If you are looking for a relaxing and adventurous getaway in Tasmania, look no further than Bicheno. This charming town on the east coast is a hidden gem that offers stunning beaches, amazing wildlife, scenic national parks, delicious food and wine, and a range of accommodation and transportation options.
Whether you want to soak up the sun, swim with the fishes, watch the penguins, explore the wilderness, or taste the local produce, Bicheno has something for everyone. In this article, we will show you why Bicheno is one of the best places to visit in Tasmania, and how to make the most of your trip.
Bicheno's Climate and Weather
Bicheno enjoys a mild and temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The average temperature ranges from 13°C in winter to 21°C in summer, making it a pleasant destination all year round. However, the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so it is advisable to pack layers and be prepared for any conditions.
The best time to visit Bicheno depends on your preferences and activities. If you love swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking, the summer months (December to February) are ideal, as the water is warmer and calmer. If you prefer hiking, biking, or camping, the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) seasons are perfect, as the weather is cooler and the scenery is more colourful. If you want to see the whales, the winter months (June to August) are the best, as they migrate along the coast and can be spotted from the shore or on a boat tour.
Bicheno's Attractions and Activities
Bicheno is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and foodies. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Bicheno:
Bicheno's Beaches and Water
Bicheno is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches and water in Tasmania. The town is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea, which are home to a variety of marine life, such as dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins, and whales. You can also find coral reefs, kelp forests, and underwater caves that are teeming with fish, crustaceans, and other creatures. Some of the best beaches in Bicheno are:
Waubs Bay: This is the main beach in Bicheno, located in the town centre. It is a long and sandy beach, ideal for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and picnicking. It is also a popular spot for fishing, as you can catch salmon, flathead, and squid from the jetty or the rocks.
Redbill Beach: This is a stunning beach, located a short walk from Waubs Bay. It is a wide and white beach, perfect for walking, running, playing, and relaxing. It is also a great place for surfing, as it has consistent waves and a sandy bottom.
Diamond Island: This is a small and secluded island, located a few hundred metres offshore from Redbill Beach. It is accessible by foot at low tide, or by kayak or boat at high tide. It is a wildlife sanctuary, where you can see penguins, seabirds, and wallabies. It is also a scenic spot, where you can enjoy the views of the ocean and the mainland.
Some of the best water sports and activities in Bicheno are:
Glass-bottom boat tour: This is a fun and educational way to explore the underwater world of Bicheno. You can hop on a glass-bottom boat that takes you around the coast and the islands, where you can see the coral reefs, the kelp forests, and the marine life. You can also learn about the history and ecology of the area from the friendly and knowledgeable guides.
Kayaking: This is an adventurous and exhilarating way to experience the water of Bicheno. You can rent a kayak or join a guided tour that takes you along the shore and the islands, where you can paddle, splash, and admire the scenery. You can also spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and whales along the way.
Surfing: This is a thrilling and challenging way to enjoy the waves of Bicheno. You can bring your own board or rent one from the local surf shops, and hit the surf at Waubs Bay or Redbill Beach. You can also take lessons from the experienced instructors, who can teach you the basics or help you improve your skills.
Snorkeling and diving: This is a magical and rewarding way to discover the underwater treasures of Bicheno. You can snorkel or dive at various sites around the coast and the islands, where you can see the coral reefs, the kelp forests, and the marine life. You can also join a snorkeling or diving tour that provides you with the equipment, the guidance, and the safety.
Bicheno's Wildlife and National Parks
Bicheno is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse and abundant wildlife, both on land and in the water. You can see a range of animals, such as penguins, whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and birds. You can also visit some of the most scenic and serene national parks in Tasmania, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and the wilderness. Some of the best wildlife and national parks in Bicheno are:
Bicheno Penguin Tours:
This is a must-do activity for anyone who loves penguins. You can join a nightly tour that takes you to a private reserve, where you can see the little penguins (also known as fairy penguins) come ashore after a day of fishing. You can watch them waddle, nest, and interact with each other, while listening to the informative and entertaining commentary from the guides. You can also take photos and videos, as long as you don't use flash or sound.
Whale Watching:
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the majestic whales in their natural habitat. You can join a whale watching tour that takes you on a boat to the best spots, where you can see the humpback whales, the southern right whales, the orcas, and the minke whales. You can also learn about their behaviour, their migration, and their conservation from the expert and passionate crew.
Douglas-Apsley National Park:
This is a beautiful and diverse national park, located a short drive from Bicheno. It is a place where you can experience the contrasts of Tasmania's east coast, such as the dry eucalypt forests, the wet rainforests, the rocky gorges, and the clear rivers. You can also find a variety of wildlife, such as wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and birds. You can explore the park by hiking, biking, or camping, and enjoy the views, the waterfalls, and the swimming holes.
Freycinet National Park:
This is a stunning and iconic national park, located a 40-minute drive from Bicheno. It is a place where you can marvel at the wonders of Tasmania's east coast, such as the pink granite mountains, the white sandy beaches, the turquoise bays, and the azure sea. You can also find a plethora of wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, penguins, and birds. You can discover the park by hiking, biking, kayaking, or camping, and visit the famous attractions, such as Wineglass Bay, Cape Tourville, and Honeymoon Bay.
Bicheno's Food and Wine
Bicheno is a delight for food and wine lovers, as it offers fresh and delicious food and wine, sourced from the local and organic produce. You can taste the flavours of the sea, the land, and the vine, and enjoy the culinary and cultural diversity of the region. Some of the best food and wine options in Bicheno are:
Bicheno's Seafood:
Bicheno is renowned for its seafood, as it is a fishing port that supplies some of the finest seafood in Tasmania. You can savour the seafood at various restaurants, cafes, and takeaway shops, where you can find dishes such as fish and chips, seafood platters, lobster, scallops, oysters, and abalone. You can also buy fresh seafood from the local fishmongers, or catch your own from the jetty or the rocks.
Bicheno's Produce:
Bicheno is also known for its produce, as it is surrounded by fertile farms and orchards that grow some of the best produce in Tasmania. You can sample the produce at various markets, shops, and stalls, where you can find items such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, honey, jams, and bread. You can also visit some of the farms and orchards, or pick your own from the fields or the trees.
Bicheno's Wine Route:
Bicheno is part of the East Coast Wine Route, which is a scenic and gastronomic journey that showcases some of the finest wines in Tasmania. You can follow the wine route along the coast and the hinterland, where you can visit some of the wineries and cellar doors, such as Devil's Corner, Spring Vale, Freycinet Vineyard, and Milton Vineyard. You can also taste the wines, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy the views of the vineyards and the sea.
Bicheno's Accommodation and Transportation
Bicheno is a convenient and comfortable place to stay and travel, as it offers a range of accommodation and transportation options. Some of the best accommodation and transportation options in Bicheno are:
Bicheno’s Accommodation
Bicheno has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, preferences, and needs. You can choose from camping, caravan parks, motels, self-contained accommodation, and more. You can also find accommodation that offers views of the sea, the mountains, or the town. Some of the best accommodation options in Bicheno are:
Bicheno by the Bay: This is a family-friendly and eco-friendly resort, located on the waterfront of Waubs Bay. It offers self-contained cottages, cabins, and units, that can accommodate up to six people. It also has a swimming pool, a playground, a barbecue area, and a mini-golf course.
Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park: This is a modern and convenient holiday park, located in the town centre of Bicheno. It offers camping sites, powered sites, and deluxe cabins, that can accommodate up to four people. It also has a camp kitchen, a laundry, a games room, and a fire pit.
Beachfront at Bicheno: This is a stylish and comfortable motel, located on the beachfront of Redbill Beach. It offers standard rooms, family rooms, and spa suites, that can accommodate up to four people. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a pool, and a conference room.
Bicheno’s Transportation
Bicheno is an accessible and easy place to travel, as it has various transportation modes and services. You can choose from driving, cycling, or taking the bus, depending on your convenience and preference. You can also find transportation that connects you to other places in Tasmania, such as Hobart, Launceston, or St Helens. Some of the best transportation options in Bicheno are:
Driving: This is the most flexible and convenient way to travel in Bicheno, as you can explore the town and the surroundings at your own pace and schedule. You can bring your own car or rent one from the local car rental companies, such as Budget, Avis, or Hertz. You can also find free parking spaces in the town and the attractions.
Cycling: This is the most fun and eco-friendly way to travel in Bicheno, as you can enjoy the fresh air, the scenery, and the exercise. You can bring your own bike or rent one from the local bike shops, such as Bicheno Bike Hire or Freycinet Adventures. You can also find bike trails and paths in the town and the national parks.
Bus service: This is the most affordable and reliable way to travel in Bicheno, as you can use the public transport system that operates in the region. You can take the Tassielink bus service that runs daily between Hobart and Bicheno, or the Redline bus service that runs daily between Launceston and Bicheno. You can also take the Freycinet Connections bus service that runs daily between Bicheno and Freycinet National Park.
Bicheno is a coastal paradise that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing or adventurous getaway, a nature or culture experience, or a food or wine indulgence, Bicheno will not disappoint you. Bicheno is one of the best places to visit in Tasmania, and a destination that you will never forget.
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