At its heart, Bicheno is a laid-back Tasmanian beach town—think white sands, lichen-streaked granite boulders, and a salty breeze that somehow resets your brain the moment you step out of the car. The town hums quietly with a mix of fishing boats in the harbour, locals chatting over coffee, and visitors pausing to soak it all in.

But don’t let the easygoing atmosphere fool you. Bicheno delivers big on experiences. From watching the ocean burst skyward at the blowhole to sipping a local gin at Waub’s Harbour Distillery, and from hand-feeding kangaroos at Natureworld to spotting penguins at dusk, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. The seafood is fresh, the sunsets are spectacular, and the town feels like a slice of the Tasmania many people miss when they stick to the bigger tourist towns.

This is a place where you can truly slow down—walk barefoot along a beach at sunrise, linger over a seafood lunch with a view, or just sit and listen to the waves crash against the rocks. It’s worth at least a night in your itinerary, two if you can spare the time. In this guide, we’ll show you why Bicheno deserves a spot on your Tasmania itinerary, and how to make the most of your visit.

Bicheno sits on Tasmania’s sparkling east coast, perched between Coles Bay, Wineglass Bay, and the hidden gems of the Bay of Fires. It’s the kind of place you’d easily miss if you weren’t looking for it—but trust me, you should.

Located about 2.5 hours’ drive from Hobart and 2 hours from Launceston, Bicheno is an easy addition to any East Coast itinerary. The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through rolling farmlands, coastal stretches, and sleepy country towns. You’ll know you’re close when the air shifts—suddenly crisper, saltier, with that unmistakable scent of the ocean.

Though small, Bicheno is a hub for east coast explorations. From here, you’re only:

• 30 minutes from Coles Bay, the gateway to Freycinet National Park and iconic Wineglass Bay.
• 1.5 hours from the Bay of Fires, with its fiery lichen boulders and remote beaches.
• 15 minutes from Douglas-Apsley National Park, a hidden gem with bushwalks and waterfalls.

When you first roll into Bicheno Tasmania, it doesn’t look like a place with many accommodation options. But once you start poking around, you realise this little town has some cool places to stay. The accommodation here really reflects the vibe of Bicheno: relaxed, close to nature, and quietly spectacular.

My go-to recommendation? A beachfront home or a holiday house with a view. There’s nothing better than waking up to the sound of waves and stepping out onto a deck with a coffee in hand, watching the sunrise creep over the ocean. I’ve stayed in places where you can sit in the lounge, watch seabirds swoop across Waubs Bay, and—if you’re lucky—spot a pademelon shuffling across the lawn after dark. It’s that close to nature.

If you’re coming as a family or with a group of mates, these houses are gold. You get your own space to cook up a seafood feast (after a stop at the local fish shop), hang out on the deck, and soak in the coastal atmosphere. The outdoor showers at some of these homes are a bonus, especially after a sandy beach day.

For something a bit more low-key, cabins and motel hotels around town offer a cozy base. I’ve stayed in a few simple cabins where the air smells of salt and eucalyptus, and you can hear the waves at night. They’re walking distance to the bakery, the Lobster Shack, and the blowhole—so you can park the car and just wander.

And let’s not forget the budget-friendly options. There a classic holiday park with basic cabins and powered sites. Perfect if you’re road-tripping in a campervan or just need a clean, comfy place to crash after a day of walking, swimming, and seafood. But this spot is busy in peak seasons so make sure you book early.

If you’re after the inside scoop on the best spots to stay—in luxury, for a family-friendly base, or just a simple cabin to sleep in—my Bicheno Accommodation Guide will save your hours of time wasting doom scrolling. 👇🏽

Essential Travel Tips for Bicheno Tasmania

After our last trip I realised there are a few “I wish I knew that sooner” moments for visiting Bicheno Tasmania. Here’s what I’d tell a friend planning their first trip:

Don’t rush through. Bicheno might look like a quick stop on the map, but trust me—this place deserves at least a night, ideally two. If you want a couple of down days on your Tasmania itinerary – to chillax – spend them here. There’s something about waking up here that changes how you experience it.

Check the tides. If you’re planning to walk to Diamond Island, time it for low tide or you’ll end up with wet feet (or a long wait).

Stock up in town. There’s a decent supermarket in Bicheno for essentials, but if you’re planning to cook up a storm, grab supplies when you arrive. And don’t forget the wine—there’s a bottle shop in town, but I always stock up at The Farm Shed.

Wildlife is everywhere. I’m not kidding. Wallabies, echidnas, penguins—they’re all around. Drive slow at dusk and dawn, and if you’re lucky enough to spot a penguin near the foreshore, keep a respectful distance.

Book ahead for busy periods. If you’re coming in summer or during school holidays, lock in your accommodation early. The good spots get snapped up fast, and you don’t want to be left scrambling.

Layers are your friend. Tassie’s east coast can swing from sunburn weather to cool and breezy in a single day. Bring layers, a good jacket, and sturdy shoes if you plan to hit the trails or scramble over the rocks at the blowhole.

Don’t just stick to the main spots. Bicheno’s magic is in the little moments—the quiet beach at sunrise, the rock pools you stumble upon, the friendly locals at the bakery. Take your time and explore.

Bring a torch. If you’re heading out to see penguins or just wandering the foreshore after dark, a good torch (with red light if possible) makes all the difference—and keeps the penguins safe.