Road Trip Guide
Great Eastern Drive: Tasmania's Sunny Coast
Orford to St Helens
Start
Orford
Finish
St Helens
Distance
205 km
Duration
3-5 days recommended
Best Months
December - March
Budget
$$
EV Ready
7/10
Kid-Friendly
8/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Orford
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Triabunna
Supply Hub
The last major hub before hitting the remote stretches of the coast—perfect for last-minute supplies.
Swansea
Service Station
An essential stop to check your tire pressure and grab a coffee before the winding roads of the Freycinet Peninsula.
Bicheno
Rest Stop
The best location to rest and recharge for the final leg toward St Helens.
St Helens
Destination Hub
The ultimate destination for a celebratory meal and a visit to the local information center.
Insider Driving Tips
Always carry a physical map or download offline Google Maps, as cellular reception is non-existent in the Freycinet Peninsula and parts of the Douglas-Apsley corridor.
Fill up your fuel tank in Orford and Swansea; gas stations are sparse and often close early in the evening.
Respect the local wildlife. Dusk and dawn are prime times for wallabies and wombats to cross the road—drive slowly to avoid collisions.
Invest in a National Parks Pass before departing; you will need it for Freycinet, Douglas-Apsley, and Mount William National Parks.
Pack layers. Even in summer, the Tasmanian wind can turn chilly in an instant, especially when standing on exposed headlands.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Orford
Gateway Cafe
“Famous for their scallop pies, a true Tasmanian staple.”
Prosser River Mouth
The golden hour reflection of the river against the bridge.
Raspberry Point
Rugged coastal cliffs overlooking the Maria Island ferry crossing.
Maria Island Ruins
The convict-built ruins at Maria Island accessible by a short ferry ride from the nearby Triabunna marina.
Raspins Beach
Beach
“This scenic beach offers stunning views across Mercury Passage to Maria Island and is perfect for a relaxing coastal walk.”
The Old Convict Road
Historic Walking Trail
“This easy riverside trail follows the ruins of a road built by convicts in the 1840s and offers beautiful views of the Prosser River.”
Spring Beach
Beach
“Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand, this sheltered spot is ideal for swimming and surfing.”
Swansea
Kate's Berry Farm
“Pick your own fruit and enjoy house-made berry ice cream.”
Great Oyster Bay Lookout
Panoramic views of the Hazards mountain range across the water.
Swansea Beach
The tranquil shoreline perfect for sunrise photography.
Spiky Bridge
A convict-built structure made of field stones laid vertically to look like spikes.
Spiky Bridge
Historic Landmark
“This unique convict-built bridge features jagged fieldstones and offers a fascinating glimpse into Tasmania’s colonial history.”
Kate's Berry Farm
Farm & Cafe
“Stop here to enjoy handmade ice cream and fresh seasonal berries while taking in panoramic views of Great Oyster Bay.”
Nine Mile Beach
Beach
“This pristine stretch of white sand is perfect for a peaceful coastal walk or a refreshing swim in the clear blue water.”
Coles Bay & Freycinet
Freycinet Marine Farm
“Eat oysters and mussels harvested just meters away from your table.”
Wineglass Bay Lookout
The iconic view of the crescent-shaped beach from the granite peaks.
Cape Tourville Lighthouse
A dramatic cliffside boardwalk offering views of the vast Tasman Sea.
Friendly Beaches
A long, sweeping stretch of sand that is often completely deserted even in peak season.
Wineglass Bay Lookout
Hiking Trail & Scenic Lookout
“Hike to the saddle for the most iconic view of the perfectly curved white sand beach and turquoise waters.”
Cape Tourville Lighthouse
Lighthouse & Coastal Walk
“This easy, accessible boardwalk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and the rugged coastline of the Freycinet Peninsula.”
Honeymoon Bay
Beach & Snorkeling Spot
“A picturesque, secluded cove with orange-hued granite rocks that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.”
Bicheno
The Lobster Shack
“Serving fresh rock lobster sourced directly from the local fishing fleet.”
Whalers Lookout
A bird's-eye view of the township and the rocky coastline.
Diamond Island Nature Reserve
The sandbar walk at low tide leading to the penguin colony.
Bicheno Blowhole
Creates spectacular water eruptions during high tide and heavy swells.
Bicheno Blowhole
Natural Landmark
“Watch in awe as powerful ocean swells force water high into the air through a spectacular natural rock formation.”
Bicheno Penguin Tours
Wildlife Experience
“Take a guided evening walk to witness adorable little blue penguins returning to their burrows from the sea at dusk.”
East Coast Natureworld
Wildlife Park
“Get up close with iconic Tasmanian devils and other native Australian animals in a sprawling, natural bushland setting.”
St Marys
Purple Possum Wholefoods & Cafe
“A quirky spot known for its locally sourced organic produce.”
St Marys Pass
The winding, forested descent toward the coast filled with ferns and ancient gums.
The Crags
Jagged rock formations that provide a stark contrast to the lush valley below.
South Sister Peak
A challenging hike that rewards you with 360-degree views of the entire East Coast hinterland.
South Sister Lookout
Nature & Hiking
“A short hike to the summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Tasman Sea and the surrounding Fingal Valley.”
The Cranks and Tinkerers Museum
Museum
“This quirky museum features an impressive and nostalgic collection of vintage engines, classic cars, and historical memorabilia.”
Elephant Pass
Scenic Drive
“This winding mountain road through lush rainforest is famous for its scenic vistas and a well-known pancake parlor at the top.”
St Helens
Skippers Fish and Chips
“A waterfront institution serving the freshest catch of the day.”
The Gardens
The northern end of the Bay of Fires where orange-lichen-covered rocks meet blue water.
Binalong Bay
The classic shot of the vivid orange granite boulders against the turquoise waves.
Peron Dunes
Massive white sand dunes that feel like a desert landscape meeting the ocean.
Bay of Fires
Nature Reserve
“This iconic stretch of coastline is world-famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and striking orange-lichen-covered granite boulders.”
St Helens Mountain Bike Trails
Outdoor Recreation
“As one of Australia's premier riding destinations, these trails offer everything from scenic coastal loops to adrenaline-pumping downhill descents.”
Peron Dunes
Nature Reserve
“These massive white sand dunes provide a stunning landscape for 4WD exploring and offer breathtaking views over the surrounding ocean.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Maria Island
Take a ferry from Triabunna to this car-free national park.
Why It's Worth It
“Filled with history, stunning ruins, and abundant wombat sightings.”
Douglas-Apsley National Park
A short drive inland from Bicheno.
Why It's Worth It
“Features stunning waterfalls and deep, forested swimming holes.”
Evercreech Forest Reserve
Located near St Marys.
Why It's Worth It
“Home to the 'White Knights', some of the tallest Eucalyptus regnans in the world.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Late summer (February/March) offers the warmest weather, but Spring (October/November) is spectacular for wildflowers.
The roads are generally well-maintained, though there are many winding sections and steep inclines. Standard passenger vehicles are perfectly fine.
Yes, Bicheno is a famous spot for Little Penguins. Book a guided tour to ensure you see them without disturbing their natural habitat.