Reasons to love the Great Eastern Drive
FRESHSEAFOOD. Sample oysters and mussels plucked straight from the leases at Freycinet Marine Farm. Oyster Bay Tours offers a detailed look at the farm’s briny life and instruction in the art of oyster-shucking, or settle with a seafood meal on the dining deck at the Lobster Shack, just steps from the fishing fleet in Bicheno. CELLARDOORS. Rustic Gala Estate has been owned by the same family since 1821. Another pioneer of east-coast wine is Freycinet Vineyard, first planted in 1979. Visit Spring Vale Vineyard and its cellar door in a stable built by convicts in 1842. WILDLIFE. Step ashore on Maria Island to see wombats, wallabies, Cape Barren geese and Tasmanian devils. Join Bicheno Penguin Tours to watch little penguins shuffle ashore, or stop at East Coast Natureworld for cuddles with rescued fur-babies.
BEACHES. The flawless arc of Wineglass Bay steals hearts, but the Great Eastern Drive is lined with stunning beaches you’ll probably have all to yourself. Appreciate the unusual colour palette of white sand, orange boulders and blue seas at larapuna/Bay of Fires.
NATIONALPARKS. Freycinet is one of the state’s oldest national parks, with postcard beaches draped across the toes of bare granite peaks. Douglas-Apsley National Park flies under the radar, but its hills and spectacular gorges are ideal for hiking and swimming. In Mount William National Park, it’s empty white beaches by day and crowds of wildlife by night.
FAMILYFUN. Go for a spin on the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails, with tracks for all levels. Cruise Freycinet on ALL4Adventure’s quad bikes or find a protected beach and choose the perfect site to build an elaborate sand castle.
WATERWAYS. Wineglass Bay Cruises delivers stunning views of the island’s most photogenic beach. Explore waterways by kayak with Secret River Tours or try game fishing at St Helens with Keen Angler Charters.