Coles Bay & the Park
The little town at the heart of it all — gateway to Freycinet National Park beneath the pink-granite Hazards, minutes from Wineglass Bay, the beaches and the water.
Coles Bay & the National Park
Coles Bay is the little town at the heart of it all — the gateway to Freycinet National Park, tucked beneath the pink-granite peaks of the Hazards. From here you’re minutes from the Wineglass Bay trailhead, the sheltered bays and a coastline of white-sand beaches and turquoise water. It’s where you’ll base yourself, buy your park pass and set out for the peninsula’s walks, beaches and wildlife.
What’s Here
The Hazards
The range of granite peaks that towers over Coles Bay and the bay.
The Hazards → The iconWineglass Bay
The lookout climb and the walk down to the famous curve of sand.
Wineglass Bay → Easy driveCape Tourville
A short boardwalk to a lighthouse and sweeping coastal views.
Cape Tourville → EatFreycinet Marine Farm
Oysters and mussels shucked right beside the water.
Oysters → On the waterKayaking & Cruises
Paddle the calm bays or cruise around to Wineglass by boat.
On the water → WildlifeWildlife & Birdlife
Dolphins, whales, sea eagles, wallabies and wombats.
Wildlife →Coles Bay Essentials
- A Tasmania national-park pass is required — buy it before you arrive
- Coles Bay is small — stock up on fuel and supplies en route
- It gets busy in summer — start early and book ahead
- Schouten Island and the wild Friendly Beaches round out the peninsula
- See everything on offer in things to do, or let us plan it with a guided tour
Coles Bay & the Park — FAQ
What is Coles Bay?
Coles Bay is the small township on Tasmania’s east coast that serves as the gateway to Freycinet National Park. It sits beneath the pink-granite Hazards, with the beaches, trailheads and the water all close at hand.
Do you need a pass for Freycinet National Park?
Yes — a Tasmania national-park pass is required to enter the park. Buy one before you arrive to save time, and check current pass options and prices as they change.
What is there to do around Coles Bay?
Walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout, hike the Hazards, drive to Cape Tourville, eat oysters at the marine farm, and kayak or cruise the sheltered bays. See all the things to do.
Can you see Schouten Island?
Yes — Schouten Island lies off the southern tip of the Freycinet Peninsula and is visible from lookouts and reached by boat. The waters around it are good for spotting dolphins, sea eagles and, in season, migrating whales.
Is Coles Bay busy?
It gets very busy in summer, when the park’s car parks and the Wineglass Bay track fill quickly. Come early in the day and book accommodation ahead — see where to stay.
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