Mount Graham
Mount Graham is the craggy, bush-cloaked lookout that bookends the southern edge of Freycinet National Park. From its 579-metre summit, the reward is a jaw-dropping panorama that sweeps across the entire Freycinet Peninsula — the brilliant white curve of Wineglass Bay, the Hazards granite range, and the deep blue of the Tasman Sea stretching to the horizon. This is a quieter, more rugged alternative to the Wineglass Bay lookout track, offering a true wilderness experience without the crowds.
Highlights & What to See
- Summit views: A 360-degree outlook over Wineglass Bay, the Freycinet Peninsula, Schouten Island, and the Hazards. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Friendly Beaches.
- Wineglass Bay vista: The classic Freycinet photo — the perfect white crescent of sand framed by granite peaks — is even more dramatic from this height.
- Dolerite columns and rock formations: The summit is crowned with striking dolerite pillars, remnants of ancient volcanic activity.
- Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons, and a variety of native birds, including the endemic green rosella.
- Hazards Beach: On the descent, a side trail leads to this secluded, shell-strewn beach — a peaceful spot for a swim or picnic.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow a full day for the return hike from the car park on Coles Bay Road. The climb is steep and rocky, taking about 3–4 hours up and 2–3 hours down, depending on your pace. Start early to avoid the midday heat and to catch the best light for photography. Most walkers combine the summit with a loop via Hazards Beach, adding another hour. This is a challenging walk, so bring plenty of water, sturdy boots, and sun protection.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Wineglass Bay — the iconic beach is accessible via the easier Wineglass Bay lookout track or by kayak from the Freycinet coast.
- Coles Bay — the gateway town to Freycinet, with cafes, accommodation, and the friendly Freycinet Marine Farm for fresh oysters.
- Freycinet National Park — explore the park’s other walks, including the Hazards Lagoon track and the Cape Tourville lighthouse circuit.
- Great Oyster Bay — a stunning coastal drive with views of the Hazards, ideal for a picnic or a swim at friendly beaches.
- Swansea — a historic town 20 minutes north, with excellent seafood, the Swansea Bark Mill, and the East Coast Heritage Museum.
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Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Wineglass Bay — Jane6592 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Coles Bay — Tirin aka Takver - www.takver.com / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Freycinet National Park — Jane6592 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Hazards Beach — Nick Ang / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Cape Tourville — VirtualSteve / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Swansea — Stuart Smith. / CC BY-SA 2.0