join a guided dusk tour to see little penguins waddling ashore. Never use flash photography on your own.
• The Gulch: Fish and chips right on the working harbor, with fishing boats and gulls providing atmosphere.
• Diamond Island Nature Reserve: At low tide, a sand tombolo connects from Redbill Beach. Respect seasonal closures for wildlife.
• East Coast Natureworld: A wildlife sanctuary just out of town with devils, wombats, kangaroos, and birdlife.
• Beaches: Redbill for a gentle surf, Waubs Bay for a calm swim and sunrise photos.

Eat and drink:

• Lobster Shack: Casual crayfish rolls and seafood overlooking the sea.
• Waubs Harbour Distillery: Taste maritime-influenced single malt whisky, crafted mere meters from the ocean.
• Bicheno bakeries and cafes: Fresh pies, coffee, and pastries for the road.

Stay:

• Beachfront Bicheno or Bicheno by the Bay: Comfortable bases beside the water.
• Holiday houses and cabins: Ideal for families and longer stays.

Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park

This is the east coast’s headline act. Freycinet National Park delivers sugar-white beaches and pink granite peaks rising straight from the sea. Wineglass Bay, shaped like a goblet, is frequently named among the world’s best beaches.

Signature walks:

• Wineglass Bay Lookout: 1.5 to 2 hours return, stepped trail to a sensational view of Wineglass Bay.
• Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit: 4 to 5 hours, a classic loop combining forest, granite, and two very different beaches.
• Mount Amos: 3 hours return, steep rock scrambling to a summit with extraordinary views. Dry weather only, suitable for fit and sure-footed hikers.
• Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk: 20 minutes on an easy boardwalk with cliffs, sea birds, and possible whale sightings in season.
• Friendly Beaches: Quiet, endless sand with easy access points. Great for sunrise and wildlife tracks in the dunes.
• Sleepy Bay: A short stroll to a photogenic pocket beach with weathered granite boulders.

On the water:

• Sea kayaking with Freycinet Adventures: Paddle beneath the Hazards and glide across glassy coves.
• Boat cruises to Wineglass Bay: Sightseeing and wildlife cruises that loop the peninsula, often with dolphins and seals.
• All4Adventure: ATV tours across coast and dunes near Coles Bay.
• Freycinet Air: Scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view of Wineglass Bay and the Hazards.

Eat and drink:

• Freycinet Marine Farm: Oysters, mussels, abalone, and scallops served fresh at a rustic farm gate.
• Devil’s Corner Cellar Door: Striking lookout tower, wood-fired pizzas, seafood stalls, and views across The Hazards. Perfect golden-hour stop.
• Spring Vale, Milton, Craigie Knowe, Gala Estate, and Freycinet Vineyard: A string of cellar doors between Bicheno and Swansea. Pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, and pinot gris shine here.

Stay:

• Freycinet Lodge: Inside the national park, with waterfront pavilions and superb dining.
• Edge of the Bay and Freycinet Resort: Views across Great Oyster Bay, excellent for sunset.
• Iluka Holiday Centre: Cabins and camping near Coles Bay.
• Friendly Beaches campsites: Basic, scenic, and peaceful. Parks Pass required.

Swansea and Great Oyster Bay

Swansea sits opposite Freycinet across Great Oyster Bay, framed by vineyards and beaches. It is a classic Tasmanian seaside town with history, heritage buildings, and excellent food.

Things to do:

• Spiky Bridge: A convict-built oddity south of Swansea, bristling with stone spikes. Atmospheric at sunrise.
• Nine Mile Beach: A long, curving arc of sand perfect for a wind-in-your-hair walk.
• Heritage stroll: Visit the Bark Mill Museum and wander past Georgian-era buildings.

Taste:

• Kate’s Berry Farm: Berry desserts, scones, and farm views that stretch to The Hazards.
• Swansea Bark Mill Bakery and Tavern: Great for breakfast or an easy dinner.
• Local cellar doors nearby: Milton, Gala Estate, and Spring Vale are an easy drive.

