Freycinet National Park Day Trip

Freycinet National Park is home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, with a range of impressive beaches and walking trails on offer.

I had the pleasure to visit Freycinet National Park on a Day Trip from Bicheno in December 2021. It was a rewarding trip, which I wish I had planned 2 days for.

Driving from Bicheno to Freycinet National Park

The drive from Bicheno to Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre normally takes about 30 minutes. Along this drive, we stopped briefly at Friendly Beaches for some beautiful views, before having a seafood brunch at the famous Freycinet Marine Farm.

Once we arrived at Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre, we needed to drive another 5 minutes along the Freycinet Dr, to reach the car park for Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit.

Freycinet National Park Day Trip Itinerary

Day Trip Itinerary – Option 1: Mt Amos

The hike to Mt Amos is a 3 hours hard hike.

Once you have reached the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the stunning Wineglass Bay and peaceful Hazards Beach. This view has been rated the best view in Freycinet National Park.

However, I have unfortunately twisted my ankle during a recent hike in Cradle Mountain. Hence, we opted for an easier hike (Day Trip Itinerary – Option 2) instead.

Day Trip Itinerary – Option 2: Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach Circuit

Stop 1. Wineglass Bay Lookout

We started our hike by following the track to Wineglass Bay Lookout first.

This is a moderate hike and will take about 30 minutes to reach Wineglass Bay Lookout. Along this track, you will also walk past a lookout for Coles Bay, before eventually reaching the lookout platform for Wineglass Bay.

Once you have arrived at Wineglass Bay Lookout, you will be rewarded with a picturesque view of the world-renowned Wineglass Bay. As the name suggests, Wineglass Bay is shaped exactly like a wine glass.

Stop 2. Wineglass Bay Beach

From Wineglass Bay Lookout, it will be a long descent down to Wineglass Bay Beach via hundreds of stairs.

Wineglass Bay Beach is rated one of the best beaches in the world, with its white sand, turquoise water, orange lichen-covered rocks, and large crashing waves.

Be sure to allow yourself enough time at Wineglass Bay Beach to soak in its stunning view.

Stop 3. Hazards Beach

After visiting Wineglass Bay Beach, we followed the Isthmus Track towards Hazards Beach. This track was a relatively flat and easy walk.

After following this track for a while, we climbed up a dune. Then all of a sudden, a spectacular view of Hazards Beach just popped out in front of our eyes.

In comparison to Wineglass Bay Beach, I found Hazards Beach more peaceful and suited for a leisure stroll and swim. You also get much fewer visitors in Hazards Beach, which at times feels like a private beach.

Along Hazards Beach, there are many colourful shells and starfish as well, which would be great fun for a family with kids.

After Hazards Beach, we continued this circular walk clockwise towards the car park.

The remaining section of this circular walk is a mostly flat but relatively long walk. However, the majority of this trail is overlooking the stunning Oyster Bay, which is perfect for finding a scenic spot for a picnic.

How Long to Walk to Wineglass Bay?

The official guide from Freycinet National Park says it takes 1-1.5 hours for a return trip to Wineglass Bay Lookout. It only took us about 30 minutes one-way to Wineglass Bay Lookout.

For reference, both of us only have regular fitness levels. My prediction is that it will take less than 1 hour for a return trip to Wineglass Bay Lookout, for someone with a regular fitness level.

To get to Wineglass Bay Beach from the car park, it took us about 1 hour one-way. However, climbing back up from Wineglass Bay Beach to the car park is more likely going to take longer, because of the ascending staircases you will encounter on the way back.

How Long to Walk to Hazards Beach?

It took us just under 2 hours to reach Hazards Beach by following the Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach Circuit clockwise. We also took quite a few breaks along the walk to enjoy the views and take some photos.

How Long Do You Need to Complete the Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach Circuit?

The official guide from Freycinet National Park says it will take 5 hours to complete this circular walk. However, it only took us less than 3.5 hours to complete this circular walk clockwise.

Again, we are only of regular fitness level and took a few stops along the walk as well. In saying that, if you are here on a warmer day, you may want to take a swim in Hazards Beach, which will need more time to be planned out.

How Long Do You Need at Freycinet National Park?

We did Freycinet National Park as a day trip from Bicheno. However, if you are planning to do both Mt Amos and Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach Circuit, I would suggest spending 2 days in Freycinet National Park.

With that being said, you can certainly do both within one day, providing you have an early morning start and are very fit. If this is your plan, make sure you bring plenty of food and water along your trip.

Where to Stay When Visiting Freycinet National Park?

Although there are accommodations within the Freycinet National Park, they are generally quite pricey. A more affordable alternative is to stay in either Coles Bay or Bicheno.

Coles Bay is only a short drive to the Freycinet National Park, but has fewer restaurants and shops, in comparison to Bicheno.

Although it is a 30-minute drive from the Freycinet National Park, Bicheno offers the cheapest accommodations in this area.

• For accommodations in Bicheno, feel free to check out here on Booking.com
• For accommodations in Coles Bay & Freycinet National Park, you can check out here on Booking.com

For more detailed information on accommodations near the Freycinet National Park, feel free to visit this post on ‘Where to Stay in Freycinet National Park‘.

Watch the beautiful Freycinet National Park on YouTube: