Pink granite peaks, white sand and orange-tinged rocks make the Tasmanian East Coast an easy place to justify a more indulgent stay. Our guide to Tasmanian East Coast luxury accommodation looks at the settings that make a splurge worthwhile and the styles of stay on offer.

It covers the landscapes, the kinds of retreat and how to pick the right base. For specific properties, we point you to our listings.

Where the East Coast sits

The East Coast is a loosely defined region along the Tasman Sea. It runs from the southern approaches near Cockle Creek and Bruny Island up to the remote Bay of Fires in the northeast. It is one of Tasmania's most visited areas, popular for its mild climate, beaches, fishing, wineries and bushwalking.

The coastline is varied. There are rugged stretches and wide sandy beaches, with the pink granite peaks of Freycinet Peninsula, dolerite cliffs near Maria Island and the layered rock of the Tessellated Pavement near Eaglehawk Neck. You can read the wider picture on our Tasmanian East Coast guide.

Settings for an indulgent stay

Freycinet and Wineglass Bay

Freycinet National Park is home to Wineglass Bay, a sub-bay of Great Oyster Bay, and to walking tracks such as the Hazard Circuit and Mt Amos. Coles Bay is the base for visiting the park. Some luxury stays here offer views over Wineglass Bay, and others sit within minutes of the park. If a view is what you are paying for, check it is part of the room you book.

One option here is Freycinet Lodge, managed by RACT, which has its own page.

Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires

The northeast is known for white sand beaches and orange lichen-covered granite rocks. Some of the region's indulgent stays look out over Binalong Bay. St Helens, the largest town on the East Coast, is the centre for fishing, aquaculture and tourism, so you are not far from services.

Towns and seaside villages

You can also stay in the heart of a town. Swansea has heritage buildings and wine tourism. Bicheno is a fishing and tourist town known for its penguin colonies and blowhole. Others prefer a place facing one of the many secluded bays and inlets, or somewhere tucked away for privacy.

The south

Further south, the Tasman Peninsula brings the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former penal settlement and major heritage attraction. Nubeena is the main town on the peninsula. For a base near the site, see Port Arthur Motor Inn.

Types of luxury stay

Luxury here is not one thing. The range includes:

  • spa retreats and beach cottages
  • lodges and bed and breakfasts with personal touches
  • stately manors and boutique hotels
  • well-appointed apartments
  • beach holiday homes with direct access to family-friendly beaches
  • resorts with facilities such as a day spa, sauna, fine dining or golf course
  • private villas, some with a plunge pool

Facilities differ from one property to the next, so confirm what is on site before you commit. Our East Coast accommodation page and the dedicated luxury accommodation listing are the places to compare. Our specials page is worth a look before booking, and it pays to check current prices and packages with the operator.

Premium tours to build into the stay

Part of an indulgent trip is what you do between meals. Ferries run from Kettering to Bruny Island, known for wildlife, produce, bushwalks, food trails and coastal cruises. Another runs from Triabunna to Maria Island, a former penal settlement and now a national park with wildlife, World Heritage-listed convict ruins and scenic walks. Seasonal tours also run from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island and Maria Island.

Our tours page and the wider activities list are the next stops.

Getting there and moving around

The Tasman Highway (A3) is the main route. It runs from Hobart to St Helens via Sorell, Orford, Swansea, Bicheno and Scamander. That makes a scenic drive between stays easy to plan, with a night in Swansea or Bicheno along the way. For wider trip ideas, visit Discover Tasmania, the official state tourism site.

Choosing the best months

The region is popular for its mild climate, and some ferry and tour services are seasonal, particularly the Hobart tours to the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island and Maria Island. If a tour matters to you, check its running dates first and then book the room around it.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you get views of Wineglass Bay from the room?

Some luxury stays around Freycinet and Coles Bay offer views over Wineglass Bay. Check the room details when you book.

What kinds of luxury stay are there?

They range from spa retreats, cottages, lodges and bed and breakfasts to boutique hotels, apartments, resorts and private villas, some with a plunge pool.

Is there a way to read more about the region?

Yes. The East Coast, Tasmania reference page covers the geography, towns and tourism in more detail.