Tasmania is best known for its incredible scenery. From fern encrusted rainforests to crystal blue waters, towering waterfalls and spectacular cliffsides, Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places to explore in all of Australia! And despite all this, only 2% of tourists who come to Australia end up visiting Tasmania! I think it’s time to change that. One of the best ways to explore the variety of wonders in Tasmania is making the drive along the Great Eastern Road. This iconic drive runs from St. Helens to Orford along the east coast of the island.
You can begin this tour from Hobart or Launceston. But for the purposes of this post, we are starting the tour from Hobart. The drive from Hobart to our starting location of Orford is only an hour long. If you fly directly into Hobart, be sure to spend at least one day in the city exploring! Hobart is such a beautiful and historic part of the fabric of Tasmania. It makes for an easy walkable city to visit upon your arrival and a great introduction to the island.
Travelling Around Tasmania
Rental Car
Tasmania is best traversed by car. Tasmania might be a big island, but it has a small population, so large-scale public transport is really lacking. So you’re the best option is to fly into Hobart or Launceston and rent yourself a car. Cars can be picked up in Hobart and dropped off in Launceston. Or vice versa if you prefer to reverse your trip. Car rentals in Tasmania can be as little as $96 USD a day.
Camper Van
Although a Camper Van is a much more costly experience, they also allow you to sleep anywhere you want. In a place as scenic as Tasmania, this is a real treat! The other plus with a camper van is that you have a kitchen wherever you go. This way you can easily stock up on groceries before you leave the big cities. You’ll never find yourself having a place to stop for something to eat. The downside obviously is the cost of gas. Another downside could be if you’re not familiar with driving a camper van. This can be a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully the roads in Tasmania are generally pretty empty. so you don’t need to worry about navigating through intense traffic.
Cost of Gas
As of March 2021, gas prices in Tasmania were $1.40 Australian per litre. The trip mileage can vary greatly depending on how many detours you take along the way. But overall you should be covering around 600 km. But I would add even more since you are bound to make some detours along the way as you see things that catch your eye.
Notes on Food & Gas
Some of the areas we will travel through along the Great Eastern Drive are very remote. Be sure to research before you head out for the day where your food and gas stops will be to ensure you’ll have enough before the next stop. A small fabric cooler will go a long way to keep your grocery food and drinks cold on your journey. I am always sure to keep a large bag of room temperature snacks with me as well. And always be sure you pack plenty of water.
Day One
Prosser River
To start our drive along the Great Eastern Drive we will drive to Orford from Hobart, you’ll coast along the iconic Tasman Highway. As we come closer to Orford, the road travels alongside the Prosser River. The mouth of the Prosser River is found right at the entrance to the town of Orford. The great river runs right into the ocean at the aptly named Prosser Bay.
Wattlebanks Coastal Cafe
Before crossing over the bridge, head over to Wattlebanks Coastal Cafe to grab a coffee. Australia has an abundant and rich coffee culture. Even on the outskirts of town, you can find fabulous cafes like this serving up excellent brews and delicious pastries!
Old Convict Road
As you cross the bridge over the Prosser River into Orford, make a short stop just detour off to the left after crossing the bridge. You’ll see a large sign with the word “convict road” written upon it. The Convict Road runs right beside the Prosser River on the north side and leads to a set of ruins from an old probation station. This old stone road was built in the 1800s by the hands of many convicts. These convicts were brought mainly from England to the new Australian colony. Tasmania was seen as a great place to house these convicts. It was a very contained area with rough terrain, which would make escape more difficult. It was also miles and miles away from home, making the convicts feel like they were literally on the other side of the world.
Convict Labour in Tasmania
Much of Tasmania as we know it today, was built by convict labour. Before their arrival, there was nothing but the indigenous settlements spread across the land. Although the English settlers brought some supplies, it was the convicts who mined for materials, cut the sandstone and laid the literal bricks, which formed the road and homes that built up modern Tasmania. The Old Convict Road is an excellent example of this labour. When wealthy Englishmen came to the new world, they were offered free land and free labour. This encouraged many wealthy landowners to move to Australia. This very road was made by hand laying bluestone bricks on the steep banks of the river.
