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Bicheno

Bicheno Dive Centre, A Bradley / Mr A Bradley

Population 639

Bicheno (pronounced 'bish-eno') has a chequered history. It was set up as a whaling and sealing centre in 1803, predating the official settlement of Van Diemen's Land by a few months. It became a magnet for men with violent tendencies, which often found expression in the abuse of local Aboriginal women. One of these, Waubedebar, became a heroine after saving two white men from drowning in a storm. Landmarks in town bear her name, and her grave can be seen in Lions Park. After a short stint as a coal port, during which time the population increased considerably, Bicheno relaxed back into what it does best – fishing – and is known today for its abundant seafood. Situated on the east coast, the town has the mildest climate in Tasmania. It is blessed with sandy beaches and popular dive spots, and draws holiday-makers from far afield. Native rock orchids, unique to the east coast, bloom in October and November.

Visitor Information

Foster St; (03) 6375 1500

www.gsbc.tas.gov.au

Nearby national parks

  • Freycinet National Park

    Freycinet National Park is a rare combination of dramatic mountains and picturesque beaches along a narrow twisted peninsula, dissected by a...more

  • Douglas–Apsley National Park

    Situated between the Douglas and Apsley rivers, this national park spans rugged hills clad in superb dry sclerophyll forest. Its tranquil...more

  • Ben Lomond National Park

    Ben Lomond National Park, enclosing the largest alpine plateau in the state, is a mountain environment with extensive and dramatic dolerite...more

Nearby towns

  • Coles Bay

    Coles Bay is a tiny town with a few stores and facilities. It is a gateway to the spectacular scenery of The Hazards, Wineglass Bay and...more

  • Swansea

    Perched on Great Oyster Bay, Swansea looks out to the Freycinet Peninsula. It is part of the Glamorgan/Spring Bay shire, the oldest rural...more

  • St Marys

    Despite being the chief centre of the Break O'Day Plains, St Marys is a small town overshadowed by the magnificent St Patricks Head in the...more

In Town

Bicheno Penguin Tours Join a tour at dusk to watch little penguins return home from the sea. On most nights they waddle right past you as they make their way through the coastal vegetation to their burrows. Tours depart from operator's office on Burgess St; bookings (03) 6375 1333.

Scuba diving Bicheno has some of the best diving in Tasmania and one of the best temperate dive locations in the world. The Bicheno Dive Centre runs diving tours to over 20 locations, including the main site at Governor Island Marine Reserve. In winter, divers have been known to swim among schools of dolphins or migrating whales that pass by Bicheno. Bookings (03) 6375 1138. Bicentennial Foreshore Walk: a 3 km track with great views, it starts at Redhill Beach and continues to the blowhole. The Gulch: natural harbour; foreshore. Whalers Lookout: off Foster St. Sea Life Centre: licensed restaurant and giftshop; 1 Tasman Hwy; (03) 6375 1121. The Glass Bottom Boat: stay warm and dry while you drift above the watery world of Bicheno's marine life in Tasmania's only glass-bottom boat; bookings on (03) 6375 1294. Fishing tours: rock lobster and premium gamefishing in particular; check with visitor centre.

Nearby

East Coast Natureworld This park offers encounters with the region’s diverse fauna. The often-misunderstood Tasmanian devil is here, as are Forester kangaroos, Cape Barren geese and Bennett’s wallabies. (03) 6375 1311; 8 km N. Douglas-Apsley National Park This national park is Tasmania’s last largely undisturbed area of dry eucalypt forest. It encompasses the catchments of the Denison, Douglas and Apsley rivers and has stunning gorges and waterfalls. There is a viewing platform at Apsley Gorge Lookout and Waterhole, and safe swimming spots. Contact Parks & Wildlife Service on 1300 135 513; 14 km NW. Freycinet National Park: begins directly south of town; see Coles BayVineyards: to the south-west of town, including Springbrook Vineyard and adjacent Freycinet Vineyard, which hosts a jazz concert each Easter; 18 km SW on Tasman Hwy. Scenic flights: offered by Freycinet Air over the region; bookings (03) 6375 1694.

Fishing spots near town

St Helens 61 km

Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out more


Lake River 102 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more


Twin Lakes 104 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more


Arthurs Lake 119 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more


Great Lake 134 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more


The Springs 138 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon 143 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more


Salmon Ponds 147 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more


Bronte System 154 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more


Flinders Island 185 km

Flinders Island is halfway across Bass Strait. Air travel to the island is limited but it’s worth the effort. Most anglers who visit the island and sample the fishing return full of praise for the place. Flinders... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Freycinet Adventures 28 km

One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out more


Bay of Fires Walk 94 km

A deluxe four-day walk along the magnificent north-east coast at the edge of Mount William National Park, staying in solar-powered accommodation designed for sustainable living, is one of the newer ecotourism treats in... Find out more


