Blessed with some of the coast’s longest and prettiest beaches, Swansea is a true beachside holiday town. Established in the 1820s as Waterloo Point, it is one of Tasmania’s oldest towns, with rich history.
Leave the car behind and take a walk around town to admire the fine examples of colonial architecture along the self-guided walk through the town (taking time to browse the town’s shops and galleries along the way), or visit the East Coast Heritage Museum at the Visitor Information Centre. Or, drop in to The Bark Mill Tavern, Bakery and Museum for lunch and a deeper insight into local history.
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 supper. You can also whet your appetite at one of Swansea’s great cafés or restaurants, treat your palate to locally grown berries and hand made chocolates at Kate’s Berry Farm or visit a local winery to sample fine, cool-climate east coast wines.
Getting there
Swansea is 1hr and 46min from both Hobart and Launceston
Must do’s
- Pick up the Swansea Heritage Walk booklet from the Heritage Museum and Visitor Centre for self-guided walks through the town
- Watch the sunrise over The Hazards Mountains
- Walk the Loon.tite.ter.mair.re.le.hoin.er track, named after the local Aboriginal people, from Waterloo to Schouten Beach with stunning views
- Explore Nine Mile Beach from Sandy Point Bagot to Meredith River with views across Great Oyster Bay to Schouten Island and Freycinet Peninsula
- The night sky here is full of wonder. Pack a picnic dinner, rug up with fine East Coast food and wine, and gaze at nature’s light show with friends
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