Greetings Maxxis-ers! With February being the last official month of Aussie summer, what better time to make a road trip to the magical east coast of Tassie and soak up the sunshine while taking in some ultra-exceptional sights and experiences. Just over two hours from Launceston (a little further if you’re coming from Hobart), the views are sensational, beaches are magical, fish are biting and if yours are anything like mine, your trusty Maxxis wheels can’t wait to get rolling! So, let’s get going…
A few directions
On the National Highway 1 and Lake Leake Highway/B34, the drive to this eastern Tassie coast wonderland from Launceston takes a bit over two hours (or as long as you like)! In case you’re starting off from home in Hobart, it’s a little bit further (about 2 hours and 40 on the Tasman Highway/A3).
The all-important question of vehicle and tyres
It goes without saying that Maxxis has a wide range of tyres for just about every type of vehicle — big or small — that will make this journey (which is a paved road all the way) an absolute breeze. Whether there are just two of you zipping along in a Mini Cooper fitted with Maxxis VS5s, enjoying the adventure from a Maxxis “RAZR ready” Ford Ranger, or packed with the family into a spacious wagon fitted with super safe HP5 Premitra tyres – you’re absolutely ready to roll!
A bit about Coles Bay and the surrounds
Renowned for its trademark pink granite Hazards Mountains above and pristine Great Oyster Bay below, Coles Bay (on the edge of the Freycinet National Park) is a destination that pulls out all the stops when it comes to nature at its most picture-perfect spectacular!
A walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout (about 40 minutes from the parking lot) gives you a grandstand view for miles and could be all the inspiration you need to get you down to the beach for a memorably refreshing Tassie ocean dip to get the experience started. Here are a few other highlights in and around Coles Bay to get your planning underway:
Swimming, snorkelling kayaking, fishing, walking and hiking… Exploring the Coles Bay area and surrounding national park and its abundance of beaches, brilliantly clear water and rugged scenery is outdoor adventuring made easy. Do it in the way that suits you best!
Anyone for Oysters? Visit the Freycinet Marine Farm for some Tassie ocean fresh oysters and seafood (eat on the deck or take away). Book a tour and take a wade through the water to find out just how they’re grown and learn to shuck your own, right on site.
Don’t go past this ice-cream with a view…Get your Coles Bay Ice-creamery fix (there’s a choice of more than 20 colourful flavours), stop in for a coffee or some fresh fish ‘n chips.
Check out neighbouring Bicheno…The seaside town Bicheno (about 30 minutes north) offers some great wildlife experiences including your chance to meet up with Tassie Devils on a “Devils in the Dark” tour or take a late night penguin tour. The Bicheno Blowhole is also well worth a visit – check the tide times to catch it at its most mighty impressive.
Cruise to Wineglass Bay… Ok, so you’ll need to put aside the best part of a day for this one, but along with the unforgettable views of the Hazards, you’ll likely see whales, seals, dolphins (and a whole lot more) from a spectacular (and luxurious) water vantage-point.
Up for an ATV or sea kayaking activity? Get to grips with Freycinet on a fun ATV adventure (you can be a rider or a passenger) with a guide who knows some of the best places in the area that you’d be unlikely to discover on your own. Or take the Freycinet Paddle sea kayaking experience – an award-winning way to enjoy this unspoilt environment and amazing wildlife as you glide by.
Where to stay…From camping (powered and unpowered) sites, cabins and cottages to luxurious world-renowned lodges – this part of eastern Tassie has all accommodation options covered – many with postcard water and mountain views.
Anything else before I go?
Check those tyres, while they’re cool before you head off – and of course, stay COVID-Safe! Remember to social distance, keep that hand sanitiser handy and follow any local regulations.
From me, the Maxxis Man, until next trip – happy travels and enjoy your ride!