At the end of the road was the convict’s probation station. Which they also had to build themselves. Imagine being forced to build your own prison? But for many convicts in Tasmania, this was the norm. Today you can see the remains of the old convict station, which is little more than a pile of rocks, still shaped into the recognizable form of a building. The walk along the river is about 40 minutes but is a great little introduction to the land. Bring your cup of coffee with you to make it an enjoyable little morning jaunt along the river’s edge.
Orford
Driving past the old Convict road along the Tasman highway, you’ll begin to see more and more of the “shacks” of Orford. Orford is a seaside village and popular for townies to have holiday homes or “shacks” as they are lovingly called. Like many holiday destinations, the town is relatively peaceful during the off-season, but bustling with energy comes the summer months when everyone flocks to the beach.
When the town was established in 1831 by Edward Walpole, it was created as a port for the convict settlement on Maria Island. Walpole’s hope that the city would become a flourishing port quickly dissolved upon arriving. He realized that the large sandbar and shallow waters in Orford made it almost impossible to bring large ships to shore. The town slowly grew as miners came to work in the nearby sandstone quarry.
Raspins Beach
The sandbar, which prevented the town from becoming a profitable port village, was actually one of its richest natural resources. Raspins Beach is today a conservation area due to its wealth of unique birds and wildlife. Walking along the beach, you can try to spot the vulnerable fairy terns, red-capped and hooded plovers, pied oystercatchers and red-necked stints. During certain times of the year, parts of the beach are even closed to the public, so you do not disturb the nests of these endangered birds.
Aside from the incredible wildlife, Raspine Beach is such a spectacular sight to see. A 900-meter long sandbar stretches southeast towards the bay and the imposing Maria Island is silhouetted in the distance. The fact that it is a bay means the waves and swells aren’t too rough, making it an ideal spot for swimming!
Triabunna
10-minutes up the road from Orford is the historic port village of Triabunna. Triabunna is a pretty quiet seaside town. And while there might not to a ton to see in the town proper the primary reason to visit is to take the ferry over to the incredible Maria Island. “Triabunna” is an indigenous word for the Tasmanian native hen. This flightless bird is one of twelve species of birds endemic to Tasmania. Many flightless birds, such as the dodo, faced early extinction as they were such easy prey. But the Tasmanian hen has been protected and now flourishes in places like Triabunna and on Maria Island.
Maria Island
Stop at the Triabu ggnna IGA supermarket to pick up a few items for a picnic on the island. Maria Island has no cafe, restaurants or shop. So be sure to grab some pre-made sandwiches or salads and plenty of water!
The ferry departs from Triabunna to Maria Island at 10:00 am, and 11:30 am. Departure times from Maria Island back to Triabunna are from 2:30 pm and 4:15 pm. Be aware that the ferry does not operate on Tuesdays or Thursdays. A return adult fare costs $45 AUS. The best plan is to arrive at 11:30 am and head back on the 2:30 pm ferry. This gives you enough time to explore the island, but you can head back before the end of the day.
Arrival on the Island
Exiting the ferry docks, you arrive in the tiny settlement of Darlington. Upon arrival on the island, stop off at the ranger station. Here you can procure yourself a map of the island to help you get around. In the 19th century, Darlington was the sole settlement on the island. Today there are no permanent inhabitants aside from the park rangers.
Darlington Probation Station
The Darlington convict probation station on Maria Island opened in 1824. Back then, it was home to over 600 male convicts crammed into these overcrowded buildings. The island was chosen as it was thought to be very secure, separated from the mainland by the great mercury passage. Darlington is the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia. This old convict probation station is now considered a World Heritage Site.
Probation Stations were slightly different than the hard-core prisons such as Port Arthur. These stations were assignment-based systems under governmental control. The idea was that low-level criminals would come to the station to work off their sentence. There were several classes of inmates, each with a different kind of labour associated with it. The higher rank you were, the easier the labour.
