Launceston: Freycinet & Wineglass Bay Explorer Day Trip

If you’re dreaming of sweeping coastal views, charming little beaches, and a taste of Tasmania’s finest wines, the Freycinet & Wineglass Bay Explorer Day Trip from Launceston might just be the experience you’re after. We’ve checked out this tour from Tours Tasmania, and it offers a well-rounded day packed with nature walks, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of opportunities to relax or explore at your own pace.

What really makes this trip stand out is the combination of spectacular vistas like Wineglass Bay and Cape Tourville, plus the chance to enjoy some local wines at Devil’s Corner Winery. On the other hand, the duration and pace could be a bit tight for some, especially if you want ample time to really linger at each spot. This tour is ideal if you’re after a taste of Freycinet’s highlights with a manageable day’s commitment, especially suited for travelers who enjoy a good walk and scenic views without hiking all day.

Two things we love: the expert guides who keep things informative and friendly, and the variety of stops, which allow for different types of experiences—whether it’s a short walk, a relaxing beach visit, or a wine tasting. The potential drawback? Some reviewers mention feeling rushed, particularly at Honeymoon Bay, and the walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout can be challenging due to the stairs and uphill terrain. So, it’s worth considering your fitness level before booking. If you’re okay with some walking and elevation, this tour is a solid choice.

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want a snapshot of Tasmania’s coast, nature, and local produce. It’s also quite family-friendly, provided your kids are comfortable walking for about an hour and doing some uphill sections. If you’re looking for a relaxed, flexible day without the need to drive, this guided trip could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal scenery and nature walks in Freycinet National Park highlight the trip.
• Flexible walk options allow you to choose between the lookout and a longer beach hike.
• Expert guides make the experience informative and engaging.
• Includes wine tasting at Devil’s Corner Winery, giving a taste of Tasmanian wines.
• Approximately 10 hours of exploring, with a good balance of activities and downtime.
• Small group size (max 20) ensures a personalized experience.

A Day Packed With Highlights: What to Expect

Transportation and Comfort

Your day begins early, with hotel pickups from Launceston’s central hotels, so you avoid the hassle of driving. The tour uses air-conditioned minivans, which makes the long day comfortable, especially on warm days. With a maximum of 20 travelers, it’s not most intimate experience you’ll ever have, but it keeps the group small enough for personalized attention.

The First Stops: Quiet Townships and Scenic Overlooks

The journey kicks off with a scenic drive through historic Georgian townships like Evandale and Campbell Town. A quick stop in Campbell Town lets you grab some lunch for later, which is handy since meals aren’t included. It’s a good way to prep for the day and soak up some local charm.

Driving into Freycinet National Park, you’re greeted with stunning mountain views—The Hazards looming in the background. Your first stop is Cape Tourville Lighthouse, one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks. The circuit here takes about an hour and offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the ocean. It’s a gentle start that sets the tone for the day ahead.

The Iconic Wineglass Bay Walk

The star of the tour is the walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout—a moderately challenging uphill trek that takes about 45-60 minutes. Don’t be surprised if your calves feel it afterward; the path involves stairs and some elevation. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of Australia’s most photographed beaches, with classic white sand and sparkling water.

Many reviewers mention the stairs—some found it a bit strenuous, but most agree it’s worth every step. As Ferdinand_S puts it, “the steps to Wineglass Bay lookout are a bit challenging but very good.” From the lookout, you get that postcard-perfect view, ideal for photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Flexibility at Wineglass Bay

After reaching the lookout, you have an option. If you’re feeling energetic, you can extend your walk down to the actual beach. The full descent to Wineglass Bay beach adds around 2.5 hours and is perfect if you want to dip your toes in the water or enjoy a picnic. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the tour guides offer the option to head back after the lookout and spend more time at Honeymoon Bay.

