The equivalent of a tropical paradise in Tasmania is Freycinet. Freycinet National Park is wild, untamed, and ridiculously beautiful, from the pink-hued granite peaks to the shaded coastal forests to the idyllic Wineglass Bay. And we believe that wearing a pair of hiking boots is one of the best ways to experience it. Here are the 6 best walks in Freycinet National Park for outdoor lovers, such as Wineglass Bay, Mount Amos, and Cape Tourville.
Getting To Freycinet National Park
Flying to Hobart/Launceston, renting a car, and then driving yourself to the park is the simplest route. Driving the Tasman Highway nonstop takes about 2.5 hours, but there are a few places and lookout points to see along the way.
There are numerous day tour options that depart from both Hobart and Launceston if you decide against driving. This is actually a pretty practical choice because you can save some energy by sleeping on the bus and don’t have to worry about arranging additional lodging near Freycinet. The drawback is that you won’t feel as free as you would if you went alone. Additionally, you must depart early and return late.
Explore more A Guide To Abel Tasman National Park In Australia
Top 6 Best Walks In Freycinet National Park
Sleepy Bay & Little Gravelly Beach Track
This path is perfect if you want to take a leisurely stroll. Despite its name, Sleepy Bay is known for its wild waves! The gravel path leads to a picturesque lookout where you can watch the ocean crash against the rocky landscape. Continue descending the rocky steps until you reach Little Gravelly Beach, where you will discover a tranquil bay covered in pebbles and interesting-looking boulders. Play a game of hide-and-seek in the boulders (don’t worry, you’re never too old), go crab hunting in rock pools, or watch the waves crash against the orange lichen-covered rocks. Little Gravelly Beach is the ideal place to unwind and take in a little peace and quiet because it is almost always deserted.
- Distance: 1.5 km return
- Duration: 30 minutes
Wineglass Bay Lookout Track – Best Walks In Freycinet National Park
Without a doubt, Wineglass Bay Lookout Track is Freycinet’s most famous walk. Even though we don’t frequently advise taking the route that is most traveled, if you only have time for one walk, choose this one. Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania’s most popular photo locations and is frequently ranked among the top ten beaches in the world. With its snow-white sands and glistening turquoise waters, this is hardly surprising.
The trail leads past the Coles Bay Lookout point and through a lush coastal forest dotted with curved granite boulders of various sizes and shapes. There are a few resting chairs about halfway down, but some sections are steep. Phew. You reach the Wineglass Bay lookout platform via the last ascent, where the views will astound you. You can go on to Wineglass Bay beach (an additional 1.5 hours roundtrip), but keep in mind that everything that goes down must also come back up. It takes 1,000 steps in this instance.
- Distance: 3 km return
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Read more The 8 Best Trails And Hikes In Australia For Anyone Liking To Walk
Mount Freycinet Summit
The tallest peak in the park is Mount Freycinet, which has a height of 620 meters. You must travel to the saddle between Mount Graham (the second-tallest peak) and Mount Freycinet in order to access the summit. You can do this by taking Cooks Beach or the southern side of Wineglass Bay. Don’t be deceived, even though the ascent might be brief. You’ll climb 350 meters in less than a kilometer because it is steep. However, you will be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping panoramas of the entire southern peninsula. Bring plenty of water because we promise you’ll be drenched in sweat by the time you reach the top.
- Distance: 1.5 km return
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Mount Amos
Go up Mount Amos now! This hike is calling your name if you enjoy climbing over inclining granite slabs. If you’re on the fence, our claim that the views of Wineglass Bay from Mount Amos are unrivaled might be able to convince you otherwise. They are truly the best in the house. You will also be treated to expansive views of Mount Graham, Mount Freycinet, and other peaks in the Hazards because Mt. Amos is a part of the range. Although there isn’t a clearly defined path along the route, if you stick to the yellow reflective arrows, you won’t get too lost. Note that only experienced hikers should attempt this trail.
- Distance: 4 km return
- Duration: 2-3 hours
Cape Tourville Circuit
The Cape Tourville Circuit is the ideal shorter walk if you want to get some exercise and take in the salty sea breeze. Wheelchair users can use this short, level track due to the slight gradient. You can access Cape Tourville Lighthouse via a trail that winds around a wooden boardwalk close to the cliff edge. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the peninsula, Wineglass Bay, the Hazards, and four granite islets known as The Nuggets. We advise getting up early to see the sunrise over the east, which will transform the sky above Cape Tourville into various shades of orange and pink.
You have a good chance of seeing wildlife like sea eagles, albatrosses, dolphins, and Australian fur seals on this walk, which is lovely throughout the year. It’s a spectacular location to see whales as they migrate from Antarctica if you’re visiting in the winter.
- Distance: 600 m return
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
Hazards Beach Circuit
The Hazards Beach Circuit is a fantastic introduction to everything Freycinet has to offer. In addition, Hazards Beach is undoubtedly one of the park’s most beautiful beaches. The first section is a great way to avoid the 1,000 steps back up and follows the trail up to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. You can stop for lunch or go for a paddle after descending the staircase to Wineglass Bay beach, or you can keep going across the mainly flat isthmus until you reach Hazards Beach. Before turning inland through a lovely coastal forest to the car park, the circuit continues along the coast, where you’ll pass some hidden coves (ideal for swimming on a warm day).
- Distance: 11 km return
- Duration: 4-5 hours
Related post Top 10 unforgettable walks and adventures in Australia
