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Things to Do in Bicheno, Tasmania: A Local's Guide
Updated: 3 days ago
Bicheno is a small fishing town on Tasmania's East Coast with granite boulders glowing orange with lichen, clear water, a roaring blowhole and little penguins waddling home at dusk. It's about two and a half hours from Hobart and two hours from Launceston, and only half an hour from Freycinet National Park – which makes it one of the best bases on the Great Eastern Drive. Here are the best things to do in Bicheno, plus where to park, camp and charge if you're travelling by campervan.
Bicheno fast facts
From Hobart | 178 km, about 2 hr 30 min via Sorell and the Tasman Highway |
From Launceston | 160 km, about 2 hr via Campbell Town and the Lake Leake Highway |
To Freycinet | Coles Bay Road turn-off 12 km south of town; about 30 min to Coles Bay |
Best season | December–March for beaches and swimming; September–January for the best penguin viewing; May–December for passing whales |
Time needed | 1–2 nights, plus a day for Freycinet |
Parks pass | Needed for Douglas-Apsley and Freycinet national parks (Daily about $50 or Holiday (2 months) about $100 per vehicle) |
EV top-ups | Swansea fast charger (75 kW) coming from Hobart; Campbell Town (200 kW) coming from Launceston; St Helens (50 kW) from the north-east. There is a charger in Bicheno too (not included in Tasvanlife network). |
Overnight in a van | Two caravan parks in town; free bush camping at Friendly Beaches (20 min away) |
Top Things to Do in Bicheno
1. Watch the little penguins come home at dusk
Bicheno's little penguins (the world's smallest penguin) spend the day at sea and return at dusk to their burrows around Redbill and Waubs beaches. They're here all year, but September to January is breeding season and the busiest viewing time.
The best way to see them without disturbing them is with Bicheno Penguin Tours, which takes small groups to a private rookery just out of town. Tours leave around dusk – roughly 5–7.30 pm from February to August and 7.30–9.30 pm from September to January – and last about an hour with a short 500–700 m walk. Adults are $76, children $32 and under-4s free. Book ahead in summer.
If you spot penguins on your own, keep your distance, never use a white torch or flash (red light only), and stay off the dunes where burrows are. For more penguin spots around the state, see our little penguins road trip.
2. Get sprayed at the Bicheno Blowhole
Follow the Esplanade south past the Gulch to the Blowhole, where swells force water through a crack in the granite and shoot it several metres into the air. It's most dramatic at high tide or when there's a decent swell running – and yes, you'll probably get wet. Stay well back from the edge in big seas. While you're there, look for Rocking Rock, a huge balanced granite boulder a short detour along the foreshore.
3. Walk the Bicheno foreshore
The easy, flat foreshore walk links Redbill Beach, Waubs Beach, the Gulch and the Blowhole over granite rocks and boardwalk – about 6 km return if you do the lot. Go early morning or late afternoon when the lichen-covered boulders glow orange, and finish with fish and chips at the Gulch.
4. Walk to Diamond Island at low tide
Diamond Island Nature Reserve is a small rocky island just off Redbill Beach. At low tide a sandbar lets you walk across for rock-hopping, sunbaking and snorkelling. Check the tide times first and head back well before the tide turns. The island is home to shorebirds and penguins, so stay off the vegetation and away from burrows.
5. Climb Whalers Lookout
This short walk – about 1.7 km return, 30 minutes – climbs from the middle of town to a granite outcrop with views over the Gulch, Governor Island and the coast. The track starts near the corner of Fraser and Foster streets, where there's plenty of street parking for a van. Between May and December it's one of the best spots on the East Coast Whale Trail to look for humpbacks and southern right whales on their migration.
6. Take the glass-bottom boat or dive Governor Island
Just off the Gulch, the Governor Island Marine Reserve has kelp forests, sponge gardens and seals, and is regarded as one of Australia's best temperate dive sites, with more than 35 dive spots. Not a diver? Bicheno's Glass Bottom Boat runs 45-minute trips at 10 am, noon and 2 pm daily from September to April, leaving from the Gulch – check the blackboard at the office for availability. Divers should go with a local dive operator.
