Spring is a delightful time of year to visit Tasmania. The daylight hours are starting to lengthen, which means no more waking up in the dark, and the temperatures are rising. But the state is still on the quieter side, which means it’s possible to head out and explore without encountering too many big crowds – even at the most popular spots. Don’t be surprised if you go for a walk on one of the East Coast’s beautiful beaches and discover that you’re the only person there.
Celebrating the arrival of spring in Tasmania
After making it through another long winter, Tasmanians always enjoy getting out and celebrating… and what’s our favourite way to party in the island state? With good food and wine, of course! The Great Eastern Wine Weekend takes place over the first weekend in September, and it’s a wonderful showcase of the best food and wine from the East Coast region. Many of the vineyards and cellar doors that you can find dotted along the Great Eastern Drive take part in the weekend, offering tastings, discounts and special events.
Under normal circumstances, the Great Eastern Wine Weekend would be followed by the Bicheno Food and Wine Festival – just a short drive up the coast from Freycinet Resort. Unfortunately, the 2020 Festival won’t be taking place due to COVID19 restrictions, but their program of local music, cooking classes, exhibitions and speakers will be back in 2021.
Bushwalking around Freycinet and Tasmania’s East Coast
With warmer, lighter days a certainty, spring is a great season for bushwalking in Tasmania, and if you’re staying on the Freycinet Peninsula you’ve got plenty of options.
Freycinet National Park is the most obvious place to start, and there’s a range of day walks on offer that will allow you to explore the varied, dramatic landscapes.
Mount Amos is a Grade 4 bushwalk, recommended for experienced bushwalkers only. Once you reach the summit of Mount Amos, part of the dazzling granite Hazards range, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views that stretch from Wineglass Bay, across the isthmus to Hazards Beach, and all the way down to the southern peaks of the Peninsula.
The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit is another challenging Grade 4 walk that takes around five hours to complete. Encompassing dry eucalypt forest, the beauty of Wineglass Bay itself, and stunning views over Great Oyster Bay and Coles Bay, it’s hard to imagine a better way to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.
For less experienced walkers, the 3km walk to Wineglass Bay lookout, or even the 500m walk up to Cape Tourville still offer worthwhile glimpses into the unique landscapes of the Freycinet Peninsula.
Bushwalkers around Freycinet can expect to see plenty of wildlife at any time of year, but spring is particularly special. Nesting season means there will be plenty of bird activity, so make sure you bring along binoculars. You might also be lucky enough to spot a baby possum or wallaby baby in their mother’s pouch, or even a tiny echidna snuffling around in quiet bushland. Take as many photos as you like, but please give our beautiful native wildlife plenty of space and don’t attempt to feed them.
Freycinet Resort as the perfect base to explore from
With Freycinet National Park right on the doorstep, and both Douglas-Apsley NP and Mount William NP within driving distance, Freycinet Resort is the perfect base for guests to enjoy the bushwalking opportunities on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Due to our unique location right on the edge of Coles Bay Conservation Area, we are also able to offer a number of walking opportunities that leave directly from our property.
Some of the day walks that may be of interest to our guests include: a 10km walk from the resort to Friendly Beaches; and two 12km walks to the centre of Coles Bay and to Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre. The walks all begin beside Barn Lodge, where an information board provides further details.
The trails that leave from Freycinet Resort are best suited to experienced bushwalkers. Within minutes, you will find yourself immersed in the diverse habitat of the area – coastal sand dunes, dry open forest, woodland and heath.
In spring, make sure to keep a keen eye out for some of the small native wildflowers that add splashes of colour to the landscape. Overhead, you might be lucky enough to see a white-bellied sea eagle soaring on the currents, or perhaps even a wedge-tailed eagle. After a long, tiring day bushwalking and enjoying the beauty of the area, we look forward to welcoming you back to the resort, where a glass of local wine and a comfortable bed awaits.
***Due to ongoing COVID19 restrictions, please check local listings before planning your visit.
– Ruth Dawkins ( commissioned by Freycinet Resort)