Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay · Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
A crescent of white sand, a regular on 'world's most beautiful beaches' lists
Know before you go
- Don't leave the trails
- don't feed wildlife (wombats, wallabies)
- don't take shells or stones.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Seen from the Mount Amos lookout, Wineglass Bay is like a perfect wine glass holding a turquoise sea; pink granite peaks, white sand and blue sea make it the jewel of Tasmania's east coast. Once a whaling station, it's now a hikers' paradise; Tasmanians say, 'You haven't been to Tasmania if you haven't been to Wineglass Bay.'
Local customs
- The national park requires a pass (about AUD 40 per vehicle)
- keep to marked trails when hiking
- Tasmania's ecology is fragile, so take all your rubbish with you.
Religion & beliefs
- A secular nature reserve with no religious character
- land of the Indigenous Palawa people — please be respectful.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags
- Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
- If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard
- Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags
Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.
Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs
Uluru: climbing is not allowed
- Walk the base track around Uluru and learn about Anangu culture
- Climbing Uluru
The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019; climbing breaks the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is punished.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: climb closure
Entering Australia: food, plant and animal products must be declared
- Truthfully declare all food (even small, packaged snacks), plants and animal products on your arrival card
- If in doubt, declare it
- Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seeds or wooden souvenirs without declaring them
You can be issued an infringement notice; your visa may be cancelled, you may be refused entry and barred from returning for up to 3 years.
Not yet verifiedSource: Australian Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia
Don’t DON'T
- Don't leave the trails
- don't feed wildlife (wombats, wallabies)
- don't take shells or stones.
Locals appreciate DO
- Tasmanians are proud of their pristine environment and appreciate visitors who hike and leave no trace
- Tasmanian oysters, salmon and cider are the locals' pride.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Best December–March (southern summer) |
|---|
Travel tips
- December–March (the southern summer) is best. The lookout hike takes about 2 hours return (moderate)
- stay 1–2 nights in Coles Bay
- it's about 2.5 hours' drive from Hobart.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
There's no food in the bay — eat in Coles Bay
Must-try
- Tasmanian oysters
- Curried scallop pie
- Fish and chips
Tasmanian seafood (oysters / abalone at licensed places), curried scallop pies (a Tasmanian speciality), fish and chips, local Pinot Noir / cheese
| Where to eat | Restaurants and taverns in Coles Bay, simple meals at Freycinet National Park visitor points |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Leave no trace in the national park — take oyster shells away, don't leave them on the beach |
| Typical price per person | AUD 30–55 ≈ CNY 141–259 |
| Tips | There are few places in town, so book dinner; for oysters, choose shops run directly by local farms. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
YuChristopherJ · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
BennyG3255 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania official information
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