Major city · Australia
Coles Bay
Stay 2 nights in Coles Bay for Wineglass Bay and Freycinet; day-trippers from Bicheno lose 1 h 30 min of walking time each way.
Coles Bay is a village of about 350 people on Tasmania's east coast and the service base for Freycinet National Park. Almost everyone comes for one walk, the Wineglass Bay lookout and beach, plus the Hazards ridge and the oyster farms on Coles Bay Road. Two nights covers the park without rushing; three lets you add a cruise or the lighthouse. Book beds and park passes before summer weekends, when the village fills.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days)
- Airports
- HBA · LST
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Coles Bay000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Coles Bay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a small town; the real risks are the heat and steep steps on the Wineglass Bay track…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHBA Hobart Airport (About 2 h 30 min by car via the A3; no direct bus to Coles Bay).
- Getting aroundNo public transport in the village.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Sit-down mealTavern main courseA$25–40 (≈ US$17–30)
- Budget bedHostel or caravan-park cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or cabin double room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedMotel or cabin double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$180 (≈ US$120) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HBA Hobart Airport (About 2 h 30 min by car via the A3; no direct bus to Coles Bay) · LST Launceston Airport (About 2 h 15 min by car via the A4 and A3)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Aug
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jun (10 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Coles Bay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Jul
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No public transport in the village. Drive or cycle; the park entrance is about 3 km from the village and the Wineglass Bay car park another 3 km inside the park. A car is needed for the marine farm, Honeymoon Bay and Cape Tourville.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min
Drive the A3 north, about 40 min
Penguin tour at dusk, blowhole and a fuel stop.
Swansea
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Drive the A3 south, about 45 min
Bakeries, a small museum and views over Great Oyster Bay.
Door to door: About 2 h
Drive the A3 north, about 1 h 45 min
Too far for a return day; sleep there and continue north.
Door to door: About 2 h 30 min
Drive the A4 and A3, about 2 h 15 min
A transfer, not a day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Coles Bay village
Walk to the jetty, tavern and bakery; closest to the park entrance.
Coles Bay Road
Cabins, farm stays and the marine farm; 5–10 min drive from the village.
Freycinet / Hazards View
Houses with bay views; 3–5 min drive to the park gate.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–260 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$260 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or cabin double room1 × 2 nights × A$220 | A$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$180 | A$720 |
| Freycinet parks pass, per vehicle, 24 h1 × A$45 · check | A$45 |
| Wineglass Bay cruise, per person2 × A$160 · check | A$320 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$158 |
| Trip total≈ A$433 per person per day, bed included | A$1,733≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Fish and chips | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Dozen oysters at the marine farmcheck | A$20–30 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Tavern main course | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Freycinet parks pass, per vehicle, 24 h | A$45 (≈ US$30) (check) |
| Fuel, per litreNo fuel in Coles Bay; fill up in Bicheno or Swansea. | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Freycinet National Park entry needs a parks pass; buy it online or at the visitor centre before you drive in.
- Wineglass Bay walk: 3–4 h return to the beach, steep steps, no water on the track; carry 2 L per person.
- Summer weekends and school holidays sell out weeks ahead; book beds and the cruise first.
- No fuel in Coles Bay; fill up in Bicheno or Swansea.
- Mobile coverage is patchy in the park; download maps before you leave the village.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Coles BayColes Bay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No consulates in Coles Bay; the nearest are in Hobart (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hobart Airport → Coles Bay by car: about 2 h 30 min, no direct bus (check)
- Launceston Airport → Coles Bay by car: about 2 h 15 min (check)
- Freycinet parks pass, per vehicle, 24 h: about A$45 (≈ US$30) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the Wineglass Bay track? — Where is the Wineglass Bay track?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
Carry water and a parks pass; there is no fuel or supermarket in the village.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Coles Bay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for HBA and LST with field-checked drive times and a fuel-stop rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: village and jetty, Wineglass Bay car park, Cape Tourville and Honeymoon Bay, Coles Bay Road farms.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Wineglass Bay lookout, Wineglass Bay beach, Hazards ridge, Cape Tourville) and eat pages with last orders.
- Summer sell-out and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.