Frog's Wine
Freycinet National Park, Eastern Tasmania
Difficulty
Level 1: Growing Wilder
DISTANCE
→ 14 km
ASCENT / DESCENT
↑ 355m ↓ 355m
ROUTE STYLE
Loop
Freycinet National Park is home to dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches and abundant birdlife. Situated on Tasmania's beautiful east coast, the park occupies most of the Freycinet Peninsula and looks out to the Tasman Sea from the eastern side and back towards the Tasmanian coastline from the west.
This route is inspired by Hanny's early family camping experiences to the Freycinet Peninsula. On this route you will first explore the rises and falls of the undulating coastal trail from the Wineglass Bay Track to Hazards Beach, where you will likely then find yourself meandering up a shell-strewn beach with distant views to Mt Freycinet, Mt Graham and the rest of the peninsula beyond.
As you cross the isthmus towards Wineglass Bay, we suggest you pause at the vast inland lagoon, marvelling at the chorus of frogs, deliriously drunk on their frogs' wine. Finally lean into the climb back to the Wineglass Bay lookout and marvel at just how far you have come. Then whoop, whoop, whoop all the way back down the hill to the carpark.
The geodiversity of the Wellington Range provides the physical foundation for the landscape, ecosystems and character of Wellington Park and rationale for selecting this exciting route.
Vistas down Snake Plains; a majestic river crossing; a steep climb to Cathedral Rock; ups and downs on the Montagu Thumbs; leaping Wellington Falls; and the finale - rock hopping the Potato Fields.
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Begin at Wineglass Bay Carpark. If you wish to make this route longer there is a newer shared use trail that begins at the official Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre. This will add approximately 7km to the route.
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Follow the main trail from the carpark and after approximately 300m you will reach a trail junction. Veer right and follow the western side of the peninsula. You will have views across to 'mainland Tasmania' from the trail.
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After 5.5km you will reach Hazards Beach. Head onto the beach.
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Walk or jog up the beach for 900m where you will find a small bench and a steep, sandy trail with some wooden planks assisting you to leave the beach and head inland.
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Follow the inland trail for around 1km until you begin to see small 'pads' or subtly worn footpaths departing from the right-hand side of the track and heading down the lagoon which you will be able to see through the trees. Stop here to enjoy the vistas of Hazards Lagoon.
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Return back to the main track and continue to Wineglass Bay... for a swim!?. NB. There is a toilet here.
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After your... swim... head back to the main track and begin the climb up to the Wineglass Bay saddle. This is a distance of approximately 1.6km with many stone or wooden stairs. Take your time and enjoy the views up to Mt Amos.
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After reaching the saddle, turn right and follow a large, highly engineered track to a series of lookouts back towards Wineglass Bay. Well done... you are nearly there!
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After visiting the viewing platform return to the saddle and turn right, heading back towards the carpark. This is a super fun, rolling downhill and whilst we hope you whoop all the way back to the carpark, we ask you to be mindful of other trail users too.
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The route ends back at the carpark from which you started your journey 12.1km ago!
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We then recommend enjoying a relaxing picnic and preferably, an overnight stay to enjoy the beauty of the rest of the Freycinet National Park and the generous hospitality of the local community!
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Toilets Yes.
Water Yes.
Parking Yes. There is extensive parking although be aware that this track can get busy during peak periods and we suggest arriving early.
Services The closest services are located at Coles Bay township where there are some small cafes, a bakery, some restaurants, a pub and two basic convenience stores.
Phone coverage Telstra, Optus & VodafoneTerrain Smooth gravel footpaths to undulating, rockier granite trails. Steep stone stairs to white sandy beaches. The route is varied but accessible to most trail enthusiasts. Minimal trail experience is required.
Approx. Duration 1.5 - 3hrs
