Coles Bay is a picturesque seaside town on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia. It is the gateway to the spectacular Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay and other natural wonders. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous holiday, or a culinary delight, Coles Bay has something for everyone. In this article, we will show you why Coles Bay is one of the best destinations in Tasmania, and how to make the most of your visit. You will discover the best time to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to do and see, what to eat and drink, and the history and culture of Coles Bay.
How to Get to Coles Bay
Coles Bay is about 200 km from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, and 175 km from Launceston, the second-largest city in the state. You can reach Coles Bay by car, bus, or plane, depending on your preference and budget.
By car:
Driving is the most convenient and flexible way to get to Coles Bay, as you can enjoy the scenic views along the way and stop at any point of interest. The drive from Hobart takes about 2.5 hours, and the drive from Launceston takes about 2 hours. You can rent a car from either city, or bring your own if you are a local. The roads are well-maintained and signposted, but be careful of wildlife and narrow curves. You can also take a detour to visit other attractions on the east coast, such as Swansea, Bicheno, or Maria Island.
By bus:
If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus from Hobart or Launceston to Coles Bay. The bus service is operated by Tassielink, and runs daily from both cities. The bus from Hobart takes about 4 hours, and the bus from Launceston takes about 3 hours. The bus fare is around $30 one way, and you can book online or buy a ticket from the driver. The bus will drop you off at the Coles Bay Visitor Centre, where you can find information and maps for your stay.
By plane:
If you are short on time, or want to experience Coles Bay from a different perspective, you can fly to Coles Bay from Hobart or Launceston. The flight service is operated by Freycinet Air, and runs on demand from both cities. The flight from Hobart takes about 45 minutes, and the flight from Launceston takes about 30 minutes. The flight fare is around $300 one way, and you can book online or by phone. The flight will land at the Friendly Beaches airstrip, where you can arrange a transfer to your accommodation.
Where to Stay in Coles Bay
Coles Bay offers a range of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget. You can choose from luxury resorts and hotels, cozy cottages and cabins, comfortable motels and apartments, or scenic campgrounds and caravan parks. Here are some of the best places to stay in Coles Bay and nearby Freycinet:
Freycinet Lodge:
This is the ultimate luxury option for your stay in Coles Bay. Freycinet Lodge is a 4-star resort that overlooks the stunning Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards mountain range. The resort offers spacious and stylish rooms and suites, some with private balconies, spas, and outdoor tubs. The resort also features a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a spa, a gift shop, and a conference centre. You can enjoy the panoramic views, the gourmet food, the relaxing treatments, and the friendly service at Freycinet Lodge. The resort is also eco-friendly and supports the local community and environment. The room rate starts from $400 per night, and you can book online or by phone.
Edge of the Bay Resort:
This is another great option for a luxurious and relaxing stay in Coles Bay. Edge of the Bay Resort is a 4-star resort that sits on the edge of the bay, surrounded by 27 acres of native bushland. The resort offers modern and elegant rooms and cottages, some with private decks, kitchens, and fireplaces. The resort also features a restaurant, a bar, a tennis court, a playground, and a private beach. You can enjoy the breathtaking views, the delicious food, the cozy amenities, and the warm hospitality at Edge of the Bay Resort. The resort is also family-friendly and pet-friendly, and caters to different needs and occasions. The room rate starts from $300 per night, and you can book online or by phone.
Iluka Holiday Centre:
This is a more affordable and convenient option for your stay in Coles Bay. Iluka Holiday Centre is a 3-star holiday park that is located in the heart of Coles Bay, within walking distance to the shops, cafes, and beaches. The holiday park offers a variety of accommodation options, such as cabins, units, studios, and campsites. The holiday park also features a supermarket, a bakery, a takeaway, a tavern, a laundry, and a playground. You can enjoy the convenience, the comfort, the value, and the fun at Iluka Holiday Centre. The holiday park is also suitable for groups and families, and provides easy access to the Freycinet National Park. The room rate starts from $100 per night, and the campsite rate starts from $20 per night. You can book online or by phone.
What to Do and See in Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park
Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park are full of attractions and activities that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. You can explore the stunning natural beauty, the rich wildlife, the fascinating history, and the exciting adventure of this area. Here are some of the main things to do and see in Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park:
Visit Wineglass Bay:
This is the most famous and popular attraction in Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. Wineglass Bay is a crescent-shaped bay with white sand, turquoise water, and green hills. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and a must-see for any visitor. You can access Wineglass Bay by hiking, driving, or boating. The hike from the Wineglass Bay car park to the lookout takes about 30 minutes, and offers a stunning view of the bay. The hike from the lookout to the beach takes another 30 minutes, and allows you to enjoy the sand and the sea. The drive from Coles Bay to the Wineglass Bay car park takes about 15 minutes, and requires a national park pass. The boat from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay takes about an hour, and includes a cruise around the bay and a stop at the beach. You can also kayak, snorkel, swim, or fish at Wineglass Bay, or just relax and admire the scenery.
