Wineglass Bay

The perfect curve of Wineglass Bay is like a big, brilliant smile on the face of Tasmania. 

It takes some effort to see it, turning a trip to this famous beach into a pilgrimage of sorts.

It’s the star of Freycinet National Park, which occupies most of Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast. 

Climb to a low mountain saddle on a well-groomed trail to find the Wineglass Bay Lookout poised above the bay (60-90min return, 1.3km each way), and then follow the granite slopes down to the beach, stepping out onto its quartzite-white sands pressed between mountains. 

Turn it into a loop - the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit - by crossing the isthmus to Hazards Beach and rounding the coast beneath the Hazards mountains, completing one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. Allow 4-5hr for this 11km loop.

For a harder-earned but even more spectacular view, climb to the summit of Mount Amos, one of the peaks in the Hazards. The walk is short (3.6km return) but it’s steep and requires some scrambling, so allow 3hr to witness a view you’re unlikely to ever forget.

For an easier look at Wineglass Bay, board the Wineglass Bay Cruises boat in Coles Bay for a half-day trip, sailing around the tip of Freycinet Peninsula and into the bay, often with dolphins for company.

Need to know

Wineglass Bay is in Freycinet National Park near Coles Bay, a 2hr 30min drive (192km) north-east of Hobart, and a 2hr 20min drive (173km) south-east of Launceston. A parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks.