The Friendly Beaches
The wild opposite of Wineglass Bay — a long ribbon of white sand and turquoise water facing the open ocean north of Coles Bay, often with the whole beach to yourself.
The Friendly Beaches
Where Wineglass Bay is all sheltered curve, the Friendly Beaches are the opposite: a long, wild ribbon of white sand and turquoise water facing the open ocean, north of Coles Bay. Often you’ll have great stretches to yourself — just dunes, surf and sky. Come here to walk for miles, beachcomb, photograph the light and feel the raw edge of Tasmania’s east coast.
What to Do
Endless White Sand
A long, open beach where you can walk for ages and rarely see another soul.
Surf & Sky
Rolling swell, big skies and a raw, wind-swept feel — a true wild beach.
Light & Colour
Turquoise shallows over white sand make for glorious photography.
Beachcombing
Shells, shorebirds and rock pools along an untamed shore.
Friendly Beaches Tips
- This is an open, unpatrolled beach — take care with surf and currents
- No facilities — bring water, sun protection and take rubbish out
- Buy a Tasmania national-park pass before you arrive
- Prefer a calm swim? Try Honeymoon Bay instead
- Check current road conditions on the gravel side road
Friendly Beaches — FAQ
What are the Friendly Beaches?
The Friendly Beaches are a long, wild stretch of white sand and turquoise water on the ocean side of the Freycinet peninsula, north of Coles Bay. Big, open and often near-empty, they’re a complete contrast to the sheltered coves around the bay.
Are the Friendly Beaches free?
The beaches themselves are free to enjoy, and access falls within Freycinet National Park, so a valid Tasmania parks pass is required for the area. There are no facilities to speak of, so bring what you need.
Can you swim at the Friendly Beaches?
You can, but this is an open ocean beach with no patrols and sometimes strong surf and currents, so take care and supervise children closely. For calmer swimming, try Honeymoon Bay or the sheltered bays near Coles Bay.
What is there to do there?
Long walks on empty sand, beachcombing, photography and simply soaking up the wild, wide-open coast. Keep an eye out for shorebirds and, offshore, for dolphins and passing whales — see wildlife & birdlife.
How do you get to the Friendly Beaches?
They lie off the main road into Freycinet, north of Coles Bay, reached by a short gravel side road. See getting to Freycinet for driving details and check current road conditions.
Freycinet, Planned Around You
Wineglass Bay and the Hazards, quiet white-sand beaches, oysters straight from the bay and coastal walks — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry