Family Adventure in Freycinet National Park

Finding Peace in Freycinet: A Day of Coastal Exploration and Culinary Feasts

Today was a day of contrasts, from the rugged beauty of the Freycinet Peninsula to the delightful culinary experiences Coles Bay had to offer. We immersed ourselves in the natural wonders of Tasmania, creating memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. It's days like these that remind me why we embarked on this family adventure in the first place.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ice Creamery & Co. in Coles Bay. Despite its name, it's much more than just an ice cream parlor; it's a local institution serving up classic Aussie dishes with a view to die for. David and Sophie were particularly excited about the promise of ice cream later, but for now, we settled on some perfectly brewed coffees and a selection of their breakfast options. The weather was crisp, but the sun was already starting to warm the air, promising a beautiful day ahead. It’s funny, I always thought of ice cream as a summer treat, but Sophie insists it’s perfect any time of year! The restaurant is taking a break for the season and will be back scooping on September 20th.

Fueled up and ready to explore, we set off towards the Freycinet Peninsula. The drive itself is stunning, with glimpses of the Hazards mountain range and the turquoise waters of Great Oyster Bay. I was eager to show David and Sophie the raw beauty of this part of Tasmania. The peninsula is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with pink granite mountains, secluded beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. As we drove, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. It's a far cry from our busy lives in Toronto, and I cherished every moment of this escape. We even managed to spot a few wallabies grazing in the distance! It reminded me of the deer we sometimes see back home in Canada, though these creatures were much more exotic.

Our first stop was Sleepy Bay Track. The short drive from Cape Tourville lighthouse leads to a small car park, from which a well-maintained track descends to sea level in about 10 minutes. The walk down to Sleepy Bay was invigorating, the air filled with the scent of eucalyptus and the sound of crashing waves. The track was manageable for Sophie, though we had to take a few breaks to admire the views and catch our breath. The bay itself is a dramatic landscape of rugged rocks and crashing waves, living up to its reputation for rough seas. The autumn sun cast long shadows across the rocks, creating a stunning contrast of light and shadow. We spent some time exploring the rock formations, Sophie excitedly pointing out shapes and patterns she saw in the granite. I made sure to keep a close eye on her, as the waves were quite powerful and the rocks could be slippery. It was a far cry from the calm lakes of my childhood in Sarnen, but Sophie seemed to thrive on the wildness of it all.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Sleepy Bay Track in Tasmania's Freycinet National Park, a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Sometimes, the most beautiful places are the ones that challenge us to step outside our comfort zone.

After our invigorating walk at Sleepy Bay, we were ready for a relaxing lunch. We headed to the Freycinet Resort for a casual meal. The resort offered a lovely setting with views overlooking the water. I opted for some fresh seafood, while David enjoyed a hearty burger, and Sophie, of course, chose fish and chips. It was the perfect way to refuel after our morning adventures. The spring weather was lovely and mild. The resort has three restaurants to chose from.

With our appetites satisfied, we decided to explore Coles Bay a bit more. This charming little town is the gateway to Freycinet National Park, and it has a relaxed, welcoming vibe. We strolled along the Esplanade, admiring the views of the Hazards and the calm waters of the bay. Sophie was particularly fascinated by the pelicans that were gliding gracefully overhead. We popped into a few local shops, browsing the souvenirs and local crafts. I was tempted to buy a piece of Tasmanian Huon pine, but decided to wait until later in the trip. The town has a family friendly space with a everyone welcome attitude.

Before dinner, we stopped by Granite Freycinet for a drink. This local bar is known for its excellent coffee during the day and its cocktails and pizza in the evenings. We sat outside on the deck, soaking up the last rays of the sun and enjoying the lively atmosphere. David and I savored some local Tasmanian wine, while Sophie sipped on a juice box. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. The bar is a local community hub for fresh food, quality drinks and warm and professional service.


Experience the culinary delights of Granite Freycinet in Coles Bay, where local flavors meet stunning Tasmanian scenery.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Eagle Peaks at Freycinet for dinner. This restaurant is renowned for its stunning views and its focus on local produce. We were greeted warmly by the staff and shown to a table with panoramic views of the Freycinet Peninsula and Great Oyster Bay. Emily is an amazing host. For starters, we shared some freshly shucked oysters from Melshell Oyster Shack, which were absolutely divine. For our main courses, I opted for the grilled fish, David chose the lamb, and Sophie, predictably, went for the pasta. Every dish was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. It was a true celebration of Tasmanian cuisine. We even saw wallabies in the garden while dining. The restaurant has exceptional ratings for its location, cleanliness, comfort and staff.


Discover unparalleled beauty and comfort at Eagle Peaks in Freycinet National Park - your ultimate Tasmanian getaway.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll back to our accommodation, the stars twinkling brightly overhead. Sophie was exhausted but happy, chattering excitedly about all the things we had seen and done during the day. As I tucked her into bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. This family adventure was turning out to be everything I had hoped for and more. Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Cooks Beach and Mount Amos. I'm particularly looking forward to the hike up Mount Amos, as I've heard the views from the top are simply breathtaking. I think Sophie will enjoy Cooks Beach, which offers a more relaxed setting for playing and exploring. We'll also be sure to stop by Melshell Oyster Shack for lunch, as we all enjoyed the oysters so much tonight. And for dinner, we're planning to try Iluka Tavern, which is supposed to be a great spot for local pub fare. Before heading home tomorrow we will do some shopping at Granite Freycinet.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I am reminded of the importance of taking time to connect with nature and with each other. In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget what truly matters. This trip to Freycinet National Park has been a wonderful opportunity to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and create lasting memories with my family. And who knows, maybe we'll even convince Sophie to try something other than fish and chips tomorrow!