7. Fishing around Bicheno
Fishing is another popular pastime in Bicheno. You can cast for flathead, salmon and other species from the rocks, the jetty in the Gulch or a small boat, and experienced divers collect abalone along the coast. To venture further offshore, book a local boat charter for a deep-sea fishing trip.
Just remember that the waters around Governor Island, right off the Gulch, are a marine nature reserve. No fishing or setting of fishing gear is allowed on the island, around Alligator Rock or within 400 metres east of the island's shoreline. White poles mark its western boundary. Abalone and rock lobster also need a Tasmanian recreational sea fishery licence, and size and bag limits apply. Check the latest rules on the Tasmanian recreational fishing website before you go.
8. Swim, surf and paddle at Waubs Bay and Redbill Beach
Waubs Bay, right in town, is the go-to for a swim, snorkel or stand-up paddle on a calm day. Redbill Beach, on the north side of town, picks up more swell for surfing and bodyboarding. Both are patrolled by penguins at dusk – another reason to stay for sunset. Prefer to stay dry? Kayaking along the coastline is a great way to soak in the scenic beauty (Tip: You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle with your campervan booking).
9. Meet Tasmanian devils at East Coast Natureworld
Five minutes north of town on the Tasman Highway, East Coast Natureworld is a wildlife park with Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos and birds. It's open 9.30 am–4 pm daily (closed Christmas Day), with devil feeding at 10 am and 1 pm. For something different, the after-dark Devils in the Dark tour shows the devils at their most active. East Coast Natureworld is a fantastic stop for families, offering interactive wildlife experiences. Kids will enjoy seeing Tasmanian devils up close, feeding kangaroos, and learning about conservation efforts.
10. Eat your way around town
Bicheno boasts a vibrant food scene, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced seafood. The Lobster Shack is a must-visit for those wanting to savour delicious Tasmanian lobster and fish and chips by the sea. Other great dining spots include Pasini's, known for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, and The Farm Shed, offering local wines and gourmet treats.
For those looking to experience Bicheno's culinary culture, visiting during the Bicheno Food and Wine Festival on Saturday 21 November 2026, between 11 am–6 pm at 78 Burgess Street. This event is ticketed and sells out. This event showcases the best of Tasmania's East Coast, featuring tastings, live music, and cooking demonstrations by top chefs.
Nearby, visitors can also explore Freycinet Marine Farm, where they can indulge in freshly shucked oysters and other locally harvested seafood. The surrounding wine region offers excellent vineyard experiences, with tastings of fine Tasmanian wines from top wineries such as Devil's Corner and Gala Estate.
Suggested Read: Top 12 Food Places to Visit during your Tasmanian Roadtrip
Day trips from Bicheno
Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay
The Coles Bay Road turn-off is 12 km south of Bicheno, and Coles Bay is about 30 minutes away. The classic walk is the Wineglass Bay Lookout – about 2.6 km return and 1–1.5 hours, with a steady climb to one of Tasmania's most famous views. Our Wineglass Bay Lookout walk guide covers parking, timing and the beach extension, and our Freycinet Peninsula guide has the rest – Cape Tourville, Honeymoon Bay and the cruises. You'll need a parks pass.
Join a Freycinet cruise or sea kayaking tour to glide past the dramatic pink granite coastline, spot seals and dolphins, and take in breathtaking views of Wineglass Bay from the water. These guided experiences combine adventure with education, making them a fun way for kids and adults alike to learn about the region’s marine life and coastal ecosystems while soaking up the beauty of Tasmania’s east coast.
Friendly Beaches
The northern part of Freycinet National Park is often quieter than Wineglass Bay: a long white beach reached by a gravel road about 9 km off the Coles Bay Road. There's national park camping here too (see below).
Exploring further? Download our full 5 day itinerary along the East Coast
Douglas-Apsley National Park
Turn off the highway onto Rosedale Road about 3 km north of Bicheno to reach the Apsley Waterhole, a 10-minute walk from the car park – a beautiful swimming hole on a hot day. Rosedale Road is unsealed but fine for all vehicles, including our campervans. Keen walkers can continue on the Apsley Gorge walk: 5.6 km return the same way (2–3 hours), or about 7 km as a loop back along the river in dry weather (4–5 hours). Tasmanian parks pass required.
