Where to Stay on the East Coast
Where you base yourself depends on what you want to see — Swansea on Great Oyster Bay, lively Bicheno midway, St Helens for the Bay of Fires, or Triabunna for the ferry.
Where to Stay on the East Coast
Tasmania’s East Coast spreads along the Great Eastern Drive, so where you stay depends on what you most want to see. Swansea sits on Great Oyster Bay in the south; Bicheno makes a lively midway base with its blowhole and penguins; St Helens is the gateway to the Bay of Fires in the north; and Triabunna and Orford are handy for the Maria Island ferry. Accommodation runs from camping and holiday houses to a few premium coastal stays — and it books out fast in summer.
Where to Set Up
Swansea
A classic coastal town on the bay — oysters, the Spiky Bridge and Freycinet views.
Bicheno
A lively fishing town with the blowhole, penguins and diving on the doorstep.
St Helens
The largest town on the coast and the gateway to the Bay of Fires and Georges Bay.
Triabunna & Orford
Spring Bay towns and the departure point for the car-free Maria Island ferry.
Where-to-Stay Tips
- Book months ahead for summer and school holidays — beds are limited
- Base near St Helens or Binalong Bay for the Bay of Fires
- Stay at Triabunna or Orford for an early Maria Island ferry
- Want Wineglass Bay too? Freycinet has its own base at Coles Bay
- Prefer it all arranged? See our East Coast tours
Where to Stay — FAQ
Where should you stay on Tasmania’s East Coast?
Popular bases are Swansea on Great Oyster Bay, Bicheno midway along the coast, St Helens for the Bay of Fires, and Triabunna or Orford for the Maria Island ferry. Choose by what you most want to see.
What kinds of accommodation are on the East Coast?
Options range from caravan parks and camping to holiday houses, cabins, motels, B&Bs and a handful of premium coastal stays. Choices are spread out and popular, so book early and check current availability and prices.
Where do you stay for the Bay of Fires?
St Helens and nearby Binalong Bay are the gateway to the Bay of Fires, with the orange-granite boulders and white beaches stretching north. See St Helens to plan your base.
Where do you stay to visit Maria Island?
Stay at Triabunna or Orford, where the passenger ferry departs, and cross for the day — or camp on the island itself, as Maria Island is a car-free national park. Check current ferry and camping details.
Should you stay on the coast or day-trip?
You can see highlights on a day trip from Hobart, but staying over lets you slow down for sunrise, oysters and quiet beaches. See our day tour from Hobart if time is tight.
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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