Explore Australia

Coles Bay

Freycinet National Park, Nick Rains / Explore Australia Publishing

Population 473

Coles Bay is a tiny town with a few stores and facilities. It now has an up-market resort, and is a peaceful base from which to explore the area. It is a gateway to the spectacular scenery of The Hazards, Wineglass Bay and Freycinet Peninsula, a long, narrow paradise featuring forests, cliffs, beaches and walking trails. The beautiful Peninsula Walking Track ends at Wineglass Bay, regarded by many as one of the world’s best beaches.

Visitor Information

Freycinet National Park; (03) 6256 7000

www.freycinetcolesbay.com

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

  • Maria Island National Park

    With a west coast characterised by gentle sloping hills and an east coast of towering cliffs dropping dramatically to the sea, Maria Island...more

Nearby towns

  • 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

  • Bicheno

    Bicheno (pronounced 'bish-eno') has a chequered history. It was set up as a whaling and sealing centre in 1803, predating the official...more

  • Triabunna

    When Maria (pronounced 'mar-eye-ah') Island was a penal settlement, Triabunna (pronounced 'try-a-bunnah') was a garrison town and whaling...more

Nearby

Freycinet National Park This park is world renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, challenging rock climbs, abundant wildlife, and range of walking tracks. The park is covered in wildflowers, including 60 varieties of ground orchid. Visitors can take the 1 hr walk to the lookout over stunning Wineglass Bay, or the 2.5 hr return walk to the beach. There are many safe swimming beaches and waterskiing, scuba diving, canoeing and sailing facilities. Check with visitor centre for details.Freycinet Marine Farm: working oyster farm with guided tours and sampling; open 5–6pm Mon–Fri; tour bookings on (03) 6257 0140; 9 km NW. Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve: wetlands of international importance with many bird species; 12 km NW. Fishing: Great Oyster Bay is a renowned fishing spot – species include flathead and Australian salmon. Coles Bay is also a base for big-game fishing, particularly southern bluefin tuna in autumn; contact visitor centre for tour details.

Fishing spots near town

Twin Lakes 79 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


St Helens 88 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 104 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


The Springs 115 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


Arthurs Lake 118 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


Salmon Ponds 129 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


Great Lake 133 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


Little Pine Lagoon 141 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


Bronte System 149 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 213 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

Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 28 km

Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out more


Island Cycle Tours 115 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 115 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


Diving in Fortescue Bay 116 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


Bay of Fires Walk 122 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


Mount Wellington Walks 122 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


Tamar Island 123 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


Forest Ecocentre, Scottsdale 125 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


Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 152 km

Set in a former Methodist church that had strong ties with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this little museum near Cygnet showcases Indigenous history, artefacts, art and bush tucker. It is generally open on weekends... Find out more


Tahune AirWalk 167 km

Located 29 kilometres from Geeveston, this unashamed public relations exercise for Forestry Tasmania starts on the serpentine drive out to the AirWalk, where signs clearly state when an area was last logged. There are... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Tasmania Golf Club 100 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 104 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


Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 143 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 143 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


Cafes & restaurants around town


The Bay Restaurant

The Bay Restaurant at Freycinet Lodge offers entrancing views across sheltered bays and craggy mountain peaks. Dining here is a tranquil, intimate experience, with a cosy open fire keeping the mood warm in winter. The... Find out more


The Edge Restaurant

Take table-to-ceiling views of an azure bay backed by sunset-tinted granite mountains, a plate of skilfully prepared Tasmanian seafood and bottle of masterful east coast wine, and you’ve got an idea of what The... Find out more


Madge Malloys

Happily for lucky diners, the mission of Madge Malloys is to deliver the fish they catch to your plate as quickly and simply as possible. The flavours are as clean and fresh as the sea-green surrounds of the restaurant,... Find out more