Honeymoon Bay and Sleepy Bay

If you opt for the shorter walk, you’ll return from the lookout with your guide and have some relaxing moments at Honeymoon Bay. Many travelers, like Vicki_B, appreciate this stop, noting the “stunning scenery” and how well the guide tailored the stops to fit different fitness levels.

Honeymoon Bay is a peaceful spot, perfect for a quick dip or just unwinding on the sand. Sleepy Bay, another highlight en route, offers dramatic cliffs and quiet coves—great for nature lovers and photographers alike.

A Taste of Tasmanian Wine

No trip to Tasmania is complete without a wine stop, and Devil’s Corner Winery fits the bill perfectly. Located along the East Coast, it boasts views of the vineyard and surrounding landscape. Here, you can indulge in a wine tasting, enjoy some local seafood or pizza, and even grab some ice cream. Many reviews rave about the quality of the wine—Ferdinand_S loved the complimentary wine taste of Devils Corner Chardonnay, and others mention how the winery’s setting makes the experience memorable.

Return Journey and Practical Details

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Launceston, arriving around 5:30 pm. The overall timing is designed to give you a taste of Freycinet’s top sights without feeling rushed, but some reviews suggest the day could be a little tight or feel a bit hurried, especially at Honeymoon Bay.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At around $125 per person, the value largely depends on what you’re looking for. You get transport, park fees, an experienced guide, and several walk options, plus a wine tasting. It’s a well-organized, full-day experience that hits most of the major highlights of Freycinet.

Compared to doing a self-drive or multiple day hikes, this guided tour offers convenience and expert commentary, making it a good choice if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about logistics. While meals aren’t included, the stops for lunch or snacks give you flexibility to choose what suits your palate and budget.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy light to moderate hiking, are comfortable with some uphill walks, and want a guided overview of Tasmania’s coast. It’s suitable for those aged 8 and up, making it family-friendly if children are okay with walking and stairs. If you’re after a more leisurely day or plan to spend more time on the beaches or hiking longer, you might find this tour a bit constrained by time.

If you appreciate local wines, stunning scenery, and guided insight, this trip will likely hit the mark. It’s also a good choice if you prefer small groups for a more personal experience but don’t want to sacrifice comfort.

Final Thoughts: Is It For You?

This trip offers a reliable, scenic, and well-organized way to see part of Tasmania’s coast without the hassle of self-driving. The highlight is undoubtedly the Wineglass Bay lookout, backed by the comfort of guided walks, and the chance to taste local wines adds a sophisticated touch. The small group size and expert guides make it a friendly, engaging experience that balances activity with relaxation.

However, be prepared for some walking and the possibility of feeling a little rushed, especially if you want to linger longer at each spot. The tour’s structure favors those who like a good mix of scenery, light hiking, and wine tasting, making it a great choice for day trippers eager to see Tasmania’s best coastal views.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for children aged 8 and up. Just keep in mind the walking involved, especially the uphill sections and stairs, so it’s best for kids comfortable with some physical activity.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day trip is about 10 hours, starting around 7:30 am and returning in the late afternoon, around 5:30 pm.

What should I bring?
Bring your own snacks, water, comfortable shoes for walking, and a hat or sunscreen. Food and drinks aren’t included, but there’ll be opportunities to purchase on the tour.

Are the walks difficult?
The walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout is moderate with some stairs and uphill sections. The full beach hike is longer and more strenuous. The guided walks are designed to be accessible for most people with a moderate fitness level.

Can I customize my experience?
Yes, you can choose to only do the shorter walk and spend more time at Honeymoon Bay, or extend your walk down to Wineglass Bay beach if you’re feeling energetic.

What if the weather turns bad?
Tours are weather dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Whether you’re after iconic scenery, a bit of an adventure, or some Tasmanian wine, this tour packs a lot into one day. It’s a practical way to tick off some of Tasmania’s most spectacular sights without the stress of planning every detail yourself. Just go prepared for some walking, and you’ll find plenty to love.