Bicheno · Tasmania’s East Coast
Plan your visit
to Bicheno.
A little planning. A beautiful drive.
Then time to settle into life by the sea.
Your destination16 Chadwin Avenue, Bicheno
Find your way hereWelcome to Cooinda
Find your way to
a slower pace.
Set above Waubs Beach in Bicheno, Cooinda is a whole-home coastal escape with direct beach access and local shops and cafés a short stroll away.
Here’s what you need to plan the journey, explore the East Coast and arrive ready to unwind.
01 / The journey
Getting to Bicheno
Fly into Hobart or Launceston, or bring your own car across Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania.
From the south
Hobart to Bicheno
From Hobart Airport: about 165 km, allow 2–2½ hours.
Travel via Sorell and the Tasman Highway, following the coast through Orford, Triabunna and Swansea before arriving in Bicheno.
Hobart Airport → Sorell → Orford → Swansea → Bicheno
Open driving directionsFrom the north
Launceston to Bicheno
From Launceston Airport: about 145 km, allow about 2 hours.
Head south towards Campbell Town, then cross to the East Coast via Lake Leake Road. Join the Tasman Highway for the final stretch north to Bicheno.
Launceston Airport → Campbell Town → Lake Leake → Bicheno
Open driving directionsBring your own car · Spirit of Tasmania
Devonport to Bicheno
Geelong → Devonport → Bicheno
Driving estimate: Devonport city to Bicheno town
Bring your car across Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania, sailing from Geelong in Victoria to Devonport. From Devonport, continue to Bicheno by road.
Allow extra time after the ship arrives for disembarkation, any checks, breaks and road conditions. The driving time doesn’t include the crossing, leaving the ship or stops.
Check your sailing’s current terminal and check-in instructions, and plan the onward drive in daylight where practical. Confirm your arrival time with Cooinda.
- Include your vehicle and its correct dimensions when booking. Vehicle guide ↗
- Check Tasmania’s rules before packing food or outdoor gear. Biosecurity guidance ↗
Distances are approximate, from the named city, airport or Devonport to Bicheno town, using Discover Tasmania’s drive times. Drive times exclude stops and can change with your route, traffic and weather.
No car? Buses serve Bicheno; check the current East Coast bus timetables and connections before planning a trip without one.
Leave room for stops and roadworks, save offline maps and plan rural driving in daylight where practical. Take care around wildlife, especially near dawn and dusk. Check East Coast roadworks ↗
02 / Make yourself local
Bicheno highlights
Little penguins, beautiful beaches, a lively blowhole and native wildlife. Make time for the experiences that give this coastal town its character.
Things To Do & MoreLittle penguins at dusk
Guided tours depart from Bicheno town centre
Join a guided evening tour to watch little penguins return from the sea. Check current departure times and availability with the operator, and follow your guide’s wildlife-viewing instructions.
A year with Bicheno’s penguinsPlan a penguin tour ↗Waubs Bay & Redbill Beach
Waubs Beach has direct access from Cooinda
Enjoy Waubs Beach close to home, then explore Redbill Beach for a longer stretch of sand and views towards Diamond Island. Check conditions before swimming or exploring the shore.
Explore Bicheno’s beaches ↗Bicheno Blowhole & foreshore
On Bicheno’s rocky coastline
See the sea surge through the granite blowhole, then enjoy a foreshore wander. Keep back from the water and take care around wet rocks and changing ocean conditions.
Read our Blowhole guideEast Coast Natureworld
A short drive north of Bicheno
See Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife at this nearby wildlife park. Check current opening hours and keeper activities before you visit.
Plan a Natureworld visit ↗Give yourself time
How long should
you stay in Bicheno?
Allow three or four nights to enjoy Bicheno at an unhurried pace, with time for local experiences and a day trip along the East Coast. Cooinda’s minimum stay is two nights; check the booking service for the conditions that apply to your dates.
Keep a day close to home for the beach, the town and a coastal walk. Add a boat trip, distillery tour or wine tasting on another day, then leave time for Freycinet or simply relaxing at Cooinda. There’s more in Stay a While: Why Bicheno Deserves More Than a Night.
Plan your days in Bicheno
The best part of the journey?
Arriving here.
03 / A little arrival planning
Before you arrive
Finding the house
Cooinda on the Beach is at 16 Chadwin Avenue, Bicheno, Tasmania 7215. Save the address before you travel and use your booking confirmation for your stay details.
Check-in & access
Check-in 2:00 pm · Check-out 10:00 am. Your booking confirmation has your arrival instructions, or contact Cooinda if you have questions.
Parking & accessibility
If you have a larger vehicle or specific access needs, check with Cooinda before travelling.
04 / Pack for the coast
Weather & what to pack
For changing skies
- Warm layers for cool evenings
- A waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
For days outside
- Swimwear for beach days
- A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- A reusable water bottle
For easy arrivals
- Your booking confirmation
- Saved directions and travel plans
- A plan for your first evening’s groceries
Pack for changing conditions in every season. Check Bicheno’s weather forecast ↗ before you leave and before outdoor plans. Planning a national park visit? Check current Parks Tasmania advice, passes and walking conditions. Beach towels, bathroom towels and bed linen are supplied. Confirm any special equipment, cot, extra linen or sauna arrangements directly with Cooinda.
A few helpful answers
How far is Bicheno from Hobart?
About 178 km, or 2 hours 25 minutes’ drive via Sorell, according to Discover Tasmania. From Hobart Airport it’s about 165 km. Allow extra time for stops and conditions.
How far is Bicheno from Launceston?
About 160 km, or 2 hours’ drive via the Lake Leake Highway. From Launceston Airport it’s about 145 km.
Which airport should I fly into?
Either Hobart or Launceston can work well. Launceston Airport has the shorter drive to Bicheno, while Hobart Airport offers the coastal approach through Orford and Swansea. Choose the airport that fits your wider itinerary and flights, and confirm car-hire collection hours against your flight, especially for evening arrivals. See car-hire options at Hobart Airport and Launceston Airport.
Do I need a car?
A car is the most flexible way to reach Bicheno from either airport and explore the East Coast. Once at Cooinda, the beach and local shops are within walking reach. Bus routes serve Bicheno, but check current East Coast timetables and connections before planning a trip without a car.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is 2:00 pm and check-out is 10:00 am. Your booking confirmation has your arrival details.
How many people can stay?
Cooinda is a whole-home stay for up to six guests, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Visit Your Stay for the current accommodation details.
Can we visit Wineglass Bay from here?
Yes, as a day trip. Freycinet National Park’s main entrance is about 40 km from Bicheno. Wineglass Bay requires additional travel within the park and a walk or an organised experience; it is not a beach you can drive onto. Check Parks Tasmania for access, passes and current conditions.
Does Cooinda have a sauna?
Yes, Cooinda has a sauna. Confirm arrangements and any inclusions or charges directly with Cooinda before your stay.
Can I bring pets?
No. Cooinda does not allow pets.
Where do I confirm arrival or special requirements?
Use your booking confirmation or contact Cooinda for check-in, parking, accessibility and sauna arrangements.
Your East Coast escape
A place to arrive.
And just be.
Make room for a little time by the sea.