The Wineglass Bay Walk at Freycinet National Park is an easy hike to one of Tasmania’s most beautiful and iconic beaches – Wineglass Bay Beach. The complete trail, to and fro from the car park, is 6 km and should take you 1.5 to 2 hours to complete (not including breaks).

The spectacular Wineglass Bay Beach, Freycinet National Park

This post is your guide to everything that you need to know as you plan your trip to the Wineglass Bay Walk at Freycinet National Park.

Starting Point

The Wineglass Bay Walk shares its starting point with Hazards Beach Hike and the Mt Amos Hike. Among the three-day hike options, the Wineglass Bay Walk is perhaps the easiest, and hence the most popular.

As you drive into Freycinet National Park after crossing Coles Bay and Honeymoon Bay, stop by the Visitors Centre to purchase your entry tickets. After that, continue driving along Freycinet Drive till you reach the car park for Wineglass Bay. This is your starting point and the furthest point you can drive to. To get to Wineglass Bay Beach and Lookout Point, you must walk.

We were told that there are usually wallabies at the car park begging for food. Fortunately, or unfortunately, we saw none.

Next to the car park, there is a clearly laid down map that highlights each hiking trail. From this point on, simply follow the signs. You must make your way first to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, and then to the beach.

To the Wineglass Bay Lookout

The trail to the Wineglass Bay Lookout point is relatively easy. Shortly after starting the hike, you’ll be greeted by beautiful views of Mt. Amos on one side, and Mt Mayson on the other.

Soon thereafter you’ll reach the Coles Bay Lookout point. If the weather is good, the view of this massive bay ahead is absolutely stunning!

Admiring the view on our way to Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

Carry on climbing till the trail forks. The sidetrack takes you to The Wineglass Bay Lookout Point. From here you can soak in the iconic views of the isthmus that separates Wineglass Bay from Hazards Bay. Although Hazards Bay isn’t visible, the colours of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay more than make up for it.

While some may choose to return to the car park from here, we’ll continue down to Wineglass Bay Beach.

Wineglass Bay Lookout to Wineglass Bay Beach

The hike to Wineglass Bay is 1.5 hours if you do it leisurely

Retrace your steps back to the main trail and follow the signs down to Wineglass Bay Beach. There are numerous warnings for those who proceed of the 1,000 steps that they would have to climb back up. Make sure you read the signs carefully. Although we found the climb up relatively easy, it may be different for you depending on your fitness level.

The sign warning those who wish to hike down to the beach that 1,000 steps are waiting for them

Now the walk down is fairly straightforward. Just climb down the 1,000 stairs. A little past the halfway point you’ll hear sounds of waves crashing against the rocks. Keep walking, the beach is still quite a distance. To us, the final kilometre felt like a real stretch. We knew we were close, but it felt so far. However, once the final steps to the beach appear, you’ll be absolutely stunned by its vast, untamed beauty.

Wineglass Bay Beach

We made it! – Wineglass Bay Beach, Freycinet National Park

It may not seem like it in pictures, but Wineglass Bay Beach is really massive! Its beautiful white sand expands as far as the eye can see. However, most visitors prefer to sit near the entry point. In fact, the rocks along the side of the entrance make for a fantastic vantage point. Grab a spot here and admire this stunning beach. Just be mindful of the lizards between the rocks.

If you fancy a swim at Wineglass Bay, go for it. But be careful, the water might be freezing.

When we landed on the beach, the weather was acting up. The passing clouds made the beach look quite dull. But as we sat on those orange rocks, the sun came out from behind the clouds and lit up Wineglass Bay. Suddenly, the crystal clear waters and the white sand came to life. There is a reason why this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Tasmania. But if you ask me, I personally thought Bay of Fires was equally beautiful, if not more. Click here to see more pictures of Wineglass Bay.

Once you’re done admiring the views of Wineglass Bay, head back up and to the car park. Or if you have some more time to spare, catch the trail to Hazards Bay and complete the Wineglass Bay/Hazards Beach circuit.

Wineglass Bay Walk Map

If you’re looking for a map of Wineglass Bay on Google, you might not be in luck as the trail is unmarked. That’s why I recorded our hike.

This map captures the trail length, duration, and elevation profile. Please keep in mind that this map is in reverse, i.e. from Wineglass Bay to the visitor’s parking.

Wineglass Bay Walk map and elevation profile

And here’s a quick video of the Wineglass Bay Hike to give you a better idea.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Other points to remember

There are no food or drink kiosks on the way. So you should carry your own snacks and water. There are drinking water taps and toilets next to the car park. And of course, carry sunscreen. The sun on the beach can be brutal.

There you have it, the shape of a wineglass – Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

Restaurants near Wineglass Bay

There are a couple of nice restaurants near Wineglass Bay. We ourselves stopped by The Pondering Frog on our way back to Swansea. In fact, The Pondering Frog was the only restaurant that was open on Christmas Day. Make sure you try their homemade ice cream sandwiches!

The Pondering Frog Restaurant near Freycinet National Park

Other than the Pondering Frog, the Freycinet Marine Farm is also worth checking out. We were told that their oysters are delicious.

Accommodation near Wineglass Bay

There is no dearth of accommodation near Freycinet National Park.

However, we didn’t stay near Freycinet or Wineglass Bay. We stayed at Swansea, which is on the other side of Coles Bay and can be reached via a short drive. Again, there are plenty of options (economical ones) at Swansea, and it’s not that far from Wineglass Bay.


Booking.com

Our Wineglass Bay Walk Guide

The Saddle Seat was designed by students studying architecture

Hope you enjoyed this guide to Wineglass Bay. Please feel free to share it on the social media platform of your choice. If you’re travelling with your drone to Tasmania, remember to read up on Australian drone laws. And keep in mind, Freycinet National Park is a no-drone zone.