TASSIE - DAY 4 - EAST COAST

East Coast - Tasmania

I woke up at 7:15am to a screaming match in Spanish. Half a sleep, I try to open my eyes to see what the fuss is about. For a minute I thought we had Spanish neighbors upstairs having a morning domestic but it turns out to be the Spanish news on TV.

I try my hardest to fall back asleep but nothing I do helps. I throw a pillow onto the floor in frustration before storming off into the kitchen to make myself a coffee. Scoffing down a coffee I flick through the travel brochures highlighting the tourist attractions in Tasmania.

My dad and brother jet off to get the car tyres changed while I jump into the shower. On their return, both my mum and I are ready for the road trip ahead today. We discussed the night before that we should do the East Coast and head towards Wineglass bay. This is the spot the psycho doorman mentioned to us. Its supposed to be an hour away but we soon realize its more than that.

The East Coast escape is 252KMS away however the journey is amazing on the coastal stretches. We cross the Tasman bridge and head towards Sorell. We get to view sandy beaches, breath taking ocean views, relict rainforests, cliffs and various National Parks and Vineyards.

We bypass Sorell towards Orford. Orford is famous for surfing in the ocean at Spring Beach or Raspins Beach. However we decide to keep driving only viewing from the car window. I think it would have been good to stop, as this is the only place you can get views of "Maria Island"

We continue driving from Orford towards Swansea. This is the next small town where you can do a pit stop. It has a very small shopping village. It’s also a place where you can get your hands on farm grown berries, jams and homemade ice cream. It has small cafes and restaurants as well as great picnic spots. It’s also a great spot for swimming, surfing or fishing.

We continue our journey until we hit Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. Freycinet Peninsula is surrounded by granite mountains and white sand beaches. It took us around 4 and a half-hours getting here but the coastal views were definitely worth it.

We park at the information building near the National Park and obtain a pass to travel down to the lookouts. We are told that both Coles Bay and Sleepy Bay lookouts are approx. 20minute walk from their carparks.
We return to the car and slowly make our way to the Coles Bay lookout. After 20minutes we arrive.

BREIF HISTORY- EAST COAST - Wineglass Bay is situated close to the township of Coles Bay where the three red granite mountains called "The Hazards" rise up straight from the sea.

Views of Coles Bay:

We jump back into the car to drive over to the other lookout. We park the car and walk another 20 minutes to arrive at Sleepy Bay.

Views of Sleepy Bay:

With views of Honeymoon Bay:

Wineglass bay:

We return to the car when my brother throws a random tantrum saying that we should go to Launceston today otherwise his not going with us on sunday. The plan was to visit Launceston on Sunday. My parents decide to follow this stupid idea and we realize we have to back track abit to cross over on Campbelltown Highway.

The alternative would be to continue along the East Coast towards Bicheno but it would take longer. Estimated time to get to Launceston from Coles Bay is 2.5 hours. It is then another 2.5 hours to get back to Hobart from Launceston.

We decide to do this, don’t ask why……