Things to Do on the East Coast
One of Australia’s great touring routes — the Great Eastern Drive links the Bay of Fires, Maria Island, Bicheno’s penguins, oysters and quiet beaches.
Ways to Experience the East Coast
Tasmania’s East Coast is one of Australia’s great touring routes — the Great Eastern Drive, running roughly from Orford to St Helens, links about 176 km of white-sand beaches, granite headlands and easy-going small towns. This is the broader coast around Freycinet: the flame-orange boulders of the Bay of Fires, car-free Maria Island, penguins at Bicheno, fresh oysters and cool-climate wine. Here are the experiences to build your days around.
What to Do
Bay of Fires
Orange-lichen granite boulders and squeaky white sand from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point.
Bay of Fires → By ferryMaria Island
A car-free national-park island of convict ruins, painted cliffs and tame wombats.
Maria Island → At duskBicheno & Penguins
Little penguins, the blowhole and diving on a lively seaside town.
Bicheno → GatewaySt Helens
Georges Bay, fishing and the northern gateway to the Bay of Fires.
St Helens → Southern endTriabunna & Orford
The Maria Island ferry, Spring Bay and the drive’s southern gateway.
Triabunna & Orford → Eat & drinkOysters & Wine
Fresh oysters on Great Oyster Bay and cool-climate east-coast cellar doors.
Oysters & wine → SandBeaches
Long, quiet swimming and surf beaches all along the coast.
The beaches → HistoryConvict Trail
The convict-built Spiky Bridge near Swansea and the coast’s convict past.
Convict trail →Plan Your Days
- Follow the Great Eastern Drive — roughly Orford to St Helens
- Freycinet sits mid-coast and has its own detail — see Freycinet & the East Coast
- Base yourself well — see where to stay
- Short on time? Try the East Coast in three days
- Prefer guided? See our East Coast tours
Things to Do — FAQ
What are the best things to do on Tasmania’s East Coast?
Drive the Great Eastern Drive and take in the Bay of Fires, car-free Maria Island, Bicheno’s penguins, the fishing town of St Helens, oysters and wine, quiet beaches and the convict trail.
What is the Great Eastern Drive?
It’s the touring route along Tasmania’s east coast, running roughly from Orford in the south to St Helens in the north — about 176 km of beaches, bays and small towns. See our Great Eastern Drive guide.
How is the East Coast different from Freycinet?
Freycinet — Wineglass Bay and the Hazards — sits in the middle of this coast and has its own detail. This section covers the broader coast around it. Compare them in East Coast vs Freycinet, or see the Freycinet guide.
How many days do you need on the East Coast?
Two to three days lets you enjoy the highlights without rushing; a week lets you slow right down. See the East Coast in three days for a sample plan.
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.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry