Total Miles Traveled: 56,392
Coles Bay is next to the Freycinet National Park on the east coast of Tasmania. It’s where the famed Wineglass Bay is, purportedly one of the world’s top 10 beaches. The drive from Hobart is pretty spectacular, with jaw-dropping scenery, blueblue water and some nice wineries reminiscent of California vineyards (try visiting Freycinet, Coombend and Kelvedon (appt only) for their Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs). The area also boasts a marine farm where they grow oysters (yum) that are reminiscent of kumamotos.
The sunset at the Edge of the Bay restaurant, is worth a try if you are staying in the area:
We hiked to the lookout to Wineglass Bay (30 minute medium effort uphill) but it was quite overcast and started raining. It’s probably a beautiful beach when it’s clear, but we didn’t go down to find out so the jury’s still out on the top 10 beach reputation. I’m not convinced!
Interesting rock formation… (who’s that hiding? It’s an egg, it’s a headless man… NO! It’s an Egg Head)
Interesting pine cones:
Interesting tree bark:
Looking down a steep cliff:
Here’s another bay in the national park – the orange stuff are lichens growing on the rock.
Tide pools with seaweed:
Anyway, we definitely recommend a drive up the east coast of Tasmania. Worth spending a couple of days in Coles Bay and not rush it like we ended up doing. Have a look at all of our photos from Coles Bay below:
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