The Greatest Secrets on Tasmania’s East Coast

Whether your to-do list includes traversing virtually untouched forest tracks, tucking into world-class cuisine or taking a dip along pristine shores, Tasmania’s east coast is a highlight-packed destination for all types of travellers. Despite its popularity, there are still plenty of landmarks, activities and dishes to be discovered. So lean in – we’re about to share some of the greatest secrets of Tasmania’s incredible east coast.

What to do

Explore secluded waterways

With Secret River Kayaking Tours’ personalised adventures, you’ll spend four hours exploring local waterways along the north-east coast. You may be spotting water birds in Ansons Bay, winding down the farmland-fringed Scamander River or throwing a line in at popular fishing spot Georges Bay, but don’t sweat about exerting yourself too much. You’ll be getting around in a pedal kayak, which travels further with minimal effort and keeps your hands free for snapping pictures of the breathtaking surroundings.

Meet local wildlife

Ramp up the cute factor of your getaway by meeting the iconic Aussie animals that call Tasmania’s east coast home. With Bicheno Penguin Tours, watch little penguins waddle in the wild while you learn about life on the rookery. The evening tour (times change seasonally) begins in Bicheno where guests board a bus for a short ride to the penguin habitat – reclaimed farmland rehabilitated back to its natural state of 30 years ago.

The Tasmanian devil is one of Tassie’s trump cards and you can see them at East Coast Natureworld, a 10-minute drive north of Bicheno. As well as naturally present wildlife, the animals living amid these 60 hectares of coastal bushland and lagoons are largely injured or orphaned. Between September and March, book ahead for the Baby Devil Encounter to ensure a cuddle with the adorable devil joeys. You’ll also be able to interact with echidnas, wombats and sugar gliders and observe native reptiles, birds, quolls and more. And from May to August, take advantage of the Early Birds Breaky to watch the birds and wildlife (and have a morning bite at the cafe) before the complex opens.

Hike in Douglas Apsley National Park

Forty minutes’ drive north of Bicheno you’ll find Douglas Apsley National Park – a spectacular spot to stretch your legs on a range of short and long hikes. Here you’ll discover eucalyptus-lined paths, fields of seasonal wildflowers and a river gorge full of hidden swimming holes. Pack a picnic (if you’re not up for DIY, try a curated feast by Pop Up Picnics) and park yourself alongside the Apsley waterhole, then work up an appetite with a dip in the refreshing turquoise waters.

Where to stay

Sea Stacks

Sea Stacks are three self-contained architectural cubes standing amid the sea grass 10 kilometres north of Bicheno. With tranquil forest to one side and the ever-transforming ocean on the other, each structure is inspired by the coastal environment. Their styling is unique to the Tasmanian granite minerals they’re named after – Feldspar, Mica and Quartz. Sip a local drop by the fireplace, take in the views of the Denison Rivulet or luxuriate with Aesop products in a deep bathtub (we rather fancy Mica’s bespoke brass one). Each sleeps two adults and is self-catering – stock up on local produce on your meandering way there.

Where to eat and drink

Little Bay Patisserie

Start your day with a stack of pastries and a top-notch coffee from Little Bay Patisserie. This boutique bakery in Bicheno specialises in unique creations made with ingredients from local suppliers. If you’re really lucky, you might be in town when the cabinet is stocked with crisp, creamy walnut-and-pecan praline croissants.

Waubs Harbour Whisky Distillery

Book in for a tour and tasting (bookings are essential) at the family-run Waubs Harbour Distillery, situated in a former oyster hatchery on the ocean’s edge in Bicheno. You’ll learn about the unique methodology – including a sustainable cooling system powered entirely by the ocean, plus the five salt-laden bond rooms – before trying the rich, oily Waubs Harbour Maritime Single-Malt Whisky while watching waves break over the rocks.

Craigie Knowe Vineyard

Swirl and sip pinot noir just metres from the oldest vineyard on Tasmania’s east coast, managed by father and son Glenn and Alex Travers. At this rustic cellar door, you’ll learn about the process behind the exceptional drops at Craigie Knowe Vineyard, with options to add accompaniments such as a Gourmet Vineyard Platter featuring Coal River Farm and Pyengana Dairy cheeses, Casalinga Tasmanian cured meats, homemade pinot noir paste and crusty bread. Or book ahead for Sunday High Tea with pastries matched to wines at the onsite patisserie.

SEE ALSO: How to Explore Tasmania’s Enchanted Takayna / Tarkine Forest