Stay:

• Piermont Retreat: Luxury stone cottages with private coves and on-site dining.
• Swansea Beach Chalets or Schouten House: Welcoming mid-range options.
• Thalia Haven: Ultra-private stone cottage on a peninsula near Swansea, a bucket-list stay that must be booked well in advance.

Triabunna and Maria Island

Triabunna is the gateway to Maria Island, one of Tasmania’s great day trips or overnight escapes. The island is a national park with convict history, wildlife that seems to pose for photos, and coastal formations that look painted by hand.

Maria Island essentials:

• Ferry from Triabunna: Pre-book, check luggage limits, and consider hiring a bike at the wharf. There are no shops on the island, bring water and food.
• Darlington Probation Station: A UNESCO-listed convict site of sandstone buildings, stories, and stark beauty.
• Painted Cliffs: Sandstone swirls best seen around low tide and late afternoon for warm light. Always check the tide chart before planning your walk.
• Bishop and Clerk: A challenging 11 kilometer hike to a panoramic summit. Allow 4 to 5 hours.
• Wildlife: Wombats graze on the lawns, forester kangaroos lounge in shade, and Cape Barren geese stroll the paths. Keep respectful distance.

Back on the mainland:

• Spring Bay Distillery, Triabunna: Elegant maritime single malt, often with tours or tastings by appointment.
• The Fish Van at Triabunna Marina: Some of the freshest fish and chips on the coast.

Stay:

• Penitentiary Rooms on Maria Island: Simple but atmospheric bunk rooms. Camping is also available.
• Triabunna or Orford motels and holiday parks: Easy access to the ferry and beaches.

Orford

End your Great Eastern Drive at Orford, a relaxed coastal village on the Prosser River with calm beaches, sheltered bays, and gentle headland walks. It is also a serene base for additional time on Maria Island.

What to do:

• Raspins Beach: Family-friendly, with views toward Maria Island.
• Spring Beach and Shelly Beach: Shallow water and often glassy mornings, perfect for swims and SUPs.
• Orford to Spring Beach Walk: A scenic coastal trail with coastal heath and ocean views.
• Thumbs Lookout: A short drive to a panoramic platform over Prosser Bay.
• Convict Road ruins: Remnants of the old convict-built track along the river.

Eat and stay:

• Orford Blue Waters Hotel: Simple, comfortable rooms and a bistro.
• Eastcoaster Resort at Louisville Point: Pools, tennis, and access to the water.
• Local cafes and bakeries: Grab picnic supplies for a beach day.

Suggested Itineraries

3 Day Highlights: Taste of the East Coast

Day 1: Bay of Fires and St Helens

• Sunrise at Binalong Bay, The Gardens drive, swim at Swimcart.
• Lunch at Lease 65 and Blue Shed.
• Optional Pyengana cheese and St Columba Falls detour.
• Overnight St Helens or Binalong Bay.

Day 2: Bicheno and Douglas-Apsley

• Early walk to Apsley Waterhole.
• Bicheno Blowhole and The Gulch for lunch, afternoon at Redbill Beach or Diamond Island at low tide.
• Penguin tour at dusk, taste Waubs Harbour Whisky.
• Overnight Bicheno.

Day 3: Freycinet and Swansea to Orford

• Wineglass Bay Lookout at opening light, coffee in Coles Bay.
• Lunch at Freycinet Marine Farm or Devil’s Corner.
• Spiky Bridge stop and berries at Kate’s Berry Farm.
• Finish at Orford, sunset at Raspins Beach.

5 Day Classic: Icons and Indulgence

Day 1: Bay of Fires to Scamander
Day 2: Bicheno wildlife and whisky
Day 3: Freycinet big walk and cruise
Day 4: Swansea wineries and beach time
Day 5: Maria Island day trip, evening in Orford

7 Day Slow Travel: Beaches, Vines, and Wildlife

• 2 nights St Helens or Bay of Fires to walk, swim, and MTB
• 1 night Scamander or White Sands Estate for brewery vibes
• 2 nights Coles Bay for hikes, kayak, and a seafood feast
• 1 night Swansea for vineyards and heritage
• 1 to 2 nights Orford with a full Maria Island day

Where to Stay

Luxury and unique

• Freycinet Lodge: Waterside pavilions, superb dining, and national park access.
• Piermont Retreat: Private coves near Swansea, timeless stone cottages.
• Thalia Haven: Exclusive coastal retreat near Swansea, ideal for special occasions.
• Bay of Fires Lodge: Guided walk accommodation, eco-luxe perched above the coast.