Explore Freycinet National Park:
This is the main reason to visit Coles Bay, as it is the gateway to the Freycinet National Park. Freycinet National Park is a 169-square-kilometre park that covers the Freycinet Peninsula, a narrow strip of land that juts out into the Tasman Sea. The park features a diverse and spectacular landscape, with granite mountains, coastal heaths, sandy beaches, rocky coves, and wetlands. The park is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, such as wallabies, wombats, echidnas, dolphins, whales, penguins, and seabirds. You can explore the park by hiking, biking, or driving. There are many trails and tracks that suit different levels of fitness and interest, such as the Hazards Beach Circuit, the Cape Tourville Lighthouse, the Friendly Beaches, and the Sleepy Bay. You can also join a guided tour or a ranger-led activity to learn more about the park and its features. You can also camp, picnic, or barbecue at the park, or visit the visitor centre and the museum. You will need a national park pass to enter the park, which you can buy online or at the visitor centre.
Enjoy Oyster Bay Tours:
This is one of the most unique and fun activities that you can do in Coles Bay. Oyster Bay Tours is a tour company that offers oyster harvesting and tasting experiences on the bay. You can join a tour that takes you on a boat to the oyster farm, where you can learn about the oyster industry, the environment, and the history of the area. You can also get off the boat and walk on the water, wearing special waders and boots. You can then harvest your own oysters, and taste them fresh from the sea, with some lemon, vinegar, or Tabasco sauce. You can also enjoy some local wine, cheese, and bread on the boat, while admiring the views and the wildlife. The tour lasts for about 2 hours, and costs $120 per person. You can book online or by phone.
Dine at Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar:
This is one of the best places to eat and drink in Coles Bay. Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar is a casual and cozy restaurant that serves delicious and fresh food and drinks. The restaurant specializes in seafood, pizza, pasta, and salads, using local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also offers a range of coffee, tea, wine, beer, and cocktails, to suit your mood and taste. You can enjoy your meal and drink in the indoor or outdoor seating area, with a view of the bay and the mountains. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also provides takeaway and catering services. The prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly and efficient. You can book online or by phone.
The History and Culture of Coles Bay
Coles Bay has a rich and fascinating history and culture that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Oyster Bay tribe, one of the nine Aboriginal nations of Tasmania. The Oyster Bay tribe lived in harmony with the land and the sea, and had a complex and sophisticated culture and society. They left behind many traces of their presence, such as rock paintings, shell middens, stone tools, and burial sites. You can learn more about the Oyster Bay tribe and their heritage at the Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre, where you can see some of their artefacts and stories.
The first European contact with Coles Bay was in 1642, when the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sailed past the Freycinet Peninsula and named it Schouten Island, after one of his ships. However, he did not land or explore the area, and it remained largely unknown to the Europeans until the late 18th century. The first European to land and explore Coles Bay was the French navigator Nicolas Baudin, who arrived in 1802 as part of a scientific expedition. He named the bay after his colleague Louis Claude de Saulces de Freycinet, who later became famous for circumnavigating the world. Baudin also named many other features of the area, such as the Hazards, the Schouten Island, and the Wineglass Bay.
The first European settlement in Coles Bay was in the early 19th century, when the British colonists established a whaling station at the mouth of the Swan River. The whaling station was run by James Kelly, a former convict and a renowned sailor and explorer. Kelly and his crew hunted whales and seals in the bay and the surrounding waters, and exported their oil and skins to Hobart and Sydney. The whaling station was abandoned in the 1840s, due to the decline of the whaling industry and the conflicts with the Aboriginals. You can still see some of the remains of the whaling station, such as the try pots, the blubber pits, and the graves, at the Swanwick Historic Site, near the Swan River bridge.
The modern development of Coles Bay began in the late 19th and early 20th century, when the area became a popular destination for tourists and holidaymakers. The first hotel in Coles Bay was built in 1900 by William and Mary Ann Cole, who gave their name to the town. The hotel was a simple wooden building that offered accommodation, meals, and entertainment to the visitors. The hotel was later expanded and renovated, and became known as the Coles Bay Hotel. The hotel was demolished in 1993, and replaced by the Coles Bay Resort, which is now the Freycinet Lodge.
The first national park in Coles Bay was established in 1916, when the Freycinet Peninsula was declared a scenic reserve by the Tasmanian government. The reserve was created to protect the natural beauty and the wildlife of the area, and to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The reserve was upgraded to a national park in 1956, and became the Freycinet National Park. The park was further expanded and improved over the years, and now covers the entire peninsula and some of the adjacent islands. The park is managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania, and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Coles Bay today is a vibrant and diverse community that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The town has a population of about 500 people, who are mostly involved in tourism, fishing, farming, and conservation. The town has a range of facilities and services, such as shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, schools, churches, and a medical centre. The town also hosts various events and festivals, such as the Coles Bay Triathlon, the Coles Bay Food and Wine Festival, and the Coles Bay Regatta. The town is proud of its history and culture, and celebrates its heritage and identity. You can experience the charm and the spirit of Coles Bay by meeting the locals, joining the activities, and enjoying the atmosphere.
Coles Bay is a wonderful place to visit, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous holiday, or a culinary delight. Coles Bay has something for everyone, from the stunning natural beauty, the rich wildlife, the fascinating history, and the exciting adventure of the area. You can enjoy the best time to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to do and see, what to eat and drink, and the history and culture of Coles Bay. Coles Bay is one of the best destinations in Tasmania, and a must-see for any visitor.
We hope you enjoyed this article, and we hope you will visit or contact us soon.
