Named after French navigator Louis de Freycinet this marvellous Tasmanian gem is widely regarded as a must-see peninsula in Australia. People of all ages can experience the dazzling sights in an easy-to-follow and meticulously marked circuit. However, novice hikers should be alerted about some sections of the walk that can be fairly steep, otherwise, you are in for a wonderful hike that will enliven all your senses.
Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach
After completing the logbook at the start of the walk, you will be in for a real adventure. Having parked inside the Freycinet National Park, the walking tracks will take you along the Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach which is a fantastic slow start ideal for novices and families with kids. On your first day, you start with a gentle trail that goes through forests until it slowly descends to the coastline of Hazards Beach. Turn right just before Wineglass Bay Beach in order to reach Hazards Beach, then you can swim in crystal blue waters and get immersed in surreal surroundings. Not only that but all throughout your walk you will have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to see bedazzling wildlife and take infatuating photos of your journey. A good trick to improve your Instagram feed or travel blog is always to enhance those hiking photos with free Lightroom presets or photoshop actions that you can find on resourceful websites such as Sleeklens.
Cooks Beach
The 13 kilometres walk on the first day should last around 5-6 hours depending on your breaks, but you will know you have reached your destination once you see the sign for Hazards Campsite and Cooks Beach. These beaches are known for glassy water, miles of sand, but the entire walk is rather strenuous along the sandy beach. If the day is hot and humid, as it often tends to get, you can go swimming and sunbathing all you want as if you are on a private beach. Later, you can find a suitable spot with lots of shade for your tent and unwind under the stars.
Cooks Beach to Mt Graham
After a good night’s sleep, get ready for a hectic day. Day 2 starts off from Cooks Beach to Bryans Beach with a considerable distance of 1.6 kilometres which would only take around 30 minutes to complete. This serene, enchanting and deserted beach is a real heaven on Earth. Then the track ascends steadily up and along with East Freycinet saddle. It rises gradually but then be prepared for a steep climb through the slippery rocks. Later it gets steeper and rockier near the top of Mt Graham (579 metres) and the highest peak of the trail Mt Freycinet (620 metres). But once you reach it, the view of the entire surrounding will undoubtedly take your breath away, and the climb will be absolutely worth it.
Mt Graham to Walking Tracks car park
Day 3 is set to welcome the perfect sunrise and start your journey back to the car park via Wineglass Bay. Take the time to indulge in magnificent views along the way back. The bushwalk back is not difficult and it’s mainly downhill, but be prepared for a longer descend. The trail goes through forested areas until you reach the southern end of the beguiling Wineglass Bay. Again, you can plunge into the crystal clear water and finish up this unique circuit by taking some iconic photos and enjoying in all of its wonders.
Need to Know
Length: 38 km
Time: 3 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate / Grade 3 (according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System).
Style Circuit
Region: Tasmania
Park: Freycinet National Park
Closest Town: Coles Bay (13 km)
Path Taken: The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is well signed from Wineglass Bay.
Access: Passing through Coles Bay, you will eventually reach the Wineglass Bay carpark and the signed Freycinet Peninsula Circuit trailhead.
Map: This map from HikeTheWorld gives a good summary of the circuit but if you’re planning your trip, you’ll want to check out your local map shop for a 1:25,000 topographic map of the area – there should be a few options available.
Have you hiked the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.
Exploring the Great Ocean Road?
You won’t see the best sights from your car. Get the definitive guidebook, featuring the 25 best walks in the area with detailed instructions and maps.
