The highlights on the east coast of Tasmania

As the saying goes, big things come in small packages and Tasmania is geographical proof of just that. The little island off the Australian mainland has so much to see and do that whether you’re on a short weekend escape or a month-long (or more) holiday, you will have enough to fill your days with joy and wonder.

Tasmania’s east coast is filled with pristine places that make you feel like you’re the first person to ever visit. There are many reasons that Tasmania made it on to a list of Top 10 Regions in the World to visit in 2015, including its cultural texture, wild landscapes and wonderful food.

Read more: The top 5 experiences in Tasmania

Places you can’t afford to miss

St Helens

This classic Tasmanian fishing town is a coastal holiday paradise, and is one of the very best places to find freshly caught, succulent, east coast fish and seafood. St Helens, is the largest township on the east coast, and is the gateway to the Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay. Here, life is all about the ocean – you can swim, fish, beach walk or sail at your own pace here. Whether you want to stay by the beach or immerse yourself in some history, there’s something for everyone.

Bay of Fires

Famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and orange lichen-covered granite boulders, the Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most popular and well-loved destinations. Its name refers to the Aboriginal fires spotted by Captain Tobias Furneaux when he sailed past in 1773, but it could also apply to the brilliant orange lichen that grows on the granite boulders lining the bay. This slice of coastal heaven has endless pristine beaches to walk for hours on end, and you’ll feel like you’re the only person to have ever set foot here.

Freycinet Peninsula

The view from world-famous Wineglass Bay at the Peninsula is one of the most stunning ones in Tasmania, and you can see it a few different ways. Take a hike to the visitor’s platform or trek to the top of Mount Amos. If you’ve got the budget for it, a spectacular way to take in the view is to book a scenic flight so you can enjoy a bird’s eye perspective from the top. Enjoy the local delicacies as you relax and soak up the view, and follow it up with a bushwalk in Freycinet National Park.

Maria Island

Maria Island is home to an extraordinary national park, which is a delightful blend of World-Heritage-listed, convict-era architecture, early 20th century industrial heritage, diverse and beautiful natural landscapes and abundant, protected wildlife. There are no cars here, so discovering Maria’s stunning beaches, forests, grassy plains, wildlife and historic sites happens on foot or from the seat of a bicycle.

Bicheno

Bicheno is a quintessential seaside Australian holiday town, and is one of the east coast’s most popular holiday destinations. It has perfect weather and perfect beaches to go with it. You can join a nightly penguin watching tour, visit a wildlife park or enjoy a walk in nearby Douglas Apsley National Park. A unique way to spend your time here is to explore the marine sanctuary from the sheltered deck of a glass-bottomed boat. Of course, you can always spend your time like you would on the perfect beach holiday, soaking up the sun and the views around as you enjoy the ocean.

Food and drink to indulge in

Fabulous seafood

For a seafood lover, Tasmania’s east coast is pretty close to paradise. The region’s clean seas and inland streams offer up some of the best fish and seafood you could wish for — oysters, mussels, rock lobster, abalone, deep sea fish and succulent freshwater trout. All of the recommended destinations above is brimming with opportunities to try Tasmanian seafood.

World-class wine

Tasmania’s east coast is famous for its vibrant flavours. Of the 160 wine producers in Tasmania, only 60 export to the mainland. That means there are a lot of boutique producers of world-class wines to discover — at cellar door experiences ranging from modern facilities with world-class restaurants to tiny wooden shacks. With seven unofficial wine regions, find wines made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and even Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Meet winemakers and brewers and sample fine wines, beer and stout accompanied by tasting plates of Tasmanian cheeses and other luscious morsels, all while soaking up incredible east coast views.

Tassie Market-ing

Farm gates on the east coast are about as diverse as you can imagine. The mild east coast climate, clean ocean and fertile soils create an environment where Tasmania’s world-famous produce is grown in abundance—from fresh fruits, particularly apples, and award-winning cheeses to premium seafood. Meet growers, farmers and makers to discover the stories behind the region’s sought-after produce and taste, buy and perhaps even cook your own fresh east coast bounty.

Once you visit, you’ll understand. Once you understand, you’ll want to come back. Again, and again, and again.

Is Tasmania on your bucket list? Have you been to the east coast? What are your most recommended things to see and experience there?