Maria Island
For island adventurers, a boat trip to Maria Island is highly recommended. This national park is a sanctuary for wildlife, featuring historical ruins, scenic cliffs, and white sandy beaches – wombats, the Painted Cliffs and convict history, with no cars on the island.
Bay of Fires
Another stunning nearby attraction is the Bay of Fires. Head north via St Helens (about 1.5 hours) for the orange-lichen boulders and white sand, with free beachside camping along the Gardens Road. This location is a must-visit for photographers and beach lovers alike.
Bicheno by campervan: where to stay, park and charge
Where to camp overnight
In town: Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park (4 Champ Street – powered sites, dump point, laundry, playground) and Bicheno Caravan Park (52 Burgess Street – powered sites, close to the beach and shops). Both are walking distance to the Gulch and the penguin tour.
Friendly Beaches (Freycinet NP): national park campgrounds by the beach, toilets but no hand-washing and no water – bring your own and take your rubbish out. Parks pass needed.
Douglas River: beachside campground on the Tasman Highway north of town, popular with campervans.
Please don't sleep in town car parks or along the foreshore – use a campground. Every Tasvanlife camper can be made fully self-contained by adding the toilet option to your rental, which opens up more campsites.
Parks pass
You'll need a Tasmanian parks pass for Douglas-Apsley and Freycinet. Buy it online and choose the "hire and drive" option so it covers whatever vehicle you're driving. A Holiday Pass (about $100 per vehicle, valid for two months) is better value than daily passes if you're visiting more than one park.
Charging an electric campervan
Five of our 15 vans are electric, and the East Coast is easy driving with a little planning. Coming from Hobart, top up at the Swansea fast charger (75 kW), about 45 minutes south of Bicheno.
Coming from Launceston, use the Campbell Town fast charger (200 kW) before crossing the Lake Leake Highway. If you're heading on to the Bay of Fires, St Helens has a 50 kW charger. There are no included chargers in Freycinet, so arrive at Coles Bay with plenty of charge. See our electric campervans.
Tips for visiting Bicheno
Plan around dusk. Penguins, sunset on the granite and the best light all happen late in the day – have an early dinner and stay in town for the evening.
Check the tides before walking to Diamond Island, and visit the Blowhole near high tide for the biggest show.
Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and at night. Wildlife is everywhere on East Coast roads, especially on the gravel roads into the national parks.
Book ahead in summer – penguin tours, caravan parks and the Food & Wine Festival all fill up.
Red light only around penguins; no flash photos.
Fill up with water in town before heading to Friendly Beaches – there's no drinking water onsite.
Pack layers. Even in summer, East Coast evenings can turn cool and windy.
Bicheno FAQs
Is Bicheno worth visiting?
Yes. It packs a lot into a small town – penguins, the Blowhole, beaches, diving and seafood – and it's the closest town base for Freycinet and Douglas-Apsley national parks.
How many days do you need in Bicheno?
One night is enough for the penguins, Blowhole and Whalers Lookout. Two nights lets you add a Freycinet day trip and Douglas-Apsley without rushing.
When is the best time to see penguins in Bicheno?
Penguins return at dusk all year round. September to January is breeding season and the best time to see lots of them; tours run nightly, timed to dusk.
How far is Bicheno from Wineglass Bay?
The Coles Bay Road turn-off is 12 km south of Bicheno and Coles Bay is about 30 minutes' drive; the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk starts from the car park a short drive past Coles Bay.
Can you free camp in Bicheno?
Not in town – use one of the two caravan parks. The nearest free camping for campervans is at Friendly Beaches, about 20 minutes away (parks pass required).
What are the best free things to do in Bicheno?
The Blowhole, the foreshore walk, Whalers Lookout, Diamond Island at low tide, swimming at Waubs Bay and watching the sunset over the granite are all free.
Explore Bicheno and the East Coast in your own campervan
Bicheno is at its best when you can stay for sunset, watch the penguins, then wake up by the beach. Our off-grid campervans are fitted out with Tasmanian timber and include everything from roadside assistance to olive oil, and every hire starts with a personal welcome from our team in Hobart. Find your perfect campervan or try one of our electric campervans.
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