Great Eastern Drive

Stretching roughly 176 kilometres from Orford to St Helens along Tasmania’s sun-drenched east coast, the Great Eastern Drive is one of Australia’s great coastal road trips. This is a journey of shifting moods: from the sleepy fishing villages and sapphire bays of the south to the surf-scalloped beaches and wild granite headlands of the north. The road itself is a pleasure to drive, winding through eucalypt forests and opening onto views that demand a pull-over. Along the way, you’ll find superb local seafood, quirky roadside stalls, and a string of national parks that protect some of the island’s most beautiful coastline. Best of all, the pace is unhurried – this is a drive to be savoured over several days, not rushed in one.

Highlights & What to See

• Freycinet National Park – The jewel of the east coast. The walk to Wineglass Bay lookout is a must, but don’t skip the less-crowded Hazards Beach circuit or a kayak trip around the peninsula.
• Bicheno – A tiny town with big appeal: the Blowhole, penguin tours at dusk, and some of the best rock lobster in Tasmania. Grab a takeaway from the Lobster Shack and eat on the rocks.
• Bay of Fires – Stunning white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise water, with granite boulders splashed with orange lichen. The northern section (Binalong Bay to The Gardens) is especially scenic.
• St Helens – The drive’s northern bookend and a hub for fishing and water sports. Georges Bay is perfect for a paddle, and the nearby St Columba Falls are worth the short detour.
• Swansea – A historic town with a long jetty and sweeping views over Great Oyster Bay. The Swansea Bark Mill is a quirky stop, and the local oysters are sublime.
• Maria Island National Park – A short ferry ride from Triabunna. This car-free island is a wildlife wonderland with wombats, kangaroos, and the rare Tasmanian devil. The fossil cliffs and painted cliffs are highlights.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the Great Eastern Drive, plan for at least three to four days. This allows time to hike in Freycinet, explore the Bay of Fires, and take a day trip to Maria Island. If you have only two days, focus on the section between Swansea and St Helens, overnighting in Bicheno or Coles Bay. The drive itself takes about 2.5 hours without stops, but you’ll want to linger at every turn – factor in a full day if you’re just doing a scenic run.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hobart – Tasmania’s capital is a 90-minute drive from Orford, making it a natural start or end point for the drive. Explore Salamanca Market and MONA before hitting the coast.
• Port Arthur – The historic penal settlement is about 1.5 hours south of Orford. Combine with the Tasman Peninsula’s dramatic coastline and the Three Capes Track.
• Launceston – Tasmania’s second city is 1.5 hours west of St Helens via the Tasman Highway. Use it as a base for the Tamar Valley wine region and Cataract Gorge.
• Douglas-Apsley National Park – A lesser-known gem near Bicheno with excellent bushwalking and swimming holes. A good half-day detour.
• Fingal Valley – A scenic rural valley between St Helens and Launceston, dotted with historic towns and the St Columba Falls. A peaceful alternative to the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.