Best Beaches on the East Coast
One long ribbon of white sand and clear, uncrowded water — our honest pick of the East Coast’s finest beaches, from the Bay of Fires to the calm river mouths near Orford.
The Best Beaches on the East Coast
Tasmania’s East Coast is one long ribbon of beach — white sand, water so clear it looks lit from below, and, gloriously, hardly a soul on it. We’ve driven the whole coast more times than we can count, so here’s our honest pick of the beaches worth planning a day around, running north to south from the Bay of Fires to the calm river mouths near Orford.
White sand, water lit from below, and hardly a soul on it — the East Coast at its best.
Beaches Worth the Detour
Binalong Bay & Bay of Fires
Orange-lichen granite, squeaky white sand and turquoise water — the coast’s signature.
The Gardens
The quiet northern end of the Bay of Fires, all boulders and empty sand.
Scamander & Beaumaris
Long, open surf beaches that pick up swell — the pick for surfers.
Denison Beach
A wild, low-key stretch of sand well away from the crowds.
Spring Beach, Orford
Calm, sheltered swimming near the Prosser River mouth — good for families.
Maria Island Beaches
Car-free sand at Darlington and beyond, backed by convict ruins and wombats.
Beach Tips
- Water is cool year-round — summer and early autumn are warmest
- Most beaches are unpatrolled — take care with surf and currents
- Sheltered coves suit families; open beaches suit surfers
- Chase the light — the Bay of Fires glows late afternoon
- Want the full guide? See East Coast beaches
- Time it right — see the best time to visit
Best Beaches — FAQ
What is the best beach on the East Coast?
For sheer good looks it’s hard to beat Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires — orange-lichen boulders against white sand and turquoise water. For a fuller run-down see our East Coast beaches guide.
Can you swim at the East Coast beaches?
Yes — there are plenty of calm, sheltered spots, though the water is cool year-round and most beaches are unpatrolled. Swim between flags where available and take care with surf and currents on exposed beaches.
Which beaches are best for families?
The calm, sheltered ones — the coves around Binalong Bay and the river-mouth beaches at Orford — are easiest for young swimmers.
Where are the best surf beaches?
The long, open beaches around Scamander and Beaumaris pick up the most swell and are popular with surfers, while the sheltered bays stay calm — so there’s something for every comfort level.
When is the best time for the beaches?
Summer and early autumn bring the warmest days for swimming and lazing. See the best time to visit the East Coast.
East Coast, Planned Around You
The Great Eastern Drive, the Bay of Fires and Maria Island, penguins at Bicheno and oysters by the water — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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