Wineglass Bay and Freycinet from Hobart: Is the Long Day Worth It?
5 min read
The Wineglass Bay day trip is worth it if the lookout view is what you want and you are happy to spend about ten hours in a vehicle and on short walks. It is the wrong day if you hope to spend time on the beach itself: the guided walks go to the lookout; the active tour says you can continue down to the sand on your own, and the day trip advertises flexible hiking options, so ask its operator whether they reach the beach. Check the age limit before you book, because the three tours disagree.
| Tour | Length | From | Rating | Group and age rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wineglass Bay, Freycinet and Richmond small-group tour | 10.5 hours | €94.99 | 4.8/5 from 486 reviews | Up to 13 guests; not for under 8 |
| Wineglass Bay and Freycinet active tour | 1 day, back about 6pm | €105.44 | 4.8/5 from 270 reviews | Up to 20 guests; minimum age 8 |
| Wineglass Bay and Freycinet day trip | 10 hours | €106.06 | 4.7/5 from 284 reviews | Not suitable for under 18 or low fitness |
What the walks really are
Parks and Wildlife Tasmania lists the Wineglass Bay Lookout as 2.6 km return, one to 1.5 hours, grade 3. Walking down to Wineglass Bay beach is a 6 km return of 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and the full circuit via Hazards Beach is 11 km, 4 to 5 hours, grade 4. The tours match the first of these. The small-group tour describes a moderate 1.5-hour return walk to the lookout, and the active tour a 45-minute uphill walk from the car park, suited to moderate to good fitness. The active tour says guests can extend the walk down to the beach for swimming, as an alternative to returning from the lookout with the guide; ask the guide on the day how much time that leaves. The circuit does not fit into any of these days. The park’s beaches are unpatrolled and the cliffs are hazardous, so supervise children closely.
Where the three tours differ
All three include the National Parks fee; food and drink are extra. The small-group tour adds Richmond on the way home and Raspins Beach with views of Maria Island; like the active tour, it stops at a bakery on the way and visits Honeymoon Bay, Cape Tourville and Devil’s Corner winery. It is offered in English and Italian. The active tour has the lookout walk, lunch at Honeymoon Bay (bring or buy bakery food on the way), the Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk and Devil’s Corner. It lists children under 8, people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users as not suitable, and does not allow walking sticks or frames. Its free cancellation ends two days before the tour; the other two allow it up to 24 hours ahead. The third tour walks to the lookout, adds short scenic walks and stops at Freycinet Marine Farm, where seafood is at your own cost. Its page lists children under 18 and people with a low level of fitness as not suitable.
Driving yourself
If you want the beach, the circuit or a night near Coles Bay, a day tour will not give it to you. A hired car lets you set your own pace along the east coast through Orford, Triabunna and Swansea; compare rental cars for Hobart and check the excess first. Parks and Wildlife Tasmania puts the park about 2.5 to 3 hours from Hobart by road.
Recommendation
Take the small-group tour at €94.99 for a smaller group with hotel pickup and Richmond included, or the active tour at €105.44 if you may want the beach. Look at the day trips from Hobart if a shorter day suits you better.
