Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania's classic coastal views, but the lookout is only the first decision. From the same starting point, the walk can end at the viewing platform, continue down to the beach, or become a longer circuit via Hazards Beach.
How to get there
From the Tasman Highway (A3), turn onto Coles Bay Road (C302), 12 km south of Bicheno. Continue through Coles Bay to the main entrance of Freycinet National Park, then follow signs to the Walking Tracks Car Park.
Freycinet is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from either Hobart or Launceston. A valid Tasmania parks pass is required to enter the national park.
What to see and do
Wineglass Bay Lookout
The lookout walk is 2.6 km return and usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. It is Grade 3, with a steep uphill section, plenty of steps and sections of granite and loose gravel. The reward is the sweeping view over Wineglass Bay from above.
Walk down to Wineglass Bay
Continue from the saddle and the walk becomes 6 km return, usually taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The descent includes about 1,000 stairs, so the climb back up is worth keeping in mind before committing to extra time on the beach.
There is a composting toilet at Wineglass Bay, but no rubbish bins, so everything carried in needs to be carried back out.
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit
For a bigger day, the 11 km Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit takes about 4 to 5 hours and is Grade 4. The route descends to Wineglass Bay, crosses the isthmus to Hazards Beach and returns through coastal woodland, with views across Great Oyster Bay on the way back.
Add another Freycinet stop
Sleepy Bay is a short 500 m return walk to a rocky shoreline and takes about 20 minutes. Friendly Beaches has Grade 2 walking options ranging from 100 m to 5 km, while Honeymoon Bay has picnic tables, electric barbecues and toilets.
How much time to allow
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the lookout, 2.5 to 3.5 hours to walk down to Wineglass Bay and back, or 4 to 5 hours for the Hazards Beach circuit. Add extra time for breaks, photographs and any other stops around Freycinet.
Practical notes
- Sturdy footwear is useful on the steep granite and loose-gravel sections.
- The beaches in the park are unpatrolled.
- Toilets are available at the Walking Tracks Car Park.
- Drinking water is limited. Refill points are available at the visitor centre and the Wineglass Bay Walking Tracks Car Park.
- Recreational drones are not permitted within Tasmanian national parks and reserves.
A suggested plan
If time is tight, make the lookout the focus. With half a day, continue down to Wineglass Bay and return the same way. For a longer walk, the Hazards Beach circuit turns the visit into a broader loop through Freycinet rather than a simple out-and-back.
