A Wine Lover’s Itinerary: East Coast Tasmania Wineries

The Great Eastern Drive is one of Tasmania’s most famous road trips. It goes along Tasmania’s East Coast. You will see beautiful beaches, lovely seaside towns, and some of the best cool climate wines in Australia. Boutique cellar doors dot this wine region, and they produce world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling wines.

We have traveled these East Coast wine trails ourselves. We tasted directly from the winemakers and found hidden gems along the way. Here’s our guide to exploring Tasmania's East Coast Wineries.

This itinerary shows you how to visit the Great Eastern Drive wineries. You can start from Cooinda on the Beach, located at pristine sands and crystalline waters of Bicheno's Waubs Beach.

Day 1 – Local Bicheno Wineries

One of the best things about staying at Cooinda is that you can enjoy great Tasmanian wine without getting in the car. Right in Bicheno, you’ll find two fantastic options within walking distance.

Stop 1: The Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre

📍 53 Burgess Street, Bicheno TAS 7215

Distance from Cooinda: ~1.2 km (15 min walk / 2 min drive).

The Farm Shed is a hub for East Coast wine. Here you can taste wines from 24 vineyards along Tasmania’s East Coast, including many without their own cellar doors. It’s the best way to taste the variety of the region. You can enjoy delicate Rieslings, bold Pinot Noir, and elegant sparkling wines.

What to Bring: Curiosity — this is where you’ll get a real feel for the whole wine region.

Stop 2: Apsley Gorge Vineyard

📍 165 Rosedale Road, Bicheno TAS 7215

Distance from Cooinda: ~2.2 km (30 min walk / 4 min drive).

One of the most famous Bicheno wineries, Apsley Gorge is renowned for its Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard sits in a dramatic coastal gorge, making the tasting experience memorable even before your first sip.

What to Bring: Walking shoes and a camera — the rugged scenery is stunning.

Make a Day of It: Start at The Farm Shed for variety, then continue to Apsley Gorge for a boutique vineyard experience. For food, try The Gulch (fresh seafood) or drive 20 minutes to Devils Corner for oysters and woodfired pizza.

💡 Nearby experiences in Bicheno:

• East Coast Natureworld (7 min drive) — meet Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife.

• Whalers Lookout — short walk with views across Waubs Bay.

• Mountain bike trails north of Bicheno offer a great way to balance wine with adventure.

Day 2 – The Great Eastern Drive Wineries

After breakfast with a view of Waubs Bay at Cooinda, head south. Explore the Great Eastern Drive wineries near Cranbrook and Apslawn. This cluster is the centrepiece of the Tasmania wine route, with world class cellar doors only minutes apart.

Stop 1: Spring Vale Wines

📍 130 Spring Vale Road, Cranbrook TAS 7190

Distance from Cooinda: ~25 km south (20–25 min drive).

A historic property with tastings inside a converted 1875 stone stable. Known for crisp whites that showcase the best of cool climate wines.

What to Try: Gewürztraminer.

What to Bring: A picnic blanket for the lawns.

Stop 2: Milton Vineyard

📍 14635 Tasman Highway, Cranbrook TAS 7190

Distance from Spring Vale: 2 km (2 min drive).

A rustic vineyard producing Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir.

What to Try: Pinot Gris.

What to Bring: Sunscreen — the Tasmanian sun can be strong.

Stop 3: Gala Estate

📍 14891 Tasman Highway, Cranbrook TAS 7190

Distance from Milton: 2 km (3 min drive).

Tasmania’s second-oldest family-owned vineyard (established 1821). Known for small-batch wines with real character.

What to Try: Rosé.

What to Bring: A cooler bag for bottles.

Stop 4: Devils Corner Cellar Door

📍 1 Sherbourne Road, Apslawn TAS 7190

Distance from Gala Estate: 2 km (3 min drive).

The most famous winery on the Great Eastern Drive has beautiful views. You can see the Freycinet Peninsula and the Hazards mountains from there. Food vans serve oysters and woodfired pizza — making it the perfect lunch stop on your Tasmania wine itinerary.

What to Try: Pinot Noir.

What to Bring: An appetite and your camera.

Stop 5: Freycinet Vineyard

📍 15919 Tasman Highway, Apslawn TAS 7215

Distance from Devils Corner: 5 km (5 min drive).

One of Tasmania’s pioneering vineyards, established in 1979. Their premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have put them on the map internationally.

What to Try: Chardonnay.

What to Bring: A tasting notebook — these are world-class wines worth cellaring.

Stop 6: Kelvedon Estate (Swansea)

📍 12371 Tasman Highway, Swansea TAS 7190

Distance from Freycinet Vineyard: 20 km (15–20 min drive).

A family-run coastal vineyard overlooking Great Oyster Bay, still operating as a sheep farm.

What to Try: Sauvignon Blanc.

What to Bring: A seafood picnic — their whites pair perfectly with oysters.

💡 Nearby experiences on the Great Eastern Drive:

• Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay) — combine wine with one of Tasmania’s best national parks.

• Maria Island (from Orford further south) — history, wildlife, and breathtaking coastal hikes.

Optional Northern Detour – St Helens & Bay of Fires

If you’d rather explore north on Day 2, head towards St Helens, about 1 hour from Bicheno.

• White Sands Estate / Ironhouse Brewery

• 📍 21554 Tasman Highway, Four Mile Creek TAS 7215

• Distance from Cooinda: ~55 km north (45 min drive).

• Wine, beer, whiskey, and cider all in one stop.

• Priory Ridge Vineyard

• 📍 280 Ansons Bay Road, St Helens TAS 7216

• Distance from Cooinda: ~77 km north (1 hr drive).

• Boutique Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grown on volcanic soils in Tasmania’s north east.

You can go to the Bay of Fires from here. People know it for its orange-lichen boulders and beautiful beaches. You can also try some famous mountain bike trails in the area.

Orford – Darlington Vineyard (If Continuing South)

📍 1 Maria Island Road, Orford TAS 7190

Distance from Cooinda: ~130 km south (1 hr 40 min drive).

A small vineyard overlooking Maria Island National Park, specialising in Riesling and Chardonnay. A perfect last stop if your road trip continues to Hobart.

More Than Wine

Tasmania’s East Coast isn’t just about wine. On your journey, you will discover craft beer, whiskey, and cider makers. You will also find restaurants that pair wines with Tasmanian cheeses, oysters, and fresh seafood. It’s this mix of food, wine, and landscape that makes the East Coast wine region one of the most exciting in Australia.