Forest Ecocentre, Scottsdale 103 km

The uniquely designed building is probably the key attraction here. Designed to use 20 per cent less energy than conventional structures, it has a building within a building, with a central funnel and large fan. Learn... Find out more


Tamar Island 109 km

This important wetland habitat just 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston features a great bird-viewing hide, 3.2 kilometres of easy walking tracks and an interpretation centre.... Find out more


Island Cycle Tours 138 km

This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out more


Salamanca Market 138 km

With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out more


Mount Wellington Walks 143 km

You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out more


Diving in Fortescue Bay 144 km

One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out more


Low Head Penguin Tours 154 km

Every night at dusk this comprehensive but inexpensive tour takes visitors to a little penguin-nesting site near the mouth of the Tamar River, where you can watch the penguins waddle ashore to return to their nests. The... Find out more


Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 162 km

One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 120 km

When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links 121 km

Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out more


Tasmania Golf Club 124 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more


Royal Hobart Golf Club 128 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Cyrano Restaurant

The seaside-town surroundings, the out-of-the-way location and the casual atmosphere might suggest otherwise but Cyranos has a ten-year pedigree and a reputation for exquisite French cuisine. This is the only place on... Find out more


Facets Restaurant and Bar

The best assets of Tasmania’s summery east coast are on show in this restaurant’s beautiful ocean vistas over Diamond Island and Bicheno’s sparkling beaches. The spotlight is on seafood – no... Find out more


Pasini's Cafe Bar Wine Deli

gourmet deli, takeaway and bistro serving local wines... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 34 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Iron House Brewery 34 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more


Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 109 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more


Moo Brew 135 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more


Cascade Brewery 141 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more


Two Metre Tall Company 146 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more


Campsites around town

Apsley Waterhole camping area 10 km

For camping spots in dappled shade a short walk from the delightful Apsley River swimming hole, in the south of the park, turn inland from the Tasman Hwy A3, 4 km north of Bicheno onto Rosedale Rd. Drive 7 km to the... Find out more


Friendly Beaches camping area 13 km

Head out to Friendly Beaches to get away from it all along this wild stretch of ocean beach. There are 2 camping areas: Isaacs Point in the northern corner of the beach and Ridge Camp midway along. Facilities at both are... Find out more


Leeaberra Track (walk-in camping) 18 km

This moderate-grade 28 km walk to waterfalls, lookouts and gorges is named from the Aboriginal word for Douglas River. There is walk-in camping at Heritage Falls, 2 hours from the trackhead, and at Tevelein Falls on the... Find out more


Buckleys Rocks camping area 24 km

Named for the piles of black swan feathers that can sometimes be seen along its shoreline, Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve is an internationally recognised wetland. Camping here is restricted to a site at Buckleys Rocks.... Find out more


Lagoons Beach camping area 25 km

Between a long lagoon and a beautiful white beach, this extensive camping area has enough sites to accommodate everyone and is rarely full. Although it’s very popular with families, the beach is wide and... Find out more


Whitewater Wall camping area 26 km

This camping area is a favourite with rockclimbers attracted to the area’s excellent climbing on granite sea cliffs. Turn left from Cape Tourville Rd, 2 km before the lighthouse, but be sure to check out the... Find out more


Richardsons Beach (Freycinet Main) Campground 28 km

These powered sites suitable for vans are set on firm ground just metres from the beach. If you are lucky enough to win one of these in the annual ballot you can stay up to 10 nights, giving you plenty of time to explore... Find out more


Richardsons Beach (The Sand Dunes) camping area 28 km

In the dunes behind the southern end of Richardsons beach there are 25 tent sites (fewer in winter), allocated by ballot for the peak summer season each year. These are lovely sites with tracks to the beach and space for... Find out more


Honeymoon Bay camping area 29 km

This gorgeously scenic spot is only open for the summer season and sites are allocated by ballot due to overwhelming demand. If you win a spot, you can pitch your tent above this deliciously enticing cove and enjoy one... Find out more


Wineglass Bay camping area (walk-in bush camping) 33 km

There is a small camping area at this unforgettably beautiful bay, 1.5 hours from the carpark trailhead. Drinking water is not always available here.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park

This is a good quality tourist park with a larger number of sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over public holidays.... Find out more


BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park 60 km

This is a good quality establishment 1.5 km south of town. The park is a popular holiday destination and bookings are required in peak periods; a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more


Ross Caravan Park 70 km

Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Longford Riverside Caravan Park 103 km

This park, with good amenities, is located on the banks of the Macquarie River, only a few hundred metres from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Treasure Island Caravan Park 107 km

Launceston has just this one caravan park. It is about 2 km south of the city centre and is easily accessible from the freeway when approaching from the south. The park has good facilities and is a good base to use when... Find out more


Barilla Holiday Park 128 km

This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... Find out more


Treasure Island Caravan Park 135 km

Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out more


Deloraine Apex Caravan Park 143 km

With good facilities, this park is about a oneand- a-half hour drive to Cradle Mountain and about half that to Great Lake. There are good bushwalks in the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


