Bicheno
Town
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
Nearby national parks
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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
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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 Bay. Vineyards: 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 moreLake 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 moreTwin 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 moreArthurs 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 moreGreat 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 moreThe 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 moreLittle 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 moreSalmon 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 moreBronte 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 moreFlinders 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 moreEco-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 moreBay 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 moreForest 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 moreTamar 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 moreIsland 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 moreSalamanca 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 moreMount 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 moreDiving 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 moreLow 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 moreTrowunna 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 moreGolf 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 moreBarnbougle 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 moreTasmania 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 moreRoyal 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
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
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 moreNearby 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 moreBoag'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 moreMoo 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 moreCascade 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 moreTwo 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 moreCampsites 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 moreFriendly 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 moreLeeaberra 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 moreBuckleys 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 moreLagoons 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 moreWhitewater 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 moreRichardsons 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 moreRichardsons 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 moreHoneymoon 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 moreWineglass 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 moreCaravan 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 moreBIG4 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 moreRoss 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 moreLongford 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 moreTreasure 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 moreBarilla 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 moreTreasure 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 moreDeloraine 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 moreNew 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
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
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
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 moreCurringa 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 morePeppermint 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 moreWaldheim 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 moreCradle 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 moreMountain 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 moreRest 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 more6 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 moreMoulting 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 moreLagoon 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 moreColes 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 moreLittle 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 moreSwansea 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 moreCressy 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 moreSpikey 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 moreMayfield 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 moreShelly 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 moreScamander 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 morePaddys 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 moreDianas 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 moreLittle 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 moreSt 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 moreMoulting 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 moreDora 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 moreCampbell 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 moreGrants 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 moreRoss 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 moreJeanneret 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 moreSwimcart 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 moreConara 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 moreCosy 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 moreCosy 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 moreRaspins 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 moreSt 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 moreOatlands 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