Mid-range favorites

• Beachfront Bicheno, Bicheno by the Bay
• Edge of the Bay, Freycinet Resort, Iluka cabins
• Swansea Beach Chalets, Schouten House
• Orford Blue Waters Hotel, Eastcoaster Resort

Budget and camping

• Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner, and Sloop Reef camps in Bay of Fires
• Iluka Holiday Centre campground, Coles Bay
• Friendly Beaches campsites
• Triabunna caravan park and Orford holiday parks
• Penitentiary Rooms or camping on Maria Island

Tip: Peak season fills quickly. Book ahead for December to February and school holidays.

Food and Drink: A Coastal Tasting Trail

Seafood

• Freycinet Marine Farm: Oysters and mussels harvested steps from your plate.
• The Fish Van, Triabunna: Wharf-side classic.
• The Gulch and Lobster Shack, Bicheno: Casual, fresh, and unbeatable views.
• Lease 65 near St Helens: Oysters shucked to order.

Wineries and cellar doors

• Devil’s Corner: Iconic lookout, food vans, and polished cool-climate wines.
• Milton Vineyard: Beautiful pinot noir and chardonnay, often with simple plates.
• Gala Estate: Among Tasmania’s oldest vineyards, intimate tastings.
• Spring Vale: Charming cellar door and occasional pop-up dining.
• Craigie Knowe: Vineyard picnics and flights in a rustic setting.
• Freycinet Vineyard: A pioneer of east coast wine with serious pedigree.

Beer and spirits

• Ironhouse Brewery and Distillery at White Sands Estate: Beers, whiskies, and ocean vistas.
• Waubs Harbour Distillery, Bicheno: Maritime single malt beside the water.
• Spring Bay Distillery, Triabunna: Elegant whiskies influenced by sea air.

Sweet stops

• Kate’s Berry Farm, Swansea: Berry ice creams, pastries, and farm views.
• Pyengana Dairy: Cheese tastings and rich ice cream on the farm.

Outdoor Activities and Tours

Hiking

• Short walks: Cape Tourville, Sleepy Bay, Friendly Beaches, St Columba Falls.
• Half day: Wineglass Bay Lookout, Mount Amos for the fit, Apsley Waterhole.
• Full day: Wineglass and Hazards loop, Bishop and Clerk on Maria Island.

On the water

• Kayaking: Freycinet Adventures in Coles Bay.
• Cruises: Wineglass Bay wildlife cruise along the peninsula.
• SUP and gentle swims: Waubs Bay, Spring Beach, Raspins Beach.
• Snorkeling and diving: Bicheno’s kelp forests and reefs, best with a local operator.

Wildlife

• Penguin viewing in Bicheno with a licensed guide.
• Wombats and kangaroos on Maria Island.
• Dolphins, seals, and seasonal whales from lookouts and cruises.
• Birding at lagoons and estuaries along the route.

Cycling and MTB

• St Helens Mountain Bike Trails and the Bay of Fires descent.
• Family-friendly cycling on Maria Island’s gravel roads.

Photography

• Sunrise at Binalong Bay, Friendly Beaches, and Waubs Bay.
• Sunset at Devil’s Corner, Coles Bay, and Nine Mile Beach.
• Golden hour at Painted Cliffs on Maria Island, timed with low tide.

Responsible and Safe Travel

• Parks Pass: Required for Freycinet and Maria Island. Buy online before you go.
• Wildlife care: Do not feed animals. Keep a safe distance. Avoid driving at dusk and dawn to reduce wildlife collisions.
• Penguin etiquette: Only visit with a licensed tour in Bicheno. No lights, flash, or noise near nesting sites.
• Bay of Fires lichen: The orange color is living lichen. Do not chip or damage the rocks.
• Leave No Trace: Carry out all rubbish, stick to tracks, and use provided facilities.
• Drones: Permits are required in Tasmania’s national parks and reserves. Check regulations before flying.
• Tides and weather: Plan Painted Cliffs for low tide, Mount Amos for dry conditions, and avoid gorges after rain.