Tombolo Freycinet

You can’t judge a book by its cover. This tiny rustic cafe in Coles Bay town centre doesn’t look like a fabulous eatery from the outside, but it’s fast becoming a local summer hot spot. Take a table on... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 61 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 61 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


Moo Brew 114 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 118 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


Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 123 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


Two Metre Tall Company 128 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

Richardsons Beach (Freycinet Main) Campground

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 1 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 2 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


Whitewater Wall camping area 4 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


Wineglass Bay camping area (walk-in bush camping) 6 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


Buckleys Rocks camping area 6 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


Hazards Beach camping area (walk-in bush camping) 7 km

This lovely beach is 2 hrs of easy walking across the isthmus from Wineglass Bay.... Find out more


Cooks Beach camping area (walk-in bush camping) 12 km

This camping area is 2 hrs from Hazards Beach, and 5–6 hrs from Wineglass Bay over Mt Graham.... Find out more


Bryans Beach camping area (walk-in bush camping) 14 km

A 1 hr side trip from the main track, there is no water or toilet here at Bryans Beach.... Find out more


Friendly Beaches camping area 15 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


Caravan parks around town

Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park 28 km

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


Ross Caravan Park 67 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


BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park 88 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


Barilla Holiday Park 105 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


Longford Riverside Caravan Park 113 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 114 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


Port Arthur Holiday Park 117 km

This is a high-quality park with good facilities, close to the beach. The area is popular for surfing, fishing and bushwalking and is a good base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


White Beach Tourist Park 119 km

This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out more


Treasure Island Caravan Park 121 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


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Cove Beach Apartments

These two groovy self-catering apartments are located in the dress circle of Coles Bay, with views across the water to Freycinet National Park and the soaring granite peaks of the Hazards Range. Light and airy, with... Find out more


Freycinet Beach Apartments

These two architect-designed apartments combine the best of what Freycinet is renowned for. They overlook pristine waters in a secluded location with a deserted beach that is yours for the taking, while around you the... Find out more


Freycinet Lodge

This is as close as you can get to Wineglass Bay and still sleep in a bed, and a luxury one at that. Freycinet Lodge is actually inside the national park, and although it caters for 180 guests, each beautifully appointed... Find out more


Iluka Holiday Centre

In summer Iluka is bursting at the seams with campers, caravanners and backpackers, but it also offers good-quality cabins at excellent rates in an outstanding location, with the convenience of a supermarket, bakery and... Find out more


Saffire

Set discreetly among undisturbed coastal woodland, this opulent 20-suite resort ticks all the boxes for inspirational scenery and five-star lavish luxury. A curvaceous, glass-fronted guest complex houses beautiful... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Rainbow Retreat 62 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 132 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 146 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 202 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 205 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 208 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

Coles Bay Camp Area 1 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


Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 6 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


Friendly Beach Camp Area 15 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


Swansea Park Area 18 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 18 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 20 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 26 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


Bicheno Park Area 28 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 33 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


Little Swanport Rest Area 37 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


Lagoon Beach Camp Area 53 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


Little Beach Camp Area 55 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


Raspins Beach Park Area 58 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


Ross Park Area 67 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


Campbell Town Rest Area 70 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


St Peters Pass Rest Area 74 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


Shelly Point Camp Area 77 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 77 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


Conara Rest Area 78 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


Oatlands Rest Area 78 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


Paddys Island Camp Area 81 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 84 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


St Helens Park Area 87 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 94 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


Dunalley Park Area 94 km

South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out more


Dora Point Camp Area 94 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


Grants Lagoon Camp Area 97 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


Murdunna Park Area 98 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out more


Jeanneret Beach Camp Area 99 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 100 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


What's on around town

Fishing competition: Southern Game Fishing Club; Mar.

Three Peaks Race: sailing and mountain-climbing event; Easter.

Freycinet Challenge: running, sea-kayaking, and road and mountain-bike racing at Freycinet Lodge; Oct.

Mark Webber Challenge: Nov.

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