What to do in Coles Bay Tasmania
Freycinet national park is home to the world-renowned Wineglass Bay, considered to be one of the most stunning beaches in the world
Coles Bay is situated in the heart of the sunny east coast of Tasmania and lies on the threshold of the Freycinet National Park. The area has an abundance of Aboriginal middens (deposits of shells) indicating that it was well visited by Tasmanian Aborigines – perhaps as a welcome and warm retreat in Tasmania’s colder months. Popular with whalers, sealers and tin miners in the early 1900s the town was named after Silas Cole who burnt shells from the middens to produce lime. Coles Bay was more formerly settled in 1934, but much of its original history prevails including the middens, mine shafts, farm huts and whale shafts.
Freycinet National Park was, in 1916, designated as Tasmania’s first national park and is home to the world renowned Wine Glass Bay which is considered by some to be one of the most stunning beaches in the world. If you’re an avid bushwalker or just want to soak up Tasmania’s natural beauty Coles Bay is a great place to park your campervan or motorhome and spend a few days exploring. There are walks to suit all abilities and whilst the short walk to Wineglass Bay lookout is a moderate hike it’s well worth it for the impressive views of the peninsula.
Coles Bay and Freycinet have some amazing natural features including pink granite foreshores, pristine water, white sandy beaches and the stunning Hazards mountain range with its pink granite tinge guaranteed to delight any photographer at sunrise or sunset.
As Freycinet Peninsula is a National Park, you’re required to hold a Park Pass, there are various types of passes ranging from annual passes to short-term holiday passes. Passes can be purchased at the Freycinet National Park Visitors Centre or online, we’ve included a few links below to make this process quick and easy. There’s also camping available within the National Park however this is restricted by a ballot drawn in August – please contact the visitor centre for more information.
NATIONAL PARKS – THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Things to do around Coles Bay Tasmania
Bushwalking/Hiking
There’s no better way to explore Tasmania’s pristine natural beauty than to take one of the many short walks or half/full day hikes around the Freycinet Peninsula. Don’t forget your park pass! For details about the walks including safety information and equipment please check the National Parks website.
Sea Kayaking
Explore Coles Bay and Freycinet Peninsula from a unique perspective with a paddle around the pristine waters of the bay. Bring your own kayak, hire one or take a guided tour – the choice is yours. Contact Freycinet Adventures or Freycinet Rentals if you’d like to find out more.
Quad Bike Adventure Tours
Ditch the comfort of your motorhome or rental car (for a little while) and hit the bush tracks on a 4 wheeler. Suitable for the whole family young or old with experienced, professional guides. Checkout All4Adventure for more details.
Cruise or Sail
Cruise the peninsula in style with Wineglass Bay Cruises or take it up a notch and jump on a skippered yacht charter with Sail Freycinet
Scenic Flights
If walking, sailing, kayaking or or quad biking is not your thing how about a scenic flight over the Freycinet National Park with Freycinet Air to really take in the view!
Coles Bay Tasmania Campervan & Motorhome Parks
BIG4 Iluka
Powered caravan, motorhome/campervan sites are available as well as cabins and unpowered tent sites. Located at Reserve Road, Coles Bay
River & Rocks Camping Coles Bay
If you just need a place to park your camper-trailer, campervan or motorhome for the night or somewhere to pitch a tent River & Rocks is a great alternative to a traditional caravan park. It’s located 20km south of the Coles Bay turn off (on the Tasman Highway) it’s free but it’s also no frills (no showers, power or drinking water). There’s a Pit Toilet but if you’ve rented an Autorent Motorhome with shower, toilet and drinking water none of this will bother you!
Travel Times & Distances to Coles Bay Tasmania
From Devonport: app. 3 hours – 255kms
From Hobart: app. 2 hours 35 minutes – 192kms