Packing List and Road Trip Tips

• Lightweight daypack, refillable water bottle, and snacks
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 50, long-sleeve layer
• Warm layers and rain jacket year round
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with grip
• Swimwear, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen
• Reusable coffee cup and cutlery
• Headlamp with red light mode for wildlife-friendly evenings
• Phone charger, power bank, and offline maps
• Binoculars and camera with a polarising filter
• Picnic rug for impromptu vineyard and beach stops
• Motion sickness tablets if planning a boat cruise

Road tips:

• Book key experiences early, including the Maria Island ferry, Freycinet Lodge, and penguin tours.
• Shop locally. Farm gates, bakeries, and cellar doors are part of the journey.
• Check road and park alerts on the Parks and Wildlife Service site before hiking.

Photography Tips

• Use a polarising filter to cut glare and deepen ocean blues at midday.
• Shoot sunrise or sunset on granite boulders at Binalong Bay for that famous orange-lichen glow.
• For Wineglass Bay, arrive early for softer light and fewer people at the lookout.
• At Friendly Beaches, look for leading lines in the sand and wave patterns.
• Painted Cliffs work best at low tide and late afternoon when the patterns light up.
• Stabilise in wind. Use a tripod or brace against rocks, and keep sand away from your gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Great Eastern Drive?
A scenic road trip along Tasmania’s east coast linking the Bay of Fires to Orford via St Helens, Bicheno, Freycinet, and Swansea. It follows the A3 Tasman Highway with short scenic detours.

How many days do I need?
Four to seven days is ideal. You can compress the highlights into three days, but five days gives time for a Wineglass Bay hike and a Maria Island day trip.

Do I need a 4WD?
No. The main route and key attractions are on sealed roads. Some beachside camps and side roads are gravel but passable in a 2WD with care.

When is penguin season in Bicheno?
Penguins come ashore year round. Tours operate most evenings. Numbers are usually higher in warmer months. Always join a licensed tour and follow guide instructions.

Is Wineglass Bay Lookout hard?
It is a well-built, stepped trail of about 3 kilometers return. Most visitors with moderate fitness complete it in 1.5 to 2 hours. Mount Amos is considerably more challenging and only for sure-footed hikers in dry conditions.

Can I visit Maria Island in a day?
Yes. Many travelers take the morning ferry, explore Darlington and the Painted Cliffs, then return in the afternoon. Hikers and photographers often stay a night for sunrise and sunset light.

Can I swim on the east coast?
Absolutely. The water is clear and refreshing. Best family beaches include Waubs Bay in Bicheno, Coles Bay, Spring Beach and Raspins Beach near Orford, and the sheltered corners of the Bay of Fires on calm days.

Where can I taste local wine?
Between Bicheno and Swansea you will find Devil’s Corner, Milton, Gala Estate, Spring Vale, Craigie Knowe, and Freycinet Vineyard. Allow half a day to drift between them.

What permits do I need?
A Parks Pass for Freycinet and Maria Island. Purchase online or at visitor centres. Camping in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area is free, but facilities are basic and first come first served.

What wildlife should I watch for on the road?
Wallabies, pademelons, and possums are common, especially around dusk and dawn. Drive slowly, scan verges, and plan to be off the road before nightfall.

Conclusion: Your East Coast Escape Starts Here

The Great Eastern Drive is the quintessential Tasmanian road trip, an ever-changing ribbon of sea and sky with vineyards, wildlife, and world-class walks never far from your window. From the first sparkle of sunrise on the Bay of Fires to the soft sands of Orford at sunset, this route invites you to slow down, taste, swim, hike, and breathe in the salty air.

Lock in your dates, book a couple of special stays, and reserve key experiences like the Maria Island ferry and a Freycinet cruise. Then give yourself permission to wander. Pull over for that secluded cove, follow a sign to a cellar door, and let the rhythm of waves set the pace. The east coast of Tasmania is waiting, and it is every bit as beautiful as you imagine.