Things to do in East Coast
-
A
Banc
Banc showcases fresh east-coast produce in dishes like venison steak, slow-roasted suckling pig and abalone confit with fresh lime mirin. Lazy late breakfasts are served Sunday and Monday.
reviewed
-
Maria Island
The car-free Maria Island was declared a national park in 1972. Its mixed history provides some interesting convict and industrial ruins among some exquisite natural features: forests, fern gullies, fossil-studded sandstone and limestone cliffs, and empty beaches. Maria is popular with bushwalkers, mountain bikers and bird-watchers, and snorkellers and divers are in for a treat. National park fees apply; island info is available at the visitors reception area in the old Commissariat Store near the ferry pier.
reviewed
-
B
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…
reviewed
-
Kabuki by the Sea
Try the marinated una ju (eel) or the baby east-coast abalone. Incongruously, good Devonshire teas are also available. There's also accommodation (doubles $180) here that styles itself on a Japanese ryokan (inn). It's 12km south of Swansea.
reviewed
-
C
Ugly Duck Out
This casual diner was named as a play on Swansea's Swan Inn, which burned down some years ago. The Sydney Morning Herald has proclaimed it the home of the best fish and chips in Tasmania – they also do a great salads, gourmet burgers, curries and pastas. The whole menu is available as takeaway.
reviewed
-
D
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).
reviewed
-
E
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.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
F
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.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Kate's Berry Farm
Kate's farm, about 3km south of Swansea, has become an essential stop for east-coast tourers. It sells homemade jams, wines, sauces and divine ice cream, and has a lovely cafe serving berry-good afternoon teas.
reviewed
-
G
Trellis
This trendy little eatery in the main street serves excellent breakfasts and cafe lunches. Out the back there's a boutique wine store that sells some of the fine east coast drops.
reviewed
-
H
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.
reviewed
-
I
Ebb
Ebullient Ebb wins the groovy vote in Swansea – a bright modern waterfront dining room decorated with art and Pacific tapa-cloth serving fresh, light lunches and à la carte dinners big on local seafood.
reviewed
-
J
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).
reviewed
-
K
Swansea Holiday Park at Schouten Beach
If you like to cruise around on two wheels, you can hire mountain bikes from Swansea Holiday Park at Schouten Beach.
reviewed
-
L
Heritage Centre
This centre was a school in the 1860s, but now features local history exhibits and an ancient billiard table.
reviewed
-
M
Morris’ General Store
The red-brick 1838 Morris’ General Store is one of the many still-functioning historic buildings in Swansea.
reviewed
-
Anglican Church
There are many still-functioning historic buildings, including the 1871 Anglican Church.
reviewed
-
Freycinet Air
Scenic flights over the park from the Friendly Beaches airstrip. Flights start at $95 for 30 minutes.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
N
Council Chambers
The 1860 Council Chambers is one of the many still-functioning historic buildings in Swansea.
reviewed
-
Maria Island Walk
reviewed
-
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).
reviewed
-
O
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.
reviewed
-
Swansea Bark Mill Tavern & Bakery
There are two good dining options at the Swansea Bark Mill. The bakery does cooked breakfasts until 11am, and the tavern offers great pub fare, excellent wood-fired pizzas and takeaways.
reviewed