Convicts would come to Darlington to work on the island’s agriculture, tend to livestock, cut timber, craft leather, and quarry materials for brick making. The highest convict class was responsible for the production and maintenance of the settlement itself. If you were well behaved, once you finished your sentence, you would be released. But anyone caught causing trouble or reoffending would be sent over to Port Arthur, where the punishments and conditions were much more brutal.
Darlington Historic Buildings
The Darlington historic township has been left seemingly untouched by time. It feels like a ghost town. So many of the buildings look untouched by time. To this day, you can visit the old magistrate’s office, bakehouse, convict mess hall, day room and chapel, chaplains quarters, assistant superintendents quarters, penitentiary, cookhouse and coffee palace. Behind the Commissariat Store are the Hospital’s ruins, Surgeon’s Quarters and Religious Instructor’s Quarters.
Although the penitentiary was the main sleeping quarters for an inmate, one particular convict was given his own small cottage. This was Irish nationalist leader William Smith O’Brien. He was exiled for his part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. O’Brien didn’t have to live in the crowded penitentiary as he was considered a high-profile criminal. He had a cottage built near the penal colony that you can still visit today.
Transformation into National Park
The island was purchased by Italian entrepreneur Bernacchi, who wanted to harness the island’s agricultural resources. He opened the “Grand Hotel” in 1888 and turned some of the old convict buildings into a pleasure resort. This “sanitarium” was designed for city folks to escape and relax in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Funny to imagine that this place of harmony was once a harsh prison only a few years early.
Sadly, Bernacchi’s venture was short-lived, and eventually, the township passed hands to a small cohort of farmers. Farming ended when the Tasmanian Government began purchasing properties around the island to form their new collection of National Parks. Each one of these areas was chosen for its unique natural resources or historical impact on the development of Tasmania. Since most national parks need to have an area for camping there are plenty of spots on the island to stay the night. Surprisingly though, one of the old penitentiary buildings has been updated into a simple bunkhouse where visitors can still sleep today!
Maria Island Wildlife
Animals to spot while you walk along the trails here include; eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies but most famously the bare-nosed wombat! This adorable, fuzzy creature can be found all over the island and if you’ve never seen one before this is a great place to spot one! There are also fallow deer, ringtail possums, echidnas, and many, many snakes! Birds are also very prevalent on the island. You’ll be able to find swift parrots, Cape Barren geese and twelve of Tasmania’s endemic birds, so bring your binoculars!
Painted Cliffs Walk
From the historic Darlington settlement, take a walk along the island’s eastern side. Here you can see Maria Island’s spectacular painted cliffs that wrap around the coastline. The painted cliffs are made of these fantastic swirling colours and patterns. The design is caused by the groundwater percolating through the sandstone over time. The waves crashing onto the sand create erosion resulting in these magical honeycomb patterns, potholes and notches. Mother nature is such a wonder!
The Painted Cliff walk starts along the coastline and heads back to Darlington via the island’s interior. This winding trail provides views of the waterside and forest-like landscape of the inner island. The walk takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours. After touring the probation station, you can easily take in the wonders of the trail with enough time to be back at the Ferry for the 2:30 departure. Whenever you get a chance to look out over the water, keep a keen eye out. During certain times of the year, you might be lucky enough to spot whales during their annual migration!
Spiky Bridge
Be sure to hop back on the ferry at 2:30 to return to the mainland. We are heading back on the Great Tasman Highway towards Swansea. Halfway there, make a stop to see the strange and interesting Spiky Bridge. The bridge was built by convicts in 1843 out of sharp fieldstones. The bridge is located on the old convict road that connected Swansea with Little Swanport and the east coast road to Hobart. The stones were laid vertically on the parapet to give the bridge its name, the Spiky Bridge.
There are two differing opinions on why the spikes were added like this. The first is that they were laid to prevent cattle from falling over the bridge. The other is that they were added to help the bridge survive the harsh elements of the coastline. Either way, it is one of the more obscure scenes from the Tasmania roadside.
Kate’s Berry Farm
If you can make it before closing at 4pm, you must stop off at Kate’s Berry Farm. Kate has been harvesting and growing berries since 1988, when she bought this property. The main reason? The magnificent views of Tasmania’s eastern coastline. Here, Kate grows raspberries, strawberries, red and black currants. She turns these fruits into everything from jams, ice cream, and baked pastries.
