Wineglass Bay Lookout — Attraction in Freycinet

This is not the easiest walk – it’s a 45 minute slog up a steep hill, with little shade. But the track is good, and safe, and we saw many young kids make this along with their grandparents, while more than few couples had small children on their shoulders. There are no toilets, or water, once you start the walk, so, make sure you’re prepared for up to 2 hours in the sun, though most should be able to complete the mostly one way round circuit in about 90 minutes. Keep a close eye on the weather. You do not want to be doing this walk in a thunderstorm, or on a very hot day. But, if you want classic pictures of the sweeping white sand beach and green/blue sea, you need a sunny, clear day. Weather changes fast here, and can be very different on the ocean side, so, if it looks like it’s sunny and clear, rearrange your plans and get going if you want the classic pictures. But beware – the tourist shots you see are not taken from the lookout but from Mt Amos, which is a much harder walk, without a defined track in parts, and beyond the abilities of many. The view from the lookout is good, but not as good as Mt Amos. Finally, don’t make the mistake we did and effectively do this twice. The lookout is just a 5 minute diversion from the track to Wineglass Bay and the Hazards. If you’re already doing this walk, then there’s no need to make a separate hike to the lookout. The lookout track branches off the main track, after you’ve already done the hard slog up! However, if you then fancy a quick walk down to the bay itself beware, this is a steep 1,000 step hike. There’s plenty of parking at the base, and multiple spillover areas nearby if this fills up. And there are toilets and fresh drinking water at the start...

If you’ve been wondering why you ever did the stair master, you were preparing for this moment. From the car park to the look out, you’ll have 25 mins of fair walking (and yes the kids will ask ‘are we there yet’ multiple times). When you get to the look out, there will be small seating areas and a beautiful view of Wineglass Bay beach to greet you for many selfie moments, but then the tough decision comes, should you trek another 1000 odd stairs (that’s what the sign says) to get to the beach itself. That’s when the real moaning and groaning starts, and hey, the path down the mountain has a few different path/step types (see it like a terrain challenge - it does get slipper if it’s raining - photos of the different path types attached for your convenience if you’re feeling unsure) but it’s a good challenge, just take your time. There are no lights, handle bars or rails of any sort so remember what goes down must go up so enjoy the beach when you get their, it’s a spectacular view. Light sand, orange rocks, clear blue water and if you were smart enough to bring your bathers, feel free to experience the freezing cold waters. If you’re more of the romantic type, a long stroll on the beach with lots of pretty shells to collect await you, but remember, the hike back to the car park is inevitable. Great activity to keep you entertained for at least 1.5 hrs and a great way to get off the wifi as you’ll have no phone reception when you start your descent to the beach from the lookout (good luck...

First of all, come prepared if you will be doing the Beach hike, it’s a little difficult while climbing up (or going down based on how comfortable you are). I don’t have issues climbing down, but going up due to my allergic conditions.

Here are the details:

The Lookout:

Easy to Mod based on your endurance. I was able to reach the lookout in/under 38-45 minutes with a few stops to take pictures and rest.

From there, I decided to go to the Beach at last minute.

The Beach: Reached the beach in 21 to 23 minutes, only 1-2 a quick breaks. Was carrying 500 + 750 ml water, cap/hat, Sweater/Jacket/umbrella/raincoat/poncho, energy bars, and other things to capure the views As it was cloudy, didn’t have to drink a lot of water but take precautions in summer (and during winter and rainy season). Hiking up was challenging to me, did it in 48 minutes with many stops. Literraly there are so many stairs/steps. An athleic or a strong person will be able to do it in 45-60 minutes. Saw 2-3 wild Wallabies and that’s it Last suggestions: Know your limits, don’t rush and run. Pack in, pack out, PLEASE. Loved how Tasmanian and Australian governments are taking care of the nature. I wish it was the same thing in USA and India.

Lastly, water avalable near parking. Restrooms available at the parking and...