THE HONEYMOON
Freycinet National Park, Eastern Tasmania
Difficulty
Level 3: Performing Wilder
DISTANCE
→ 34.5 km
ASCENT / DESCENT
↑ 1340m ↓ 1340m
ROUTE STYLE
LOOP
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.
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 an existing, well-known trail run hosted on the Freycinet Peninsula each year. However, our route begins at the majestic Honeymoon Bay and departs on the new shared-use track to the Wineglass Bay Carpark. From here you will pick up the Freycinet National Park's iconic trails, first following the rolling coastal trail to Hazard's Beach, all the while enjoying views back to 'mainland Tasmania'.
After a shell-fossicking jaunt along the beach you will pick up the trail to Cook's Beach with its blue, blue waters that is idyllic for a swim! Now the big effort begins with a long, at times very steep climb to the Mt Freycinet/Mt Graham saddle, then to the top of Mt Graham itself. Then down, down, down, down to the world-famous Wineglass Bay campsite and beach for yet another refreshing dip.
The route will take you along the soft sands of Wineglass Bay then up and over the lookout track where views back to Mt Graham and the beach await you. Afterwards, enjoy a flowing descent and many high-fives with other walkers to the Wineglass Bay carpark, before picking up the shared-use track back to Honeymoon Bay. The route concludes at Honeymoon Bay where another swim and relaxation period on the granite outcrops will reward you for your efforts. What a trail honeymoon!
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Begin at Honeymoon Bay and follow the shared-use trail to the Wineglass Bay Carpark. There are toileting facilities and water located at both Honeymoon Bay and the Wineglass Bay Carpark.
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Veer right after around 300m and follow the winding trail to Hazards Beach. Ensure you take in the views back to 'mainland Tasmania'.
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Traverse the length of Hazards Beach to the campground at its southern end. There is a stream here where water can be collected (not during dry seasons) and we recommend this is only used in emergencies and if it can be treated. There are toilets in the campground.
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From here, pickup the main trail south to Cooks Beach. This is an ideal place for a refreshing swim before turning left at the beach's beginning on the trail towards the summit of Mt Graham. If you need a toilet, you will need to traverse to the far end of Cooks Beach where the campground is located. There is water here which is suitable for drinking if treated.
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The track initially climbs steeply and then plateaus out, before climbing quickly again to the saddle of Mt Freycinet and Mt Graham. There is an option for an additional 45-minute side-trip to the summit of Mt Freycinet should you wish to. This is rocky and steep, and should only be attempted by those more experienced and accustomed to a long day out.
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After climbing to the summit of Mt Graham, descend to Wineglass Bay (toilet facilities located behind the beach) and then traverse the length of the beach to the northern end (there are further toilets located here too).
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Now you can rejoin the main day-hiking trail for a steady climb that includes many stairs to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. Make sure you stop to enjoy the view and reflect on just how far you have come. There are remarkable views bay to Wineglass Bay, Mt Graham and Mt Freycinet from here.
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Then it is down, down, down to the Wineglass Bay carpark to rejoin the shared-use track that will lead you back to Honeymoon Bay.
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Well done! You have concluded your huge circuit on the Freycinet Peninsula. Celebrate in honeymoon style with a swim in the bay then lounge on the granite outcrops... hopefully in the sunshine! Well done again!
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Toilets Yes - at the Honeymoon Bay carpark
Water Yes - at the Honeymoon Bay carpark but emergency water sources only on the trail
Parking Yes - at the Honeymoon Bay carpark
Services The closest services are located at the Freycinet Visitor Centre on entry to the National Park, or back in the township of Coles Bay where there are cafes, bakeries, small supermarkets and eateries.
Phone coverage Telstra, Optus and Vodafone reception.Terrain Varying from smooth, sandy footpaths and firTerrain Combined coastal and mountainous terrain with steep climbs and uneven single trails. There is some beach running and short sections crossing granite outcrops too.
Approx. Duration 4-6hrs
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