The biggest draw to Kate’s farm is her ‘Just Desserts Café’. Here you can get fresh-baked scones served with their homemade jam, meat pies, hot Belgian waffles and amazing fruit flavoured ice cream. Another item that you can’t leave without trying is Kate’s handmade chocolates. She combines rich Belgian chocolate with her berries and other Tasmania ingredients to create incredible flavours. Grab a box to go to enjoy on the road when you get peckish.
Swansea
Swansea is known as having the longest and prettiest beaches in Tasmania, so we need to make it our last stop of the evening! The town was established in 1820 at Waterloo Point and is one of Tasmania’s oldest settlements. One of the things that makes Swansea so unique is its location on the shores of Great Oyster Bay. The bay is replete with, aptly enough, oysters! Lieutenant-Governor William Sorell was granted lands around the area in order to farm the delicious oysters found in the bay.
Morris’ General Store
Many of the shops along historic Franklin street are remnants of the past. The most interesting of which is Morris’ General Store. This general store has been owned and run by the Morris family for over 100 years! The store isn’t technically a museum, but you can go inside to see their visitors’ room. This room contains relics and ephemera of Tasmania’s past. The shop is more than just a tourist site though, walking through the old-fashioned general store, you can still find lots of useful items for your road trip. The store opened in 1838 and has been serving travellers just like yourself ever since.
The Swansea Bark Mill
For dinner, you must stop in at the Swansea Bark Mill. This no muss no fuss restaurant was initially the town’s mill. Here they processed black wattle bark, used in colonial times in the tanning industry. Today the mill has been transformed into a bakery, museum and tavern! The tavern carries some of the best oysters right from the bay, which you absolutely must try!
Jubilee Beach
To end the night, take a sunset stroll along the beach. There are many different beaches in Swansea, but one of the most beautiful is Jubilee Beach. Along the bright white shores, you can look out over the waters to the Freycinet National Park and the great Hazard mountains.
Swansea Beach Chalets
Swansea is home to many different holiday homes, but one of my favourites is the Swansea Beach Chalets. Their locations on the beachfront provides the most spectacular views overlooking the peninsula. Each of the chalets comes with its own private balcony. You can sip a glass of Tasmania wine in the evening and enjoy a warm cup of coffee in the morning. Indeed the most fantastic way to go to sleep and wake up!
Day Two
Saltshaker Restaurant
The next morning, before heading out of Swansea, head over to Saltshaker Restaurant for a spot of breakfast. You can either opt to grab something to-go or sit on their outdoor patio, that overlooks the water. They have all the breakfast staples like eggs benedict, egg and bacon rolls, and scones served with their homemade jam and cream. But for something VERY different, you can try their Breakky Supreme pizza! This comes with a ricotta cheese base and topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh red peppers, chorizo, egg and chives! It is surprisingly delicious. Egg on pizza was something I really got used to when I lived in Australia. It is definitely worth a try if you’ve never had it before.
Before you get on the road, load up on some picnic essentials at the IGA Supermarket in town. We’ll be heading to the beautiful Wineglass Bay for lunch. In this remote area, you’ll definitely need to bring all your water, snacks and meals with you.
Dolphin Sands Nine Mile Beach
Heading back onto highway A3, only 10 minutes from Swansea, is the neighbourhood of Dolphin Sands. Here you’ll find the spectacular nine-mile beach. The golden sands of the beach stretch out for, you guessed it, nine miles! Standing on the edge, it does seem to go on forever in this amazingly straight line. Grass-covered dunes created by the windy conditions back out onto the beach. This scenic spot is such a wonderful place to sip on your morning cup of coffee. But even without coffee, this sight is sure to wake you up!
Devil’s Corner Cellar Door
Head back to the A3 and continue north up until you reach the Devil’s Corner Cellar Door. Tasmania is known for its wealth of incredible wineries. And many of them are located along the Great Eastern Drive. And the Devil’s Corner is one of the best. Wine tasting rooms in Tasmania are called “cellar doors.” Whenever you see a sign for a “cellar door,” you know you’ll find a beautiful wine tasting inside.
The Devil’s Corner is located in the most fantastic location, with views of the Hazards mountains. Their amazing soaring vineyards are spread all across your eye line as you look out at the horizon. Here you can sample a tasting paddle for $15 per person. This includes a guided tasting of their entire range, including their most popular sparking Cuvée. One of the main reasons to visit the Devil’s Corner over other wineries is for their oyster pairings. They have partnered with a resident oyster farmer who brings them the freshest Freycinet oysters. These pair fantastically alongside their crisp wines. Although they are currently renovating, once the job is complete, you’ll be able to sample their amazing wood-fired pizzas along with your seafood. A great way to enjoy a spot of morning brunch before our hike!
Freycinet National Park
Just 30-minutes along highway A3 and down C302 you’ll arrive at the Freycinet National Park Tourist Information center. Here you can pick up and learn more about the different walking and hiking trails in the area. These trails wind through this monumental natural wonderland that is Freycinet National Park.
Accessibility
The parks department installed a 10-minute wheelchair-accessible circuit track that begins at the visitor center. While it would be great to see this expanded further over the years, it’s nice to know they have made an effort to take into account accessibility.
Wineglass Bay Trail
Today, we are taking the Wineglass Bay Trail. The trail is 6 km long and takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete. I would advise planning more time than you think as you’ll want to stop many times along the way! Not because it’s a particularly hard trail, but because there are so many amazing lookout points to admire. While the pathway isn’t too rough, you should definitely have some good walking shoes for this hike. The bathroom in the car park is the only washroom on the route, so be sure to use it before you go.
The Wineglass Bay Trail takes you up to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the great lookout. This point gives you an amazing view across the saddle-shaped wineglass bay beach below. The bright turquoise waters and almost impossible to believe white sands make for one of the most iconic views of Tasmania.
Wineglass Bay
From the top of the lookout, you can walk down the 1000 stairs to Wineglass Bay Beach. While this might seems like a trek, it’s well worth it to relax and explore the beach for yourself (not just from above). You can stroll along the sands, enjoying the sounds of the softly crashing waves while birds chirp in the distance. If you walk to the south end of the beach, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Hazards mountains.
Because of the tall mountains which surround this bay, flora and fauna here are protected from the elements. Therefore this area produces a superb array of plants and animal life. Everything from wallabies, pademelons, and echidnas are commonly seen on land. If you’re really lucky you might even spot seals sunbathing on the rocks. If you brought some picnicking food with you, this is the perfect spot for it! And you’ll need to gather your energy for the 1000 stair hike back to the car park!
Honeymoon Bay
After jumping back in your car, make a quick pit stop over in Honeymoon Bay. This peaceful beach is a popular destination for picnics, birdwatching and snorkelling. Don’t worry, your tired feet won’t have to go more than a few meters from the car park to admire the idyllic views. I love how the mountains behind the crystal clear waters from the bay perfectly. Such a perfect formation of all those natural iconic Tasmanian elements.
Bicheno
From Honeymoon Bay, jump back on the C302 and travel north towards the small coastal town of Bicheno. This town is one of the major fishing ports in Tasmania and a popular beach resort. Everything from crayfish, abalone and scallops are caught just off the shores of the city!
Bicheno Blowhole
One of the most popular locations to visit is the Bicheno Blowhole. The rocks along this shore are made of granite, but the crashing waves have carved a small sea cave shelf underneath the stones over the years. Eventually, a small hole began to form on the roof of this sea cave, creating a natural blowhole for the waves to burst through. Making an enormous spray above from the water rushes in. It’s a hit for kids and adults alike as every spray is different. Be careful, because you might just get wet! Bicheno was once a popular whaling spot in the 1800s, so it seems even more fitting that Bicheno would have formed its very own “blowhole.”
Whalers Lookout
Whalers Lookout is a steep but short 10-minute walk that leads to two lookout platforms. There is both an east-facing and west-facing platform. From here, you have a panoramic view of the town and the great crescent harbour.
Lobster Shack Tasmania
Bicheno is known for its seafood, so you absolutely must have dinner at the Lobster Shack Tasmania! This laid-back restaurant specializes in everything from lobster rolls to fresh oysters, local mussels and grilled salmon. Even just their house fish and chips is divine! Their outdoor deck tables sit off of the water and provide a stunning view of the pristine boat harbour surrounding it.
Penguin Tours
After dinner, the best way to spend your evening is by checking out one of the nightly Penguin Tours. The penguins that reside in Bicheno are called ‘Little penguins’ as they are indeed very little. Nothing like the famous emperor penguins you might have seen on TV. These tiny birds have made parts of Tasmania one of their favourite breeding grounds. Up to 190,000 breeding pairs to be found on the island! To see these little ones up close without disturbing them, a guided tour is your best option.
The guides who live here know exactly where to find them and how not to disturb their nests! Penguin Tours Bicheno also has exclusive entry to some private areas only accessible by their tours. The price for the tours is $40 AUD for adults and $20 AUD for kids. Tours begin at dusk, but you can check their calendar online for the most up-to-date information.
Bicheno Airbnb
Bicheno is a great place to find dozens and dozens of different types of accommodations. Airbnb is one of my favourite ways to find one-night stays. Some of the established holiday homes require a minimum of 2-nights but Airbnb is great for short stints. Some of the more expensive options are right on the water and give you those incredible sunset and sunrise views right from the comfort of your bedroom! Worth a little extra in my opinion. But for those on a budget there are lots of cheaper opinions as well.
Day Three
Little Bay Patisserie
When you awaken in the morning, it’s time to immediately head over to the Little Bay Patisserie! This bakery is phenomenal! The sheer quality and authenticity of their French pastries are amazing and such a surprise to find in the middle of Tasmania. An absolute must-try is their caramel & salted pecan cruffin!
Since our next destination is a hike in the park, you should grab a few items to go and head over to the Bicheno IGA to load up on a few picnic items and bottles of water.
Douglas Apsley National Park
From Bicheno, head west along the Tasman Highway, turning on Rosedale road into the Douglas Apsley National Park. Douglas Apsley National Park is one of the last remaining untouched eucalypt forests in Tasmania! The ecosystem found within is lush with endangered plants and animals you cannot find anywhere else in the world! The hike throughout this National park includes stunning cascading waterfalls, a deep gorge, fantastic wildflowers, and genuinely unique-looking forests.
There are two great hiking options for you depending on the length and difficulty you are interested in. For a shorter, more leisurely hike, you can walk along the ‘waterhole and lookout track‘. This trail is only 1.4 kilometres long and travels through a eucalyptus forest to a famous swimming hole on the Apsley River.
If you want a bit more of a challenge, I think the hike to the ‘Apsley Gorge‘ is well worth the effort. The gorge walk is a 2-3 hour, 5.6-kilometre return hike. The gorge hike takes you deep into the eucalyptus forest and descends into the incredible Apsley Gorge. You’ll spot other kinds of trees along the way, including silver and black wattle trees, yellow dogwoods, and the native cherry tree. Since the return of the hike follows the same route as the way in, you can turn back at any time if you feel you are getting tired.
St Marys
If you aren’t too pressed for time, as you continue driving north up, you should take the Elephant Pass Road, to St Marys. St Marys is an old settlement located inside the Fingal Valley. Today, it only has a population of 682 people! Not quite a ghost town, but pretty close. The most impressive building in town is the old St Marys Hotel. Despite being built in 1916 it is still open today. Head inside to grab a pint in their first-floor antique style pub.
In the 1840s, a probation station housing 300 convicts were located near St Marys Pass. It was this convict station that allowed St Marys to grow as a settlement. The convicts were assigned here in order to build a road across the mountains to the east coast. In 1886 the town continued to grow with the arrival of Tasmania’s first railway. The city served as a service center for those travelling from Launceston to Hobart. But shortly after this, the town’s growth slowed, as more and more people wanted to live and work in Tasmania’s bustling port cities. The town turned into a virtual ghost town until around the year 2000 when it suddenly saw a surge in growth. Today, it serves as an adorable little tourist hub for travellers.
Purple Possum Cafe
You can visit the original railway station along the main street, which now serves as a unique little museum called the “St Marys Cranks and Tinkerers,” full of relics and ephemera from the heyday of St. Marys. My favourite stop in St Mary’s is, without a doubt, the Purple Possum Wholefoods & Cafe! This shop feels like an old-timey general store, a staple of old mining villages. Inside, you can still buy penny candy on display in large glass jars along the walls. Nuts, grains, herbs and spices are also served in large barrels and customers can buy as little as they need.
There is also a delicious cafe inside serving up traditional Australian cuisine. Make sure to grab a few items to bring along with you to our next picnic spot. My recommendations are the scallop pies (unique to Tasmania), rhubarb cake (if in season) and any of their homemade soups! The best part of this cafe is that it’s not only a tourist spot but a local hangout. If you stop for a short rest you will always meet friendly residents of St. Mary’s who are eager to chat.
Scamander
Get back on the road and travel north along the A4 and A3. The route crosses over to the coast once more, travelling through the small town of Scamander. Before entering the city proper, the A3 highway will pass the great Henderson Lagoon on the east. Scamander is famous as a holiday destination because of its huge white sandy beaches. There are many places to pull over along Scamander Beach to take in the incredible sight of where the sea meets the mouth of the river and the enormous sand spits and dunes that stretch out beside the crystal blue waters.
Cosy Corner South
Driving along the Tasman Highway, we pass through St. Helen’s and veer off to the east along Gardens Road towards Cosy Corner South lookout. This is one of the local’s best recommendations to enjoy the incredible scenic view of the Bay of Fires. While many people only visit “the Gardens” lookout, this one is just, if not more interesting and definitely more secluded. The area is meant as a camping ground but easy enough to stop off at to visit just to enjoy the beach and scenery. This part of the bay features sloping granite rocks fringed by large, sculptural boulders. Sitting in the waters across from the beach is a grouping of rocks called “Old Man Rocks,” which are surrounded by a small reef. Such an amazing slice of Tasmanian landscaping.
Bay of Fires
Head back along Ansons Bay Road, south towards through the Bay of Fires Conservations Area. The Bay of Fires was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773. When the captain first arrived in Tasmania, the first thing he saw upon landing was a group of fires set along the beach by the Aboriginal people living on the island. It was such a powerful sight that he named the area after that encounter.
An iconic part of the Bay of Fires are the coastal rocks covered in bright orange lichen. The rocks found along the shore here are made of dolerite. The most extensive of all dolerite formations worldwide are found here in Tasmania along this coast.
The Gardens
When you finally arrive at ‘the Gardens‘, it will be around dinner time. Find a scenic spot on the beach to enjoy dinner and a sunset! The Gardens were named by Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of the Governor of Tasmania, in the early 1800s. She loved flowers, and when she came to visit, the wildflowers were blooming all across the coastline. The effect left Lady Franklin in awe of this giant natural “garden.”
The waters here are crystal clear and if you’re lucky, keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot a pod of dolphins on their way home. There are even humpback whales that migrate through the area during certain times of the year! It’s just a joy to sit on the rocks as watch the sunset across the water.
Bay of Fires Accommodation
My favourite place to stay is near Skeleton Bay and Binalong Bay. The area was once a retirement village, but it has been transformed into a little spot for surfers, fishers and people who visit the area for snorkelling and nature walks. There are dozens of holiday homes here, most of which can be booked on Airbnb. There are also some rentable bungalows in the area as well. If you need more accommodation options, you can go down to St. Helens. If you are travelling with camping gear or a camper van, there are several amazing camping grounds in this area.
St. Helens is the official end of the Great Eastern Drive. From there, you can either drive to Launceston (2 hours 10 minutes) or back to Hobart along the route you came (3 hours 24 minutes). Personally, I’d highly recommend heading up to Launceston as this town is so wonderfully peaceful and historical it’s totally worth a visit. Plus, they also have an airport where you can hop on a flight back to Melbourne or Sydney.
Let me know in the comment what your favourite part of the Great Eastern Drive is! Or where you are most excited to visit!
Happy Travels, Adventurers
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