261km
16
3
With scenery as delicious as its wines and produce, a trip around Swansea and Bicheno is made for long lunches and a few leisurely days.
The must-do activities
- Stop for a drop at the Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre, showcasing more than 90 local wines.
- Watch Tasmanian devils dine after dark on an unforgettable visit to East Coast Natureworld.
- Head into the hinterland to explore the waterholes, gorges and rainforest of Douglas-Apsley National Park.
Day 1: Head to Swansea
On your way to the east coast, a good beach stop is Kelvedon Beach, featuring one of the state's most evocatively located boat sheds.
Linger over lunch, handcrafted chocolates and berry ice-cream in sight of Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet Peninsula at Kate's Berry Farm, open Friday to Tuesday.
See the best of Swansea and its coast on the loontitetermairrelehoiner walk, a 2.3km circuit that starts in the centre of town and rounds Waterloo Point, the site of Swansea's first European settlement in 1827.
Pay a visit to Swansea's fascinating East Coast Heritage Museum, which runs the course of history from Tasmanian Aboriginal artefacts to convict and whaling days. Ever seen a Tasmanian tiger trap?
Overnight at Swansea, at the former coaching inn of Schouten House.
Day 2: Swansea to Bicheno
Crank into the day on a cycling trip with Swansea Cycle Tours and pedal through private land between three vineyards.
Driving through the vineyards around Cranbrook will likely generate a thirst, which leads to the Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre in Bicheno. The shed showcases wines from every vineyard on the east coast, including those without cellar doors.
Head to Food & Brew for lunch in the old Commercial Bank of Australia and plan your evening. Bicheno's nightlife is truly wild – watch little penguins waddle ashore with Bicheno Penguin Tours, or join a Devils in the Dark tour at East Coast Natureworld to observe Tasmanian devils living nocturnally.
Overnight at Bicheno at Sea Stacks – Shacks of the Denison.
Day 3: Bicheno and Douglas-Apsley National Park
Fuel up at Bicheno's Blue Edge Bakery, then set out walking on Bicheno's Foreshore Footway, which follows the town's coastline for 3km between Redbill Beach and the watery gargles of the Bicheno Blowhole. A short, steep climb leads to Whalers Lookout for views over Bicheno.
Take off to Douglas-Apsley National Park at Bicheno's edge. A short stroll leads to Apsley Waterhole – take the plunge on a warm day – or spend the day on a circuit walk that returns through the narrow and rocky chasm of Apsley Gorge.
Bicheno is the perfect launch pad for an exploration of Freycinet Peninsula.
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