Many of Tasmania’s Best Hikes
Are Within Easy Reach of Bicheno
If you are looking for the best East Coast Tasmania hikes, staying at Cooinda on the Beach places you right in the centre of it all.
From coastal walks you can start from your accommodation to iconic national park hikes within 40 minutes, Bicheno is one of the most convenient bases on Tasmania’s East Coast.
This guide covers:
Walks you can start directly from your accommodation
Destination hikes worth a short drive
Local insights so you can experience each walk at the right time
Best East Coast Tasmania Hikes Near Bicheno
Bicheno offers a unique combination of accessibility and variety. Within a short distance you can explore coastline, bushland and some of Tasmania’s most recognised walking tracks.
Walks You Can Start from Cooinda on the Beach
These are the easiest and most enjoyable experiences. No driving required.
Bicheno Coastal Walks and Blowhole
Start directly from your accommodation
Time 30 minutes to 2 hours. Step outside and follow the coastline through Bicheno. You will find the Bicheno Blowhole, rocky headlands, quiet beaches and natural rock pools. The walk is flexible and can be as short or as long as you like.
Travellers often describe this as an unexpected highlight because of how easy and relaxed it is.
What locals say:
The best sections are not marked. Walking further reveals quieter coves and rock pools.
The blowhole depends on swell and is not always active.
The coastline itself is the highlight.
Early morning offers calmer conditions and better light.
Diamond Island Walk
Around 2 kilometres return. 3 minute drive or short walk. At low tide you can walk across the sand to Diamond Island.
Many visitors rate this as a highlight, particularly when they see penguins at dusk.
What locals say:
Timing changes the experience. During the day it is a simple walk. At dusk it becomes a wildlife experience.
Check tide times carefully. The sandbar can disappear quickly.
The penguins are the main reason to visit.
Whalers Lookout Track
About 1.5 kilometres return, 2 minutes from your accommodation. A short uphill walk leading to panoramic views.
Visitors often described as a short walk with a strong payoff.
What locals say:
Continue beyond the first lookout for better views.
During whale migration season from May to July this is a good viewing point.
The climb is slightly steeper than expected but manageable.
Destination Hikes Worth the Drive
These hikes are all within 15 to 40 minutes and offer a different landscape.
Douglas-Apsley National Park
15 minute drive. Located at Douglas-Apsley National Park. A quieter park with bushwalking tracks, river gorges and swimming holes.
Visitors often described as peaceful and less crowded.
What locals say
The landscape is dry compared to other parts of Tasmania.
Tracks feel more natural and less maintained.
Best in warmer months for swimming.
Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay
35 to 40 minute drive. Located at Freycinet National Park. One of Tasmania’s most recognised hiking destinations and home to Wineglass Bay.
Popular walks include:
Wineglass Bay Lookout
Wineglass Bay Beach
Mount Amos
Visitors consistently rated as one of the most beautiful locations in Australia.
What locals say
Go early or later in the day to avoid crowds.
The lookout alone delivers the main view.
You need experience to climb Mount Amos, and you should not attempt it in wet conditions.
Friendly Beaches
About 40 minutes from Bicheno. Located near Friendly Beaches. A long and open stretch of coastline.
Visitors often described as wild, quiet and scenic.
What locals say
Conditions can be windy and exposed.
Swimming is not always safe.
Best suited for walking and photography.
Further Afield: Tasmania’s Best Hikes
Many of Tasmania’s best hikes are located further afield but are still worth including when planning your trip.
Cradle Mountain and the Dove Lake Circuit
Located in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The Dove Lake Circuit is one of the most popular day walks in Tasmania. It offers alpine scenery, well maintained tracks and views of Cradle Mountain.
The Overland Track
Also within Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. The Overland Track is Tasmania’s most well known multi day hike, taking 5 to 6 days to complete.
Capes and Coastal Walks near Port Arthur
Near Port Arthur. This region includes dramatic capes track style walks such as Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul.
Bruny Island Walks
Located at Bruny Island. Bruny Island offers a mix of coastal and bushland day hikes.
Why Winter Is One of the Best Times for Hiking
The cooler months are ideal for exploring East Coast Tasmania hikes.
During winter you will find:
Clear air and strong visibility
Fewer people on popular tracks
Comfortable conditions for walking
Whale sightings along the coastline
After a day outdoors, returning to Cooinda on the Beach offers a different experience. Relax in the spa, warm up indoors and enjoy the contrast between the coastline and a comfortable place to stay. Our winter offer includes complimentary access to the sauna, making it an ideal time to visit.
Why Stay at Cooinda on the Beach
Staying at Cooinda on the Beach gives you access to a wide range of walking experiences without long travel times.
You can:
Walk directly onto the coastline
Reach local highlights within minutes
Access national parks within a short drive
Explore many of Tasmania’s best hikes from one base
Tips from the Locals
To make the most of your time:
Start early for coastal walks
Visit Freycinet outside peak hours
Plan Diamond Island around low tide and dusk