The Great Eastern Drive
Tasmania’s classic coastal touring route — roughly 176 km from Orford to St Helens, past the Bay of Fires, Bicheno, Swansea and the ferry to car-free Maria Island.
The Great Eastern Drive
The Great Eastern Drive is Tasmania’s classic coastal touring route — roughly 176 km of easy, scenic road from Orford in the south to St Helens in the north. It threads together the orange-granite Bay of Fires, the penguins of Bicheno, car-free Maria Island, Swansea on Great Oyster Bay and a string of quiet beaches, oyster leases and cool-climate wineries. Take it slowly — this is a coast to linger on.
What to See on the Drive
Bay of Fires
Orange-lichen granite boulders and dazzling white sand from Binalong Bay north.
Bay of Fires → MidwayBicheno & Penguins
The blowhole, little-penguin tours and diving on the coast’s middle stretch.
Bicheno → By ferryMaria Island
A car-free island of convict ruins, painted cliffs and very tame wombats.
Maria Island → The northSt Helens
Georges Bay, fishing and the gateway to the Bay of Fires.
St Helens → The southTriabunna & Orford
Spring Bay and the departure point for the Maria Island ferry.
Triabunna → Eat & drinkOysters & Wine
Fresh oysters and cool-climate Pinot and Riesling by the water.
Oysters & wine →Plan the Drive
- Allow two to three days — see our itinerary
- Base yourself along the way — see where to stay
- Time it well — check the best time to visit
- Detour to Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, midway along the coast
- Prefer not to drive? See our Great Eastern Drive tour
The Great Eastern Drive — FAQ
What is the Great Eastern Drive?
The Great Eastern Drive is Tasmania’s classic east-coast touring route, running roughly 176 km from Orford in the south to St Helens in the north. It strings together the Bay of Fires, Bicheno, Swansea on Great Oyster Bay and the ferry to Maria Island.
How long does the Great Eastern Drive take?
You can drive it in about half a day without stopping, but it deserves two to three days to enjoy the beaches, oysters, wineries and walks. See our itinerary or three days on the coast.
What are the highlights of the Great Eastern Drive?
The orange-granite Bay of Fires, little penguins at Bicheno, car-free Maria Island, the convict-built Spiky Bridge, and fresh oysters and cool-climate wine.
Which direction should you drive it?
Either way works. From Hobart, start at Orford and head north; from Launceston or the Bay of Fires, start at St Helens and drive south. See getting around to plan the logistics.
Is Freycinet part of the Great Eastern Drive?
Yes — Freycinet and Coles Bay sit right on the route, midway along the coast. Freycinet has its own detailed guide, so we cover the wider coast here. See the Freycinet guide.
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