Things to do in Coles Bay & Freycinet National Park
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Freycinet National Park
Sheathed in coastal heaths, orchids and wildflowers, Freycinet incorporates Freycinet Peninsula, people-free Schouten Island and the lesser-known Friendly Beaches north of Coles Bay. Black cockatoos, yellow wattlebirds, honeyeaters and Bennett's wallabies flap and bounce between the bushes. Long hikes include the two-day, 31km peninsula circuit, and shorter tracks include the up-and-over saddle climb to Wineglass Bay. Ascend the saddle as far as Wineglass Bay Lookout (one to 1½ hours return, 600 steps each way) or continue down the other side to the beach (2½ to three hours return). Alternatively, the 500m wheelchair-friendly boardwalk at Cape Tourville affords sweeping…
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All4Adventure
Get off the beaten track into parts of the national park few others access. Two-hour quad bike tours (with 30 minutes' training beforehand) depart daily at 1pm and 4.30pm (the latter only during daylight saving), costing $115. Half-day tours to the Friendly Beaches and lovely Bluestone Bay depart at 8am and cost $195. A driver's licence is essential. They also have ATV passenger vehicles for adults or kids ($65/105 two hours/half-day).
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Madge Malloys
Madge has her own fishing boat, reeling in your fresh-from-the-sea dinner. The fish o' the day might be poached wrasse or steam-baked bastard trumpeter. Fresh lobster, oysters and east-coast produce round out an innovative and ever-changing menu. Bookings recommended.
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Freycinet Experience
Freycinet Experience offers a four-day, 37km, fully catered traverse of the entire peninsula ($2175). Walkers return each evening to the secluded and environmentally sensitive Friendly Beaches Lodge to enjoy gourmet meals and local wine.
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Oystercatcher
Local seafood is well prepared for diners inside or on the deck, and for those stopping by for takeaway. Laid-back daytime cafe fare makes this a popular spot for coffee, salads, fish and chips, and classic scallop pies.
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Freycinet Bakery & Café
This bakery has fuelled many a Freycinet walking epic. Pick up pies, cakes and sandwiches here or enjoy a lazy all-day breakfast outside.
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Iluka Tavern
This popular, friendly pub gets packed with tourists and locals. Among the reef 'n' beef and chicken parmigiana, you'll also find Thai green prawn curry and seafood linguine.
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Freycinet Adventures
Freycinet Adventures offers three-hour tours ($95) twice daily (morning and twilight – times vary seasonally) that allow you to get a glimpse of the peninsula from the water. Kayak hire is available for experienced paddlers ($55 per person per day).
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Freycinet Air
Scenic flights over the park from the Friendly Beaches airstrip. Flights start at $95 for 30 minutes.
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Wineglass Bay Cruises
Four-hour cruises to Wineglass Bay (adult/child $110/75) including champagne, oysters and nibbles. Look forward to dolphins, sea eagles, seals, penguins and perhaps migrating whales in the right season. Departure times vary through the year (9am midsummer and 10am shoulder season). Book several days in advance.
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Seafood Munchies
Local seafood is well prepared for diners inside or on the deck, and for those stopping by for takeaway. Laid-back daytime cafe fare makes this a popular spot for coffee, salads, fish and chips, and classic scallop pies.
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Long Lunch Tour Co.
Foodie Brad Bowden arranges gastronomic adventures of the east coast. Combine top wines, tempting morsels and berries ($130), take an afternoon wine-and-nibbles tour ($65), or travel all the way from Hobart stopping to wine and dine along the way ($220).
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Freycinet Marine Farm
Just off the Coles Bay road is Freycinet Marine Farm, which grows huge, succulent oysters ($14 a dozen) in the tidal waters of Moulting Lagoon. Try freshly shucked oysters, mussels, rock lobsters and abalone. BYO wine (or buy here) and enjoy a seafood picnic. In winter, put your money in the box and help yourself from the fridge.
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Coles Bay Gear Hire
Hires dinghies with outboards and all safety equipment ($100/120 per two/three hours). Also rents fishing equipment (with boats or without) and can advise on good shore-based fishing spots. The friendly owner even guts and fillets your fish for you when you return. Snorkelling equipment and Canadian canoes ($55/65 per two/three hours for two people) are also available for hire.
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