New Norfolk Caravan Park 143 km

Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bicheno Gaol Cottages

These self-contained cottages in a large, peaceful garden are just a short walk from sheltered Waub’s Beach. The cosy 1861 Gaol House has a queen and two single beds, a kitchen and open fire, and still retains its... Find out more


Bicheno Hideaway

These curved-roofed timber and glass oceanfront chalets are nestled into bushland at the edge of Bicheno’s amazing coastal rock formations. The most private – and romantic – of the chalets, with one... Find out more


Diamond Island Resort

This resort fronts a pristine white beach and takes its name from the small island it overlooks. The penguin rookery at the bottom of the garden is a clue to the magic of the place. The award-winning modern apartments... Find out more


Aurora Beach Cottage

This beachfront cottage is hidden away on 3 hectares of native bush and tall pines just a short drive north of Bicheno. The timber and stone two-storey building is just metres from a white sandy beach and startlingly... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Rainbow Retreat 35 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more


Curringa Farm 146 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more


Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 169 km

Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out more


Waldheim Cabins 198 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more


Cradle Mountain Lodge 200 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more


Mountain Valley, Loongana 201 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Bicheno Park Area 1 km

North side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. GPS: S41 52.265 E148 17.742... Find out more


Denison Beach Rest Area 6 km

6 km N of Bicheno (R) or 51 km S of Scamander (L) Very small secluded area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub near the foreshore. GPS: S41 49.639 E148 15.901... Find out more


Friendly Beach Camp Area 13 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Small camp area located 14 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.533 E148 17.096  ... Find out more


Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 24 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 22 kilometres south of highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.213 E148 13.986... Find out more


Lagoon Beach Camp Area 25 km

29 km N of Bicheno (R) or 28 km S of Scamander (L) Large camp area well off the highway with numerous secluded sites in the scrub between the lagoon and the beach. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S41... Find out more


Coles Bay Camp Area 28 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 29 kilometres south of highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available. GPS: S42 07.435 E148 17.810 ... Find out more


Little Beach Camp Area 28 km

32 km N of Bicheno (R) or 25 km S of Scamander (L) Large area just off the highway near the beach. Limited shade. GPS: S41 37.574 E148 18.736  ... Find out more


Swansea Park Area 34 km

South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out more


Cressy Beach Park Area 38 km

44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out more


Spikey Beach Park Area 40 km

42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000  ... Find out more


Mayfield Bay Camp Area 47 km

34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out more


Shelly Point Camp Area 49 km

4 km N of Scamander (R) or 14 km S of St Helens (L) Small camp area located just off the highway in the scrub near the foreshore. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out more


Scamander Forest Camp Area 49 km

T/O at Beaumaris Small camp area 11 kilometres west of Beaumaris via Skyline Drive among trees on Trout Creek. Good shade. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out more


Paddys Island Camp Area 53 km

8 km N of Scamander (R) or 10 km S of St Helens (L) Very small campground located just off the highway in the scrub. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 23.716 E148 17.340... Find out more


Dianas Basin Camp Area 56 km

T/O 10 km N of Scamander (R) or 8 km S of St Helens (L) Large area well off the highway between the basin and the beach with numerous secluded campsites located in the scrub. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. ... Find out more


Little Swanport Rest Area 59 km

21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out more


St Helens Park Area 60 km

South side of town on the foreshore Small parking area on the foreshore adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S41 20.455 E148 15.812... Find out more


Moulting Bay Camp Area 66 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large campground in the scrub near the foreshore 7 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 1 kilometre south of Binalong Bay Road. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. ... Find out more


Dora Point Camp Area 67 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub near the foreshore 8 kilometres north-east of St Helens and 5 kilometres south of Binalong Bay Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 16.627 E148... Find out more


Campbell Town Rest Area 68 km

South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out more


Grants Lagoon Camp Area 69 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting 10 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 15.295 E148 17.421  ... Find out more


Ross Park Area 70 km

South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out more


Jeanneret Beach Camp Area 71 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 12 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 14.220 E148 17.435... Find out more


Swimcart Beach Camp Area 72 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Small camp area on the foreshore 13 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.729 E148 17.053... Find out more


Conara Rest Area 72 km

11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out more


Cosy Corner South Camp Area 72 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in the scrub on the foreshore 14 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. GPS: S41 13.532 E148 16.977  ... Find out more


Cosy Corner North Camp Area 73 km

T/O at St Helens via Binalong Bay Road Large camp area in a natural bush setting near the foreshore 15 kilometres north-east of St Helens via Binalong Bay Road and Garden Road. Good shade. GPS: S41 13.302 E148 16.924... Find out more


Raspins Beach Park Area 82 km

1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out more


St Peters Pass Rest Area 85 km

8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317  ... Find out more


Oatlands Rest Area 90 km

North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out more


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