Among the many hikes we did in Tasmania, the Wineglass Bay Hike in Freycinet National Park easily became one of our favorites.
This half-day coastal walk combines breathtaking lookouts, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and just enough effort to make every moment feel rewarding.
Whether you’re visiting Tasmania for the first time or coming back for more, this walk should absolutely be on your itinerary.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the track details and share my personal experience from this amazing trail.
Wineglass Bay Walk Overview
The Wineglass Bay Track is one of the most popular walks in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park — and for good reason.
Starting from the well-marked Wineglass Bay Carpark, the hike is a 9.3 km return journey with a total elevation gain of 411 metres.
While it’s rated as easy to moderate, don’t underestimate the steady climb and the 1000 steps you’ll encounter along the way. That said, it’s a walk that most reasonably fit hikers will find rewarding and achievable.
During our hike, we found it to be the perfect balance between a bit of a workout and plenty of time to relax, especially when you’re greeted by one of Australia’s most iconic beaches at the halfway point.
Wineglass Bay Trail Details
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about this hike:
- Distance: 9.3 km return
- Elevation Gain: 411m
- Duration: Half day
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate (lots of steps)
- Start & Finish: Wineglass Bay Carpark
- Location: Freycinet National Park, East Coast Tasmania
Hiking to Wineglass Bay Lookout
We began our walk from the Wineglass Bay Carpark, a large parking area that can still fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons like summer holidays.
It’s worth arriving early if you want to secure a spot. The trailhead is clearly marked, with plenty of signage and information boards outlining the walks available throughout Freycinet National Park.
You’ll also find public toilets here, handy for a quick stop before starting your hike.
The track begins with a steady uphill climb through dry eucalypt forest, weaving past huge granite boulders typical of Freycinet’s rugged terrain.
After about 1.5 km, we reached the iconic Wineglass Bay Lookout — and it was every bit as stunning as we’d imagined.
From the lookout, the panoramic scene reveals Wineglass Bay’s perfect crescent shoreline, surrounded by the Hazards mountain range — Mt Amos, Mt Dove, Mt Baudin, Mt Parsons, and Mt Mayson — with the distant silhouettes of Mt Freycinet and Mt Graham completing the backdrop.
We spent some time here soaking it all in, snapping photos and just enjoying the moment before continuing our descent to the beach.
The Descent to Wineglass Bay
Leaving the lookout behind, the trail shifts into a steep descent, with hundreds of steps winding through dense bushland all the way down to Wineglass Bay Beach.
The knees might feel the burn, but the towering gums and tranquil forest surroundings make it a rewarding section of the walk.
We arrived at the northern end of the beach under perfect sunny skies. The bay stretched out before us, its waters sparkling in vibrant shades of blue — even more breathtaking than we had imagined!
Despite its popularity, Wineglass Bay still feels wild and remote. It’s easy to find your own quiet spot along the shore, away from the other walkers.
After relaxing on the beach for a while, I wandered along the rocky coastline, where the bright orange lichen-covered rocks offered a new vantage point.
From there, you really get a sense of the bay’s scale and its raw beauty.
Walking Along Wineglass Bay Beach
Once we’d recharged, snapped some photos, and wandered around the northern stretch of Wineglass Bay, we decided to ditch the shoes and enjoy the feeling of soft sand beneath our feet.
We made our way along the beach toward the southern end, where the Wineglass Bay Campground is tucked away — an ideal campsite for those hiking the full Freycinet Peninsula.
For me, this part of the bay was the highlight — the sand felt much smoother and finer, and the smaller waves made it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim.
We actually loved this beach so much that we returned later with our hiking tent and decided to extend our holiday in Freycinet by an extra night.
Sleeping so close to the bay, with the sound of waves just beyond the trees, was a truly special experience — one I’d highly recommend to fellow adventurers.
The Return to Wineglass Bay Carpark
After our break, we retraced our steps back up the stairs toward the lookout and then down to the carpark.
The climb out is a solid effort, so we made sure to pace ourselves and take plenty of breaks on the way up.
The whole hike took us around 4-5 hours, including all the stops, and by the time we returned to the trailhead, we felt satisfied and ready to relax back at camp.
Optional Extensions
If you’re keen to extend your adventure, you could combine this walk with the Hazards Beach Circuit, which forms a longer loop of about 12 km in total.
Alternatively, if you’re after more of a challenge and don’t mind some rock scrambling, the nearby Mount Amos hike offers an even better perspective of Wineglass Bay.
We climbed to the summit of Mt Amos a few years back, and it remains one of the most exciting and rewarding short hikes we’ve done in Tasmania!
Back at the Freycinet Campground
Back at our campsite on the shores of Coles Bay, we wrapped up the day with a warm meal and an incredible sunset over the Hazards.
The campground is just a short drive from the Wineglass Bay Carpark, making it a convenient base for hiking and exploring more of Freycinet National Park.
5 Tips for Hiking Wineglass Bay
- Start early: The trail and lookout can get busy, especially during summer.
- Bring plenty of drinking water: There are no water tanks anywhere around Wineglass Bay beach area (however, toilets are available on both ends of the bay).
- Wear sturdy shoes: The granite steps can be slippery when wet.
- Pack food: The beach is a great spot for a picnic lunch.
- Stay nearby: Camping at Freycinet National Park Campground is a great way to enjoy sunrise and sunset around Coles Bay.
Final Thoughts
The Wineglass Bay Hike is one of Tasmania’s most rewarding half-day walks.
From the postcard-perfect lookout to the secluded beach, it delivers a slice of Freycinet’s natural beauty that you won’t soon forget.
If you’re planning a visit to Tasmania’s east coast, I’d highly recommend adding this walk to your itinerary.
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