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Launceston to Freycinet: Road Trip Guide Down Tasmania’s East Coast
Launceston to Freycinet: Road Trip Guide Down Tasmania’s East Coast
By Emily Barlow | Published on 30 April 2024
By Emily Barlow | Published on 30 April 2024
Discover the best places to eat, stay and explore on a road trip from Launceston to Freycinet along Tasmania's breathtaking East Coast.
Trying to fit all of Tasmania's famous sites into a few days might be tempting, but the island's charm is best explored wandering leisurely through small historic villages, driving country roads and along sparkling coastlines, stopping at roadside stalls, and staying in one-of-a-kind accommodation. We suggest choosing a section of Tasmania to focus on and do well, like this easy three-day road trip between Launceston and Freycinet.
Starting in Launceston in the north will take you through the seaside towns of Bicheno and Coles Bay, as well as natural wonders like Wineglass Bay, before you stop in the Freycinet Peninsula and all it has to offer. Just short of 200 kilometres, the drive will take a bit over two hours straight, but we suggest breaking it up with stops on the way.
Day one - Launceston and Surrounds
Before leaving home, make sure to book your car rental. If you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, you can add your info to your Avis booking and earn four Qantas points for every dollar you spend; you can also use points to book your rental. Avis is located on site at Launceston Airport – just walk left when you exit the Passenger Terminal and you’ll be ready to start your road trip in no time. From there, it’s a 15-minute drive to the city. Though often overlooked compared to Hobart, Launceston is a good starting point with its old-world charm and growing reputation for top notch dining.
Take in the urban oasis of Cataract Gorge (Distance: 14 kilometres, Estimated time: 14 minutes)
Buildings and roads fade away into the forested slopes of Cataract Gorge Reserve, right on the edge of Launceston’s CBD. This ancient, naturally formed gorge has a deep waterhole for swimming and is an excellent place to picnic. Explore the gardens on the north side of the gorge, where you might spot a roaming peacock or pademelon. Or take a longer walking track toward the overhanging Alexandra Suspension Bridge to view the South Esk River from above.
Enjoy lunch at Stillwater Restaurant (Distance: 2.7 kilometres, Estimated time: 7 minutes)
Stillwater, set right on the Tamar River inside a former flour mill, is one of Launceston’s top restaurants. Expect to sample flavours from across the state. Stillwater's beef and drinking water come from Capr Grim in the north-west, fresh oysters are harvested in the Tarkine, and octopus is from the northern town of Stanley. For larger lunch plates, try fish’n’chips battered with Boag’s beer (another Tasmanian product) or barbequed wallaby wings with a Korean-style chili glaze and sesame.
Stay in a farm cottage at Brickendon Estate (Distance: 25 kilometres, Estimated time: 20 minutes)
Settled in 1824 in Longford, Brickendon Estate is a World Heritage-listed convict village, and one of Tasmania's oldest farming properties. Stay in the restored Old Farm Cottage (built circa 1828), which accommodates up to five people and has a fully equipped kitchen and a cosy indoor fireplace. A 20-minute-drive from Stillwater, it's an accessible stopover for the night in a picturesque countryside setting. Overnight guests get free entry to the site’s attractions, like heritage gardens, a gothic church, historic stables and meeting the farm animals.
Day two - Launceston To Freycinet via Bicheno
(Distance: 200 kilometres. Estimated time: Approximately 2 hour 30 minutes
Head to the coast via the Tasmanian highway, passing rolling farmland and sleepy small towns. It’s a good idea to rent an SUV or a 4WD – the roads in Tassie are mostly excellent, but there are a few old gravelly highways and backroads where a little extra horsepower helps. And the higher up from the ground you are, the more beautiful scenery you’ll be able to take in during your drive. Just under two hours into the journey, stop over in fishing and holiday town Bicheno. Here, large granite rocks with vibrant orange lichen decorate the coastline, which has a number of glorious beaches to roam and take a dip.
Grab pastries at Little Bay Collective (Distance from Launceston: 160 kilometres, Estimated time: 1 hour 54 minutes)
Mid-morning snacks are a must on any road trip. Little Bay Patisserie, located on Burgess Street in Bicheno, is a locally-owned pastry shop and retail store. Try a flaky croissant or danish with your coffee. Sit at one of the cafe's rustic tables or head down to Bicheno's foreshore via Whalers Lookout Scenic Reserve for a serene view over the coast.
Eat fresh oysters and mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm (Distance: 29km, Estimated time: 23 minutes)
The drive south from Bicheno along the peninsula is truly iconic. It's worth stopping for a photo or swim at the pristine Friendly Beaches before checking out Freycinet Marine Farm in Coles Bay. Here, Julia and Giles Fisher run a restaurant and retail outlet offering excellent Tasmanian seafood, like blue mussels indigenous to the area, scallops and salmon. Dine out on the deck or grab a picnic pack to go. You can also put on some waders and try harvesting oysters yourself with a tour from Oyster Bay Tours.
Explore Freycinet National Park (Distance: 9.7km, Estimated time: 10 minutes)
Freycinet National Park is a unique coastal ecosystem. Home to a multitude of bird and mammal species, its secluded coves, ultra-white sandy beaches and dramatic granite mountains are famous across the globe. Get up early for a memorable sunrise over the crescent curve of Wineglass Bay – you’ll immediately see where it gets its name from. Beat the crowds and take in the vast, pristine beach in peace, mountains cradling the bay around you. Alternatively, the rocky climb up Mount Amos rewards seasoned hikers with an all-encompassing view of the park, or you can experience it all waterside via snorkeling, kayaking or fishing.
Sleep in luxury at Freycinet Lodge (Distance: 1.6km, Estimated time: 3 minutes)
Rest beckons after a rewarding day of driving and activities. The luxury, eco-friendly Freycinet Lodge is right at the entrance to the national park and has epic waterfront views over Great Oyster Bay – especially at sunset – plus a private jetty. We recommend staying in a premier king-size cabin and taking a bath overlooking your water or forest view. If you can stay longer, book two nights in one of the sleek timber-lined coastal pavilions. There's dining on site at the casual bistro or enjoy a more decadent dinner at the Bay Restaurant.
Day Three - Freycinet To Launceston
(Distance: 179 kilometres. Estimated time: 2 hours 15 minutes)
Eat breakfast at Granite Bakery
Start your morning with a short walk along the esplanade at Coles Bay. Right by the water, Granite Bakery is a great option for breakfast, with good coffee, a range of freshly baked treats and pies and sandwiches. By night it becomes a pizza diner and bar. Sit outside on the sun-filled deck to fuel up before hitting the road back to Launceston.
Read the original article published on Broadsheet.
Discover the best places to eat, stay and explore on a road trip from Launceston to Freycinet along Tasmania's breathtaking East Coast.
Trying to fit all of Tasmania's famous sites into a few days might be tempting, but the island's charm is best explored wandering leisurely through small historic villages, driving country roads and along sparkling coastlines, stopping at roadside stalls, and staying in one-of-a-kind accommodation. We suggest choosing a section of Tasmania to focus on and do well, like this easy three-day road trip between Launceston and Freycinet.
Starting in Launceston in the north will take you through the seaside towns of Bicheno and Coles Bay, as well as natural wonders like Wineglass Bay, before you stop in the Freycinet Peninsula and all it has to offer. Just short of 200 kilometres, the drive will take a bit over two hours straight, but we suggest breaking it up with stops on the way.
Day one - Launceston and Surrounds
Before leaving home, make sure to book your car rental. If you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, you can add your info to your Avis booking and earn four Qantas points for every dollar you spend; you can also use points to book your rental. Avis is located on site at Launceston Airport – just walk left when you exit the Passenger Terminal and you’ll be ready to start your road trip in no time. From there, it’s a 15-minute drive to the city. Though often overlooked compared to Hobart, Launceston is a good starting point with its old-world charm and growing reputation for top notch dining.
Take in the urban oasis of Cataract Gorge (Distance: 14 kilometres, Estimated time: 14 minutes)
Buildings and roads fade away into the forested slopes of Cataract Gorge Reserve, right on the edge of Launceston’s CBD. This ancient, naturally formed gorge has a deep waterhole for swimming and is an excellent place to picnic. Explore the gardens on the north side of the gorge, where you might spot a roaming peacock or pademelon. Or take a longer walking track toward the overhanging Alexandra Suspension Bridge to view the South Esk River from above.
Enjoy lunch at Stillwater Restaurant (Distance: 2.7 kilometres, Estimated time: 7 minutes)
Stillwater, set right on the Tamar River inside a former flour mill, is one of Launceston’s top restaurants. Expect to sample flavours from across the state. Stillwater's beef and drinking water come from Capr Grim in the north-west, fresh oysters are harvested in the Tarkine, and octopus is from the northern town of Stanley. For larger lunch plates, try fish’n’chips battered with Boag’s beer (another Tasmanian product) or barbequed wallaby wings with a Korean-style chili glaze and sesame.
Stay in a farm cottage at Brickendon Estate (Distance: 25 kilometres, Estimated time: 20 minutes)
Settled in 1824 in Longford, Brickendon Estate is a World Heritage-listed convict village, and one of Tasmania's oldest farming properties. Stay in the restored Old Farm Cottage (built circa 1828), which accommodates up to five people and has a fully equipped kitchen and a cosy indoor fireplace. A 20-minute-drive from Stillwater, it's an accessible stopover for the night in a picturesque countryside setting. Overnight guests get free entry to the site’s attractions, like heritage gardens, a gothic church, historic stables and meeting the farm animals.
Day two - Launceston To Freycinet via Bicheno
(Distance: 200 kilometres. Estimated time: Approximately 2 hour 30 minutes
Head to the coast via the Tasmanian highway, passing rolling farmland and sleepy small towns. It’s a good idea to rent an SUV or a 4WD – the roads in Tassie are mostly excellent, but there are a few old gravelly highways and backroads where a little extra horsepower helps. And the higher up from the ground you are, the more beautiful scenery you’ll be able to take in during your drive. Just under two hours into the journey, stop over in fishing and holiday town Bicheno. Here, large granite rocks with vibrant orange lichen decorate the coastline, which has a number of glorious beaches to roam and take a dip.
Grab pastries at Little Bay Collective (Distance from Launceston: 160 kilometres, Estimated time: 1 hour 54 minutes)
Mid-morning snacks are a must on any road trip. Little Bay Patisserie, located on Burgess Street in Bicheno, is a locally-owned pastry shop and retail store. Try a flaky croissant or danish with your coffee. Sit at one of the cafe's rustic tables or head down to Bicheno's foreshore via Whalers Lookout Scenic Reserve for a serene view over the coast.
Eat fresh oysters and mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm (Distance: 29km, Estimated time: 23 minutes)
The drive south from Bicheno along the peninsula is truly iconic. It's worth stopping for a photo or swim at the pristine Friendly Beaches before checking out Freycinet Marine Farm in Coles Bay. Here, Julia and Giles Fisher run a restaurant and retail outlet offering excellent Tasmanian seafood, like blue mussels indigenous to the area, scallops and salmon. Dine out on the deck or grab a picnic pack to go. You can also put on some waders and try harvesting oysters yourself with a tour from Oyster Bay Tours.
Explore Freycinet National Park (Distance: 9.7km, Estimated time: 10 minutes)
Freycinet National Park is a unique coastal ecosystem. Home to a multitude of bird and mammal species, its secluded coves, ultra-white sandy beaches and dramatic granite mountains are famous across the globe. Get up early for a memorable sunrise over the crescent curve of Wineglass Bay – you’ll immediately see where it gets its name from. Beat the crowds and take in the vast, pristine beach in peace, mountains cradling the bay around you. Alternatively, the rocky climb up Mount Amos rewards seasoned hikers with an all-encompassing view of the park, or you can experience it all waterside via snorkeling, kayaking or fishing.
Sleep in luxury at Freycinet Lodge (Distance: 1.6km, Estimated time: 3 minutes)
Rest beckons after a rewarding day of driving and activities. The luxury, eco-friendly Freycinet Lodge is right at the entrance to the national park and has epic waterfront views over Great Oyster Bay – especially at sunset – plus a private jetty. We recommend staying in a premier king-size cabin and taking a bath overlooking your water or forest view. If you can stay longer, book two nights in one of the sleek timber-lined coastal pavilions. There's dining on site at the casual bistro or enjoy a more decadent dinner at the Bay Restaurant.
Day Three - Freycinet To Launceston
(Distance: 179 kilometres. Estimated time: 2 hours 15 minutes)
Eat breakfast at Granite Bakery
Start your morning with a short walk along the esplanade at Coles Bay. Right by the water, Granite Bakery is a great option for breakfast, with good coffee, a range of freshly baked treats and pies and sandwiches. By night it becomes a pizza diner and bar. Sit outside on the sun-filled deck to fuel up before hitting the road back to Launceston.
Read the original article published on Broadsheet.