Hobart: Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Park, and Richmond Tour

Planning a trip to Tasmania and wondering what kind of day trips are worth your time? This full-day tour from Hobart to Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, and Richmond offers a good balance of scenic beauty, history, and local flavor. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to see some of Tasmania’s most iconic sights without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings.

What really catches the eye here is the emphasis on guide-led exploration and the chance to enjoy stunning coastal views, delicious local food and wine, and a touch of history in Richmond. We love that the itinerary is packed without feeling rushed, and the small group size promises a more personal experience.

Of course, as with any full-day adventure, there are considerations — mainly the length and some walking involved. If you’re not into hiking or long hours on a bus, this might be less ideal. But if you’re eager to see a variety of sites in one go and enjoy engaging storytelling, this trip can be very rewarding. It suits travelers looking for a comprehensive day out with plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal scenery and iconic landmarks like Wineglass Bay and Honeymoon Bay.
• Insightful guide with local knowledge that enhances the experience.
• Well-organized itinerary balancing sightseeing, walking, and relaxing stops.
• Includes wine and food tastings, offering a taste of Tasmania’s renowned produce.
• Small group size for a more intimate and flexible experience.
• Long day, so good for those comfortable with full-day excursions and some walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: A Friendly Intro with a Bakery Stop

If you’re anything like us, the day kicks off with a cozy stop at a local bakery outside Hobart. Here, you can grab a coffee, a warm pastry, or a quick breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. It’s a nice touch that sets a relaxed tone before hitting the road.

Scenic Drive along Great Eastern Drive

From the start, the journey along Tasmania’s famed Great Eastern Drive is a highlight. The coach travels through lush farmland, sweeping forested hills, and charming towns like Buckland and Orford. The landscape is beautiful and constantly changing, making the drive itself a feast for the eyes. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you glad you’re not driving — the guide handles the road, and you get to sit back with good company.

Raspins Beach & Maria Island’s History

The first stop at Raspins Beach offers a quick 10-minute break for photos and fresh air. From here, you get a splendid view of Maria Island, a place with a colorful history dating back to convict days and early settlers. The guide shares fascinating stories about Maria Island’s past, adding a layer of context that makes the scenery even more meaningful.

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Freycinet National Park: The Main Attraction

The heart of the tour is Freycinet National Park, home to the world-famous Wineglass Bay. Expect to spend around 2.5 hours exploring here, which includes a moderate 1.5-hour return walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. The trail is manageable for most, but it does involve some stairs and slight elevation, so comfortable shoes are a must.

From the lookout, you’ll see the pink granite peaks of the Hazards and the shimmering curve of Wineglass Bay below. This view is often photographed, and for a good reason — it’s one of Tasmania’s most iconic scenes. We’ve read reviews from travelers who say the hike is worth the effort, with many noting how breathtaking the panorama is.

Exploring More of Freycinet

After the lookout, the tour takes in Honeymoon Bay, a secluded spot perfect for a quick swim or just soaking in the scenery. Many guests find this highlight to be a peaceful respite from the busy day, with clear waters and white sand.

A visit to Cape Tourville Lookout follows, offering sweeping coastal views with fewer stairs, giving you a different perspective on the rugged coastline. It’s a brief walk, but the scenery is impressive enough to warrant every minute.

Wine and Food at Devils Corner

Next, the tour pauses at Devils Corner Winery, where you can sample Tasmanian wines and local seafood. The setting here is particularly lovely, with the winery overlooking Great Oyster Bay. Many reviews mention how generous the tastings are, and the chance to enjoy wood-fired pizzas or pasta makes this a real treat. It’s a good opportunity to relax, chat, and indulge in some of Tasmania’s best produce.

Optional Stop at Kates Berry Farm

Time permitting, a quick visit to Kates Berry Farm is included, where you can pick up homemade jams, chocolates, or ice cream. Reviewers appreciate the extra touches like this, which add flavor (literally) to the day.

Richmond: Tasmania’s Historic Gem

On the return, the coach takes you to Richmond, a charming village famous for its original Georgian buildings and the old convict-built bridge — still in use today. A quick 30-minute walk here allows you to soak up the atmosphere, admire the architecture, and enjoy a bit of Tasmanian history. Many travelers mention how picturesque and well-preserved the town is, making it a perfect spot for photos and a gentle stroll.

