When was the last time you just stopped?
Coles Bay is a hidden gem, a place where it is easy to lose track of time. A place where life is quieter, slower, where priorities can be rest, where everything around you is simply designed to nourish your soul and your mind.
Imagine crystal clear water lapping upon white sandy beaches, the sound of seagulls squawking, along with the feel of sand beneath your feet as you take in the scent of our wonderfully fresh ocean sea air, awakening all the senses, preparing you for dreamy seafood feasts and delicious local wine.
Coles Bay is one of Tasmania’s best known coastal towns and is a treasured holiday playground. The gateway to Freycinet National Park, it is a true holiday destination, fringed by stunning beaches including the world-famous Wineglass Bay, majestic mountains, and protected forests.
Located on the Great Eastern Drive 2.5 hours north of Hobart, and 2 hours south east of Launceston, Coles Bay is the gateway to Freycinet National Park, Tasmania’s oldest National Park. The park is huge, covering an area of 169 square km, it is a haven for wildlife and fantastic scenic walks. Sightings of Tassie Devils, echidnas, wallabies, wombats, white bellied sea eagles, pademelons and more are enjoyed in this area. The well marked walking tracks ensure people come can enjoy this truly spectacular place.
Here you can enjoy everything from easy boardwalks or rugged climbs up majestic mountains with the reward of panoramic scenery around the peninsula. Book a memorable sightseeing cruise, try sea kayaking, paddle boarding or ATV trekking, maybe even a scenic helicopter flight over the peninsula. But if you are here to just stop, relax and soak up the never ending views over a plate of fresh ingredients from down the road or the sea, complemented by local award winning wines, then we have you covered.
Couples can leisurely explore the park or take a guided tour to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Hiking trails range from short and easy to more challenging and multi-day treks, but all lead to stunning view points. Enjoy the vista of Wineglass, Coles and Great Oyster Bays via the world renowned Wineglass Bay lookout. For the adventurers - sunrise from the peak of Mt Amos is a must.
Choose from inspired seasonal menus that showcase the finest regional produce, including some of the best seafood in Tasmania. Complement your meal with a local vintage or award-winning sparkling Tasmanian wine.
Edged by Muir’s and Richardson’s beaches, and the romantically named Honeymoon Bay, Coles Bay is ideal for kayaking, walking, swimming, snorkelling, boating and simply just enjoying the sunshine with the pink granite Hazards Ranges as a stunning backdrop. The nearby Friendly Beaches has some great surf along three kilometres of a spectacularly white sandy beach, and sand dunes to explore. Take an ATV adventure or guided tour to Bluestone Bay or near the southern end of Friendly Beaches.
With just over 500 residents, we are a small community, but we are big on seafood. You will find the freshest oysters, mussels, crayfish, calamari and flathead on the menu of the town’s restaurants, taverns, bistros and cafes. Or visit the local farm gate and eat our fantastic oysters and mussels harvested daily, for a sensational culinary delight!
There are many accommodation options in this small seaside village. Live like a local in a classic Tassie shack or a modern beach house, pitch a tent in the National Park or bring your van to the Iluka Caravan Park. Or treat yourself to Freycinet Lodge, Edge of the Bay, Picnic Island, or the luxe Saffire experience. Whatever your choice, you are never far away from the charming small-town centre where there is always opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn about their coastal story.
From world class landscapes, plentiful wildlife, fresh seafood, local wine and a variety of activities - both leisurely and adventurous, to some of the most acclaimed accommodation offerings in the world, Coles Bay proves it is a 'must visit' destination. From the moment you leave this lovely place you will be booking your return visit to stunning Coles Bay.
COLES BAY ITINERARY
Now more than ever, couples are embracing time spent together, adventuring further, and getting back to nature. This self-drive holiday will provide all the elements needed to escape the everyday and get back in touch with the simple things in life.
Couples will delight in inquisitive wildlife encounters, raw untouched scenery, hidden bays and beaches, and being able to indulge on local produce from land and sea, and of course some local wine.
Maybe throw in a little rush of adrenaline creating this Coles Bay getaway the perfect antidote to everyday life.
On your way to Coles Bay there are a myriad of beautiful vineyards and restaurants to visit. When you eventually roll into town and are welcomed to your romantic accommodation such as Saffire or Freycinet Lodge, it is time to just stop!
DAY 1 : Coles Bay - The Freycinet Way!
8.00am Wake up to private views of Oyster Bay in a Bay View Coastal Pavilion at Freycinet Lodge as you consider your first move for the day. A quick dip in the clear cool water at Honeymoon Bay with your loved one will be an awakening like no other. Depending on how brave you are, this can be done all year round. wetsuits permitted.
9.00 With the promise of a fabulous day ahead it is time to follow the waft of barista made coffee and your hunger to Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar. Nestled in the centre of town, the good people at Geographe will fuel you with amazing coffee and the best breakfast to set you up for the day.
After breakfast at 10am it is time to head out cruising with Wineglass Bay Cruises, a 4.5 hour cruise to the famous Wineglass Bay. Not only do you get to cruise past some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you also get served a delicious lunch whilst bobbing around in the turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay.
On your return at 2.30pm, take the leisurely drive to the Tourville lighthouse, where you can wander the boardwalk and enjoy mesmerising views out to the Tasman Sea. The towering red granite lichen coated cliffs make this coastline so unique.
4.30pm head back to your eco-tourism resort Freycinet Lodge to enjoy a glass of local sparkling wine in your private 'on deck' bath soaking in bushland setting.
6.30pm Head to 'The Bay' restaurant at the lodge for a romantic dinner where you can choose from an inspired seasonal menu that showcases the finest regional produce, including some of the best seafood in Tasmania. Complement your meal with a local vintage or an award-winning sparkling Tasmanian wine. All while overlooking the unmissable Hazards mountains as the sun sets.
Day 2 : Coles Bay - Time to embrace your inner child!
9.00am Day 2 starts with a delicious breakfast at Granite, on the Esplanade overlooking Muirs Beach, where you can start to pump yourself up for a day of adventure in nature.
10.30am Head out on a thrilling ALL4 adventure and scenic 2 hour guided tour on ATV's through isolated parts of Freycinet National Park. Wind your way through eucalypt covered hills, boulder strewn valleys and coastal heath, to where red granite, blue seas and fine white sands collide at South Friendly Beaches. Or head to the dramatic sea cliffs of Bluestone Bay for panoramic views of the Freycinet Peninsula and a glimpse of Wineglass Bay. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
1.00pm After working up an appetite on the ATV's it is time to drop in at the farm gate of Freycinet Marine Farm who bring the pristine tastes and stories of the unique seas of Tasmania to life. You can enjoy oysters and mussels harvested fresh from their farm daily, as well as scallops, rock lobster and salmon which are sourced from local fisherman.
3.00pm After lunch it is time to explore the beauty of Friendly Beaches, where you can swim, surf, climb the sand dunes or just sit and take in the magnificent views after a busy morning of action. By now you will be starving again and it is time to head to the Iluka Holiday Park Tavern for a well-earned casual meal to toast your day of action and adventure where you can get together with the locals to share a tale or two.
6.00pm By now you will be starving again and it is time to head to the Iluka Tavern for a well earned casual meal to toast your day of action and adventure where you can get together with the locals to share a tale or two.
