Bicheno
Penguin sightings at dusk, rock lobster and abalone for lunch and white-sand beaches all day. Here’s how you do Bicheno.
Bicheno sits on a stretch of coast where the granite turns orange at sunrise, little penguins waddle home to their seaside burrows and dinner arrives fresh from the boats you see on the water. In this surfy east-coast town, a single day itinerary routinely becomes three. Between the beaches, blowhole, diving, wildlife and national parks, why rush it?
The Governor Island Marine Reserve just offshore is one of Australia’s best temperate diving spots, with thriving kelp reefs and sponge gardens. Prefer to stay dry? A glass-bottom boat tour does the trick.
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Location
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Tasmania's east coast, on the Great Eastern Drive |
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Distance from Hobart
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178km, 2hr 30min drive |
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Distance from Launceston
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160km, 2hr drive |
| Nearest national parks | Douglas-Apsley National Park (15mins west), Freycinet National Park (30mins south) |
| Best time to visit | Summer for swimming; autumn for surfing and hiking; winter and spring for seafood, whale watching and Bicheno festivals; September–January for little penguins. |
| Known for | Little penguins, beaches, nature, rock lobster and abalone, Governor Island diving, the Bicheno Blowhole, East Coast Whale Trail, wineries. |
| Pronunciation | “BISH-en-oh” |
East Coast Natureworld
Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Humpback whale calf
Tourism Tasmania & bodhiimages
Why visit Bicheno?
If your ideal holiday sounds like washing down fresh lobster and abalone with local wine and whisky, swimming at natural waterholes and turquoise beaches, or pampering yourself at a secluded nature stay, then put Bicheno on your radar.
Whether embracing adventure-filled days with your family or basking somewhere beautiful with great food, this friendly beach town has you covered. It's recently been named Australian Traveller's #1 Best Town in Australia for 2026. But despite the hype, it's feels as laidback and unfussy as ever.
Bicheno in Tasmania is a logistical dream: the town sits squarely on the Great Eastern Drive, the coastal route running from Orford in the south to St Helens in the north. Bicheno’s central position puts Freycinet National Park 30mins to the south and Douglas-Apsley National Park 15mins to the west, so your options are plenty on your next east-coast road trip.
Drive times to Bicheno
| From Hobart |
178km via the Tasman Highway, about 2hrs 30mins |
| From Launceston |
160km via Lake Leake Highway, about 2hrs |
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From Freycinet |
39km, about 30mins |
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From the Larapuna / Bay of Fires area |
About 1hr 15mins |
WHILE YOU'RE IN THE AREA
Where to stay in Bicheno
Looking for accommodation in Bicheno? There’s a pad for every proclivity in this paradise. Places to stay in Bicheno range from sunny beachfront houses to powered caravan and camping sites. The town is particularly popular over summer, so book early if you’re visiting between December and February. Other popular periods to book ahead for are during Bicheno Beams winter laser light festival (June–July) and Bicheno Food and Wine Festival (November) – two vibrant gatherings celebrating the community’s arts, culture and culinary producers.
The best way to find your dream stay? Browse accommodation in Bicheno and filter by property type. Or read on below for our best picks.
Beachfront and coastal stays
One thing you’ll soon discover about Bicheno: it’s naturally blessed with beaches. Fall asleep to the sound of the Tasman Sea and wake up a short walk from the water. Cooinda on the Bay sits 20 steps from Waubs Bay – an easy trot from the on-site sauna to the cooling sea. The sophisticated Villa Redbill offers vast beach views towards diamond island, while closer to Bicheno Blowhole, Bicheno by the Bay has colourful prism-shaped timber cottages overlooking the open sea. Browse all beachfront accommodation in Bicheno.
Self-contained holiday homes and cottages
Shack up and settle in on the deck with some fresh seafood at a self-contained stay.
Venture inland to the timber haven of Sunrise Place, with vast east-coast views from this peaceful plot in the bush. You’ll have everything you need to hideaway here. Mr Percival has a coastal chic vibe with shaggy throws, timber floors and light white rooms to refresh and relax. Diamond Skies is another self-contained gem, with spacious living areas and a freestanding outdoor bathtub for lazy lounging. There’s also Gaol House Cottage if you’re a history buff. Shower in the original gaol cells, relax in the private gardens and enjoy a short stroll to many nearby Bicheno attractions.