Optional Scenic View from Rosny Hill

If weather and time cooperate, the tour ends with a scenic stop at Rosny Hill Lookout for sweeping views over Hobart, Mount Wellington, and the Derwent River. It’s a fitting final highlight, especially if you’re keen to see the city from above before heading back.

What Travelers Are Saying: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The reviewers are enthusiastic about the tour’s highlights. Many mention the guide, “Alex,” as a major part of their enjoyable experience. “Alex was a great guide — very knowledgeable and considerate,” one reviewer notes, emphasizing the value of having an engaging guide who shares local insights and stories. His passion and friendliness seem to elevate the experience, making every stop more meaningful.

The stunning scenery at Wineglass Bay and Honeymoon Bay appears consistently as the standout. Travelers love the photo opportunities, describing the views as “breathtaking” and “a must-see.” Several note that the hike to the lookout is manageable, even for those with average fitness, and the views definitely justify the effort.

Food and wine tasting at Devils Corner is another highlight. Guests appreciate the generous tastings, often describing the experience as “delicious” and “relaxing,” with some mentioning they enjoyed local seafood and award-winning wines. The variety of stops, including berry farms and wineries, add a touch of local flavor that many feel enhances the overall value.

The small group size (limited to 13 participants) seems to make the trip more personal and flexible. Many reviews mention how the guide patiently accommodates slower walkers and takes extra time for photos — a thoughtful touch that adds to the enjoyment.

Some Downsides

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers mention the long duration (about 10.5 hours). It’s a full day, so if you prefer shorter excursions or have limited energy for walking, it might be a bit tiring. Also, the hike to Wineglass Bay involves stairs and some elevation, so those with mobility issues should consider this.

A few reviews touch on the bus comfort, noting that the vehicle can get a bit crowded, especially as the day progresses. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces or prefer more legroom, it’s worth considering.

What’s the Value Like?

Considering the inclusions — pickup and drop-off, guided commentary, multiple scenic stops, wine tastings, and the chance to visit famous sites in one day — the price reflects good value for a comprehensive experience. It’s designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and education without the stress of planning each stop on their own.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, light hikes, and local food and wine. If you’re comfortable spending a full day on a coach with some walking, this will suit you well. It’s particularly good for those interested in photography, history, and Tasmanian culture.

It’s less suited for families with young children under 8, due to the walking involved and the length of the day. Also, those with mobility challenges or who dislike long bus trips may want to consider alternatives.

If you love small-group tours, engaging guides, and the chance to see multiple highlights in one day, this tour will likely check most boxes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old because of some walking and the length of the day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunglasses, a towel if you want to swim, a camera, water, and biodegradable sunscreen.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10.5 hours, starting early and returning in the evening.

Is the walking difficult?
The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is moderate, about 1.5 hours round trip, involving stairs and some elevation. It’s manageable for most but check your fitness level.

What stops are included?
Stops include Raspins Beach, Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay and Honeymoon Bay), Cape Tourville Lookout, Devils Corner Winery, Kates Berry Farm (if time permits), Richmond, and possibly Rosny Hill Lookout.

Is lunch included?
Lunch isn’t included but there are options at Devils Corner Winery, such as wood-fired pizzas and seafood, which you can purchase.

How many people are in the group?
Limited to 13 participants for a more personal experience.

What is the guide like?
Based on reviews, guides like Alex are very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, often going above and beyond to enhance your day.

Final Thoughts

This Hobart to Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, and Richmond tour offers a rich day of natural beauty, history, and Tasmanian flavor. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see a lot in one day, who enjoy light hikes, scenic drives, and engaging guides. The high ratings and enthusiastic reviews reflect its well-organized nature and the memorable moments it provides.

While it’s a full day that requires some walking and patience, most find that the stunning views and local experiences make every minute worthwhile. If you’re after a comprehensive, guided adventure that showcases Tasmania’s east coast highlights, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

Remember, if you’re not into long bus days or hikes, you might want to explore other options. But for those ready to pack in a variety of sights, tastes, and stories, this trip is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: