Tassie's best beaches

Want to swim at gorgeous beaches that are clean and uncrowded? Seeking adventure with a rugged and remote beach backdrop? Or stunning scenery like iconic Wineglass Bay, and Bay of Fires’ pure white sand, blue water and rocks covered in bright orange lichen? Tassie’s pristine coastline’s got it all.

Walking up to the Wineglass Bay lookout to see this famously curvy embrace between land and sea is high on Tasmanian wish lists. Why not keep going, and actually step on that white sand, or even splash in the aquamarine waters? One of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks takes in the lookout, Wineglass Bay and long, sandy Hazards Beach too. This half-day hike through Freycinet National Park is 11 kilometres in all, so pack a picnic and have lunch at one of nature’s icons.

Another top spot for enjoying the east coast’s sugar-white sand and blue waters is the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, between Binalong Bay and Eddystone Point. This 50-kilometre stretch of coast is also splashed with orange lichen – making a colourful combo that puts it among the world’s most beautiful beaches according to Lonely Planet. The Bay of Fires actually has a series of beaches, including Cosy Corner, The Gardens, Jeanneret and Swimcart, but you can park yourself almost anywhere along here for a stroll, swim or kayak with va-va voom views.

Stretching 30-plus kilometres along the wild west coast, from Macquarie Harbour’s entrance (aka Hell’s Gates) to Trial Harbour, Ocean Beach is Tasmania’s longest. It’s a place of panoramic sunsets and monster Southern Ocean waves – sometimes more than 20 metres high, as no land breaks their journey between here and Argentina more than 10,000 kilometres west. It feels like the edge of the world, but don’t worry, it’s only a short drive from Strahan, or walk in across the massive Henty Dunes.

Also backed by big toboggan-worthy dunes, gracefully curved, sandy coloured Crescent Bay beach has grand views of Cape Pillar and Tasman Island across cobalt-blue waters. On the Tasman Peninsula near Port Arthur, it’s a 90-minute walk from the car park at Remarkable Cave (a seaside sight also well worth checking out). Half way along you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping Crescent Bay vista – and if you fancy taking a short detour near the beach, there’s another fine view from atop tiny Mount Brown.

It’s hard to believe clean, quiet Coningham Beach is only 30 minutes’ drive from central Hobart – but it’s true, you can see Mount Wellington while swimming in its safe, sheltered waters. Part of the Coningham Nature Recreation Area, it’s a local favourite, yet there’s always plenty of space to park your car and beach towel. Crystal-clear sea meets tree-lined sandy beach, with colourful boat sheds at one end and sandstone cliffs at the other. If you want even more seclusion, walk 15 minutes along the clifftop track to Legacy Beach.

An hour’s drive west of Devonport, Boat Harbour’s beach is rated among Tasmania’s most picturesque by those who have discovered this hidden gem. Think clean blue water with family-friendly waves, black volcanic outcrops and rock pools. The sound of seagulls and kids having a ball, including in the playground built on the pale sand, and treats at the beachfront surf club. You might even spot dolphins, seals and whales that sometimes glide into this sheltered harbour.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.