What’s your idea of the perfect outdoor adventure? Sea kayaking around a ruggedly beautiful coast, or a gentle cruise to secluded bays with a glass of sparkling and freshly shucked oysters? A multi-day bushwalk with a couple of peaks to conquer, or a gentle stroll to a cascading waterfall?
You might fancy testing your endurance and skill on a world class Mountain Bike trail or soak up the view lazing the day away on a long white beach. Whatever your sense of adventure is, you’ll find a way to follow it on the East Coast.
Everything from sea kayaking, bushwalking, camping, surfing and deep-sea fishing, to rock climbing, golf, four-wheel driving and mountain biking, this is a region where your sense of adventure can be truly indulged.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
St Helens Mountain Bike Network
If you’re an adventurous soul with a love of two wheels, you’ll find some of the best mountain bike trails you could wish for. Tasmania’s East Coast is also a classic cycle-friendly destination. The mild climate, gently curving roads and incredible views create a superb environment for bike touring. Travelling by bike also means you can take full advantage of the fantastic experiences of the Great Eastern Drive, at your own pace. Cycle all or part of the way on the Great Eastern Drive, take your bike to Maria Island to explore the island on two wheels, or take your mountain bike off road and try out the fantastic trails at St Helens Mountain Bike Trails.
St Helens Mountain Bike Network
The St Helens Mountain Bike Trails offer a coastal, mountain bike experience over two stunning locations. An epic 44km ride that starts at the top of the Blue Tier and winds through rainforest and eucalypt forest to Swimcart beach. And closer to town is the Trailhead, a stacked loop of more than 66km of trails of varying difficulty, scenery and length. This network features a range of trails from beginner to professional that include loops, descents and a multi-use Town Link trail which follows scenic Georges Bay to the centre of town.
If you need to hire a bike or get a shuttle, jump onboard with the team at Gravity Isle or join a tour with Shredly Adventures.
Experience Australia’s undisputed mecca of mountain biking at The Dragon Trail MTB race from 17 – 19 March 2022. On each of the three unique days of racing, you will experience the joys of sensational flowing single track, purpose-built by trail gurus World Trail, through some of the most remarkable landscapes in Tasmania.
Waterfalls
Swimming in the rockpools at Halls Falls. Photo credit: Eloise Matthewson
Tasmania’s East Coast has several impressive waterfalls.
St Columba Falls, Hall’s Falls, Hardings Falls, Evercreech Falls, Meetus Falls, Lost Falls, Mathinna Falls and Ralphs Falls are all contained within forest reserves located inland from the coast, many within a short drive of each other.
Take a full day to explore and visit several falls, or factor in your favourite as a side trip on your way. Click here to read more about the waterfalls.
Bush Walking
wulkalina Walk. Photo credit: Rob Burnett
Tasmania’s East Coast has places that were made to discover on foot – from diverse national parks to our endless beaches. Sometimes, walking is the best way to discover something wonderful. Slowing down to a walking pace lets us see and experience things we would otherwise miss.
Whether you want a gentle stroll or a physical challenge; a seaside ramble or a mountain vista; a long day’s outing or a short wander, East Coast Tasmania’s Great Short Walks has plenty for you.
Freycinet National Park has a number of walks including the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit which is a 27km 2-3 day hike. Walk your way right round Maria Island with a number of day walks or take a 4-day all-inclusive guided walk.
Surfing
Surfing at Kelvedon Beach Boat Shed. Photo Credit: Michael Walters Photography;
Tasmania’s East Coast has no shortage of prime surf spots. Step off almost anywhere from Orford to Ansons Bay and you can take your pick of uncrowded breaks. The best surf spots are clustered along the Surf Coast, between Bicheno (including Red Bill Beach) and St Helens Point. The beaches at Seymour, Chain of Lagoons, Four Mile Creek, Falmouth, Scamander and Beaumaris offer reliable swells year-round, with crystal clear waves rolling into smooth white sand just about everywhere you look.
You can book in a lesson at 42 South Surf School and you’ll also find surf shops in towns along this stretch of coast, where you can buy or hire gear and acquire some local knowledge on where to find the best breaks.
Fishing
Fishing on the beach at St Helens Point. Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania & Glenn Gibson
All along the Great Eastern Drive, from Orford to St Helens and the Bay of Fires, you’ll find opportunities to throw in a line and try for catches of Australian salmon, flathead, bream, even shark and skate. Our inland streams offer tranquil locations to test your skills against local river trout.
More adventurous fisher folk can also try for a catch of abalone or southern rock lobster (licences required) or join a deep sea or game fishing charter. Join a guided fishing tour or seek out a beach, jetty, river or estuary and try your luck.
You’ll also find boat ramps and fishing gear is available to purchase in most towns to suit all budgets.
Kayaking
Kayaking with Secret River Tours
The East Coast’s mild climate and calm weather creates prime conditions for kayaking. Paddling the region’s calm seas is an excellent way to experience the coast and observe its abundant bird and marine life. Take a short, guided sea kayaking tour, join a multi-day expedition or hire your own kayak and paddling gear to explore the east coast from the water.
The Freycinet Peninsula is the must-do location for sea kayaking in Tasmania. Freycinet Adventures at Coles Bay offers a range of guided sea kayaking experiences.
For something a little more adventurous and unique, try the Secret River Gem Hunting and Kayaking Tour in a luxury pedal powered kayak through the closely guarded “secret ” Gem fields of North East Tasmania.
Golfing
Swansea Golf Course East Coast Tasmania
You can tee off at all the way up and down the East Coast – the courses here come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re after spectacular views, historical holes or quirky curve balls, we’ve collated a list of fairways for you to add to your itinerary.
Camping
Photo Credit: Courtney Mahon
For a true taste of the outdoors, camping on Tasmania’s East Coast is a must-do experience. Whether you prefer back to nature or outdoor luxury, you’ll find your ideal camping holiday — from guided bushwalking tours to holiday parks, cabins and free camping. The East Coast has some of the best camping locations you’ll find anywhere—including some of the world’s most beautiful beaches at Freycinet National Park and the Bay of Fires, and the World Heritage-listed Darlington probation station at Maria Island. Camping opens the door to experiences you’ll never forget—think close encounters with wildlife, a bottle of fine Tasmanian pinot by the campfire, and a sky so full of stars you won’t want to go to sleep. Click here to download our Camping Guide
