Tassie’s East Coast is a natural rainbow of white sands, turquoise bays, and emerald forests.
With 221 kilometres of coastline lapped by the Tasman Sea, the East Coast is home to Tasmania’s flagship beaches and most Instagrammed natural landscapes. Whether you’re strolling the white-sand beaches of the Bay of Fires, wine tasting along the East Coast Wine Trail, or road-tripping between coastal villages along the Great Eastern Drive, you’ll find an adventure to fit all four seasons. There’s good news for campers, too. The East Coast boasts Tassie’s warmest, driest temperatures, making camping a year-round pastime. Pitch your tent right on the beach, check into a holiday park with plenty of amenities, or snag a rural Hipcamp, cosy cabin, or luxury glamping site.
North-East Tasmania
Start your East Coast road trip in the north, where spectacular views and wildlife sightings await at the Bay of Fires—there are even free camping spots to be found. To the north, the striking coastline of Mount William National Park is ablaze with wildflowers through spring and summer, and it’s the ideal time for snorkelling and scuba diving. Further south, St Helens and the Surf Coast is the place to surf, hike, and fish along the coast.
Freycinet
Three of the East Coast’s national parks are found along the southern stretch of coast, starting with the hugely popular Freycinet National Park. Hiking, sea kayaking, and snorkelling are fun ways to explore Wineglass Bay and the surrounding coastline, and the beach camping is second to none. Nearby, there’s forest hiking and camping at Douglas Apsley National Park and car-free camping near the painted cliffs of Maria Island National Park.
Tasman Peninsula
Dangling off Tasmania’s southeast corner, the Tasman Peninsula is dominated by towering sea cliffs. Explore the coastal hikes, hidden sea caves, and windswept beaches of the Tasman National Park, uncover Tasmania’s convict history at the Port Arthur Historic Site, or tackle some of the island’s most epic surf. You’ll find great camping in and around the national park or, for a more local experience, the peninsula is also peppered with Hipcamps.