In Norway and Italy we were hikers. In Nepal we were trekkers. In New Zealand we were trampers. Once we visited Australia and successfully hiked the Wineglass Bay Circuit, we can call ourselves bushwalkers.
We had a week to spend in Tasmania, and like always, we were on the lookout for some of the best hikes (or bushwalks, I should say). Many people rave about the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit, so we knew it was not to be missed.
The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit frequently comes up on the top things to do in Tasmania lists. This relatively short hike is filled with gorgeous views…stunning coastlines, thick forests, and the highlight, the views over Wineglass Bay.
If you have plans to visit Tasmania, put this hike on top of your list. It was one of our favorite experiences. Here’s how to do it.
Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Circuit Hiking Stats
Distance: 11 km (6.83 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 300 meters (1,000 feet)
Time: 3 to 5 hours
Location: Freycinet National Park
Toilets: At the car park
To do this hike, you will need to purchase a Parks Pass. Learn more here.
Prior to starting the hike, we were warned that prior bushwalking experience was necessary, due to steep climbs, rough trail descents, and changing weather conditions. It is a 11 km loop, by no means far, but long enough that four to five hours had to be set aside for the walk.
Would we be able to handle it? The warnings made the hike sound like it was going to be much more than just a walk in the park, if you get what I mean.
We did this hike when Tyler and Kara were 12 and 10 years old. As we learned, the hike really is not all that difficult, although prior hiking (or should I say bushwalking) experience is recommended. Those of average fitness and even younger kids can do this hike.
Where is the Wineglass Bay Hike?
The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit is located in Freycinet National Park. This park is located on the eastern side of Tasmania. From Hobart, it is a two and a half to three hour drive to get here.
Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Hike
This hike is done as a loop. It can be done in either direction and most people do this in a clockwise direction, ourselves included. This gets the first climb over with early in the hike and ends with an easier walk along the coastline.
We did this hike in early May. Cool temperatures, cloudy skies, and some light rain were our weather conditions, but this is also entering the off season, so crowds were rather light.
To Wineglass Bay Lookout
From the parking lot, follow signs for Wineglass Bay. Almost immediately the first climb will begin. A dirt trail climbs the hillside and towards the top you start getting your first views over Wineglass Bay.
At the top of the climb, take the very short detour to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for one of the best views of the day.
Wineglass Bay Beach
A long descent through a forest on sandy and rocky trails leads you to the beach that you ogled at from the viewpoint above.
We may have not been bushwalking here under ideal conditions, but the less than perfect weather kept almost everyone away. Wineglass Bay Beach was all ours. Once we left that Wineglass Bay viewpoint we saw only two other people during the next three hours of hiking. It was awesome.
Wineglass Bay Beach is phenomenal. The sand and the water reminded us of Fiji, only here we were still chilly even while wearing two layers of clothing. Our picnic spot was awesome and Tyler and Kara enjoyed walking along the rocks on the coastline.
Hazards Beach
From Wineglass Bay Beach, the trail heads into the forest, crossing the peninsula to the other side.
The trail emerges from the trees on Hazards Beach. From here, you get a view back to the mainland of Tasmania and more gorgeous coastal views. We were lucky to get some sun at this part of our hike.
From Hazards Beach, the trail follows the coastline. There are small up and downs here but nothing too strenuous.
On this part of the trail, I spotted either a kangaroo or a wallaby, hopping right across the trail 20 meters in front of us. It was thrilling, and my scream of surprise and delight pretty much guaranteed that we wouldn’t see any more for the rest of the hike since I am sure I scared them all away.
The trail ends back at the car park.
What to Bring on the Hike
Hiking shoes. We recommend hiking shoes. Portions of the trail are slippery.
Water and snacks. At least 2 liters of water in the summer.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. For portions of the hike there is very little shade.
Swimsuit and towel. Swimming is allowed along the beaches.
Camera. Even a smartphone will do.
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.Where to Stay
We stayed in Hobart, doing this hike as a day trip. It makes for a long day but we preferred to have one home base on Tasmania, rather than booking several different hotels.
If you want to stay closer to the hike, Hazards Rim is a beautiful 2-bedroom house located within walking distance of the trailhead. Freycinet Lodge is a short drive from the trailhead and offers a variety of cabins. In Coles Bay (the nearest town to the trailhead), Freycinet Stone Studio 4 and Freycinet Cottage 2 – Dolerite get excellent reviews.
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