Explore the East Coast of Tasmania
Introducing Swansea, the lesser-known but equally as beautiful East Coast of Tasmania.
Swansea has been described as the furthest civilised temperate place on earth from all the troubles of the world and after recently visiting - we can confirm it’s true.
Nestled in an unspoilt bay in remote East Coast Tasmania, Swansea is exactly midway between Hobart and Launceston (1h 46 min drive) and has become a popular base for visitors to the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula.
With views spanning Oyster Bay, Swansea is blessed with some of Tasmania’s longest and prettiest beaches. It also boasts a substantial number of historic homes and buildings which gives it a distinctive charm.
You can take a swim or walk at one of the great local beaches - Jubilee, Nine Mile, Kelvedon or Spiky, or drop your line in Great Oyster Bay to catch your dinner.
There are very few places in the world where you will see a flock of sheep to your right, and the crashing waves of the beach to your left.
Dotted along the coastline are some of Tasmania’s most celebrated wineries and providores that provide the epicurean traveller with sumptuous feasts throughout the seasons. Expect oyster shacks, berry farms, nose-to-tail restaurants and wineries where you can sample fine, cool-climate coast wines. This place has it all right?
Swansea is a true beachside holiday town - but with an edge and it’s definitely worth seeing.
Sleep
Image credit: @piermont
Set on Tasmania’s rugged coastline, you will find 21 cottages made from bio-sustainable stone and local timber. Piermont Retreat says it’s a very special place to stay, rest and eat by the sea and it is just that. Overlooking Great Oyster Bay, the retreat boasts two private beaches, an outdoor pool, a tennis court and an award-winning restaurant. Most rooms come with a log fire and spa bath.
Image credit: @saffirefreycinet
Saffire is set in a beautiful, unspoilt part of Tasmania. It’s the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Freycinet while being completely pampered. Saffire sets itself apart with its approach to one-on-one service and all-inclusive services.
@saffirefreycinet
Eat
Image credit: @melshelloysters
Melshell Oyster Shack is located at Yellow Sandbanks Road in Dolphin Sands - a 20 minute drive from Swansea. Enjoy a fantastic view of the Swan River as you slurp down the freshest oysters.
Image credit: @piermont
Voted as a must-do or taste experience when you’re in Swansea, The Homestead restaurant is helmed by Chef Tristan Stephens who changes the menu daily (it’s not even printed until before the service)- talk about using the freshest local produce. Expect freshly shucked Tasmanian Pacific oysters and abalone from the clear sea stretching beyond the restaurant’s window, with subtle cues to Piermont’s Argentinian heritage, and finished with micro-herbs from the kitchen garden.
Image credit: @thewaterlooinn
If you want to work your way through a seriously impressive menu and have a good time to boot, you’ve come to the right place. The Waterloo in Swansea is everything you want in a neighbourhood pub but better. Head Chef (ex-Movida) Zac Green dishes up a menu that is honest, a little quirky but seriously enjoyable. The menu changes with the tides and the wine list is full of natural and organic goodies. Perfect for a Sunday long lunch - order by the bottle, not the glass.
Image credit: @freycinetmarinefarm
Ever eaten oysters 30 meters from where they were caught? Now is your chance. Freycinet Marine Farm is a charming oyster shack that offers world-class seafood dishes with it all being caught a skip, hop and jump from the kitchen. Order a refreshing James Boag and one of everything on the menu and settle in for arguably the best seafood experience of your life. Book ahead to do an oyster farm tour where you can get your shuck on!
Do
Wineglass Bay Lookout
About 40 min drive from Swansea you will find one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views—the crystal-clear waters and curvaceous white beach of Wineglass Bay. A beautifully constructed track takes you up through coastal woodland, past striking granite boulders, to the lookout. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s a steep 1-2 hour round trip (there are even 1000 stairs at one point) but if you’re up for the challenge - you will be rewarded with a view like no other.
Image credit: @devilscornerwine
Devil’s Corner is where the vines meet the sea. A short 15 min drive from Swansea, Devil’s Corner’s approach to wine is bold yet humble and fearless yet considered. Tasmania is known as one of the greatest places on earth to grow Pinot Noir and Devil’s Corner Pinot is no exception. Open 7 days a week from 10 am you can indulge in a 5 wine glass tasting paddle, BYO picnic blanket and enjoy bubbles on the lawn or snack on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza. We won’t blame you if you spend the entire day here.
Kate’s Berry Farm overlooks rows of berries to breathtaking views across Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet National Park. Tasmania is known for producing some of the world’s best berries due to the cool climate that allows the fruit time to develop full flavour, juice, colour and bouquet. During the picking season (November to May) punnets of freshly picked berries, dripping with deep red juice, are available for purchase. Pop into the cafe and enjoy a jam tasting, freshly baked scones and delicious crepes as well as lots of take-home treats to enjoy long after your visit.
