Major city · Australia
SwanseaSwansea, Tasmania
Stay one night in Swansea as a Freycinet base, or skip it if you already sleep in Coles Bay: the town itself is a 2-hour stop.
Swansea is a small east-coast town on Great Oyster Bay, about 139 km and a 2-hour drive from Hobart on the A3. It works as a quiet, cheaper base for Freycinet National Park and as a break in the Hobart–St Helens drive. The town has a heritage museum, a bakery, a pub and a handful of motels and B&Bs; the beach and the view across the bay to the Hazards are the main draw. One night is enough unless you are using it as a slow base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (warm, long days); Dec–Feb is busiest
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, some places close or run shorter hours)
- Airports
- HBA · LST
- Nights
- 1
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 Swansea000 ▾
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 Swansea, 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 wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk, cold water and unpatrolled surf beaches…
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 a mobile · 132 500 SES (storms, floods)
- 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 15 min drive via the A3; hire car is the practical option).
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required: the town is small enough to walk, but Freycinet…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (gold coin donation)A$1–5 (≈ US$1–4)
- Budget bedBackpacker or hostel bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or B&B double room, a night, per roomA$200 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or B&B double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$300 (≈ US$200)
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 15 min drive via the A3; hire car is the practical option) · LST Launceston Airport (About 1 h 45 min drive via Rte 1, B34 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
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°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
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Aug
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Sep
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°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 Jul (12 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Swansea: 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
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Jul
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Aug
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 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
A car is effectively required: the town is small enough to walk, but Freycinet, wineries and the beaches are 20–40 min away and there is no useful local bus. Fuel up in Swansea or Bicheno before long east-coast drives.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay
goDoor to door: About 1 h to the trailhead
Drive the A3 north to Coles Bay, about 30–40 min, then walk from the car park
Wineglass Bay lookout is a steep 45–60 min climb each way; start early in summer.
Door to door: About 30 min
Drive north on the A3, about 30 min
Blowhole, penguin tours at dusk and a good bakery stop.
Kate's Berry Farm and the coastal lookouts
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive south on the A3, about 15 min
Berries, ice cream and jam; a short stop on the way to Triabunna.
Maria Island (Triabunna ferry)
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h to the ferry
Drive south to Triabunna, about 30 min, then the ferry
A full day or an overnight on the island; book the ferry ahead.
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.
Franklin Street and the town centre
Walk to the museum, bakery and pub; motels and B&Bs on and near the main street.
Beachfront on Great Oyster Bay
Motels and houses facing the water; the reason to stop here rather than in Coles Bay.
Coles Bay / Freycinet (alternative base)
About 30–40 min north; closer to Wineglass Bay walks but pricier and books out in summer.
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 B&B double room1 × 1 night × A$200 | A$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$170 | A$340 |
| Freycinet National Park day pass, per vehicle1 × A$45 | A$45 |
| Fuel, Hobart to Swansea and back1 × A$70 | A$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$71 |
| Trip total≈ A$388 per person per day, bed included | A$776≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Bakery pie or sausage roll | A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub meal (parma, fish and chips) | A$25–38 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Museum entry (gold coin donation) | A$1–5 (≈ US$1–4) |
| Freycinet National Park day pass, per vehicle | about A$45 (≈ US$30) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances on the east coast are longer than they look; wildlife (wombats, wallabies, echidnas) is on the road at dawn and dusk.
- Mobile coverage is patchy on stretches of the A3; download offline maps.
- Many kitchens stop serving by 8pm and some places close mid-week in winter: check ahead.
- Freycinet National Park day passes are required for vehicles; buy at the park entrance or online.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- SES (storms, floods)
- 132 500
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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SwanseaSwansea, Tasmania
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, thanksTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- SES (storms, floods)132 500
Embassy
No consulates in Swansea; the US Consulate General and most others are in Melbourne, with consulates in Hobart for some countries (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hobart → Swansea, drive: 139 km (86 mi), about 2 h on the A386 mi (139 km), about 2 h on the A3
- Launceston → Swansea, drive: 137 km (85 mi), about 1 h 30 min via Rte 1, B34 and A385 mi (137 km), about 1 h 30 min via Rte 1, B34 and A3
- Swansea → Coles Bay, drive: about 30–40 min
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Table for two, thanks — A table for two, please
- Card, thanks — Can I pay by card?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
Fuel up in Swansea or Bicheno; the next reliable services north are in Bicheno and St Helens.
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 Swansea. 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 (warm, long days); Dec–Feb is busiest · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, some places close or run shorter hours) · 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
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for HBA and LST: last hire-car desk times, drive-time bands, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster around Franklin Street with verified museum hours and bakery/pub cutoffs.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (East Coast Heritage Museum, Freycinet trailheads, Kate's Berry Farm) and eat pages with last orders.
- Freycinet day-pass and ferry fixtures so gates A–D can go green.