Freycinet Walking Tour: Wineglass Bay & Boat Return

Walk Wineglass Bay, Then Float Back by Boat

You walk to Wineglass Bay's lookout platform, descend to the beach for morning tea, trek along Hazards Beach with a picnic lunch, then board a boat for a 20-minute return journey to Freycinet Lodge. The tour runs 5.5 hours with a small group, and includes all gear, meals, and transport. You need only a valid National Parks Pass, which you buy separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach

• View Wineglass Bay from lookout
• Walk down bush track to beach
• Enjoy morning tea on beach
• Explore Hazards Beach barefoot
• Have picnic lunch at Hazards Beach
• Swim or relax in shade
• Take boat back to lodge

The experience

So you're standing at the Wineglass Bay Lookout on that cantilevered platform, and yeah, the photos don't lie: the bay actually looks like that. Your guide's already got their camera out, ready to snap you and whoever else showed up that morning, and you're thinking about how you're going to describe this to people back home. The thing is, most people stop there. They take the photo, turn around, and head back to the car park. On this Freycinet walking tour, you keep going.

The walk down from the lookout follows a quiet bush track that opens onto Wineglass Bay's squeaky white sand, and that's when you actually feel the difference between seeing it and being in it. You've got time to kick your shoes off, wade in, and sit with morning tea while the water's right there. The guide knows the park: knows which corners stay empty, which rock pools are worth checking, what the light does at different times of day. After that, you head along Hazards Beach, a stretch that feels even quieter, and that's where lunch happens: a proper picnic spread out on the sand with the option to swim or just lie in the shade if you'd rather.

Then comes the part that changes the whole shape of the day. Instead of walking back the way you came, you board the Freycinet Aqua Taxi from the beach itself. A 20-minute boat ride that lets you see the whole national park from the water, the cliffs and coves and granite peaks you've been walking past all morning, but now from a completely different angle. You end up back at Freycinet Lodge where the tour finishes, and you've basically experienced the park three ways: on foot, on sand, and by water. The backpack, rain jacket, water bottles, and all the food are sorted. You just show up and walk.

What’s included

• Your day includes a backpack, rain jacket, and reusable water bottle.
• morning tea and snacks at Wineglass Bay.
• a packed picnic lunch at Hazards Beach.
• and a one-way boat journey on the Freycinet Aqua Taxi back to Freycinet Lodge. You'll need to arrange your own National Parks Pass, which is purchased separately.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Experiential Tasmania

Is this one for you?This works well if you want to see Wineglass Bay and explore the park without managing your own timing, transport between beaches, or what to eat. The guide handles the route, the boat handles the return, and the meals are already packed. The small group size and local knowledge mean you're not following a crowd.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Freycinet walking tour?

5.5 hours total, including the boat return journey.

What's included in the tour?

Backpack, rain jacket, reusable water bottle, morning tea and snacks, packed picnic lunch, and a one-way boat ride on the Freycinet Aqua Taxi.

Do I need to buy a National Parks Pass?

Yes. The pass is not included in the tour fee and can be purchased from the Freycinet National Parks Visitors Centre, Freycinet Lodge, or online before you arrive.

What's the minimum group size?

Four guests. If you book alone or with fewer than three others and are the first booking for that date, your booking stays tentative until the group reaches four.

Is this tour affected by bad weather?

It's an all-weather tour. Your guide will confirm the safest itinerary with the Aqua Taxi based on conditions. Wet weather gear is provided. In extreme weather warnings, the tour is cancelled with a full refund.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, you have the option to swim at Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach, though it's not required.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Freycinet National Park (accessed via Coles Bay) and ends at Freycinet Lodge after the boat return.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.