14 of the Best Things to Do in Bicheno (or Nearby) (2023)

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The charming seaside town of Bicheno brings to mind holiday towns from a bygone era. Not that I’m sure when that era might have been, but that’s the feeling I get. A sleepy town with a drop-dead gorgeous oceanfront and not too many people to share it with.

If you are looking for what to do in Bicheno, you won’t find much here. There aren’t many things to do in Bicheno in the way of entertainment, bars, or dining. What you will find is a welcoming town with a single supermarket, a handful of low-key dining options, some walking trails and simple beach house accommodation and of course, the ubiquitous seaside caravan park, found in beach towns the country over.

Is Bicheno Worth Visiting?

Absolutely!

Although there isn’t a whole lot going in Bicheno, this sleepy coastal village along the Great Eastern Drive is the perfect place to escape for a weekend or longer and enjoy the slower more relaxed pace of a seaside town stopped in time. The charm of the small seaside town, the beautiful beaches, and of course, the world-class wineries nearby, make Bicheno an ideal destination along Tasmania’s eastern seaboard.

We have a couple of great experiences and things to do to get you started on your next Bicheno holiday. So without further adieu, here is our round-up of the top things to do in Bicheno.

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The Top Things to Do in Bicheno Tasmania

Despite being a small and sleepy seaside town, there are a few key experiences that should be at the top of your list when you visit Bicheno. From delicious food to award-winning wine to stunning beaches. Here are our top picks of the Bicheno attractions.

1. Feast at The Lobster Shack

If you are going to do only one thing in Bicheno, head to The Lobster Shack at the boat ramp. A staple on any road trip along the Great Eastern Drive in Tasmania, you will want to come hungry.

Perhaps a “shack” at one point in time, today this popular restaurant occupies a modern two-story building right on the water, offering beautiful views over the Bicheno boat ramp. The only thing better than the location is the fresh Tasmanian seafood on offer. Try the half lobster, the specialty here, or opt for the lobster roll like we did if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly feed.

And if you can’t or won’t, eat lobster thanks to your fond memories of Sebastian from The Little Mermaid, there are plenty of other delicious, less charismatic seafood options to choose from! We recommend pairing your meal with a beer from Little Rivers Brewery, which just might be our favorite brewery in all of Tasmania!

2. Sip at The Farm Shed East Coast Wine Center

No trip to Tasmania would be complete without sampling some of the produce and wares that Tasmania is known for, and in Bicheno, right in the heart of the East Coast Wine Region, wine is the name of the game.

The Farm Shed is a great spot to taste some of the best offerings the East Coast Wine region has to offer especially if you are short on time and cannot spend days hopping from one cellar door to the next.

The East Coast Wine Region comprises over 22 wineries along the Great Eastern Drive, but only half of these wineries actually have a cellar door! This is why The Farm Shed in Bicheno is one of the best things to do in Bicheno. These guys sell wine from most (if not all) of the East Coast wineries and you can even do a tasting of a selection of wines.

For only $12 per person, you can sample five wines from their rotating selection of 24 wines. We opted to each get something different which meant we were able to taste 10 of the 24 wines available.

Also, if you have already spent your time at wineries along the east coast and are looking for something different, these guys offer a gin and whisky tasting from spirits around Tassy.

3. Grab a Coffee at Little Bay Patisserie

To me, morning doesn’t start until I have had my first cup of coffee! The Little Bay Patisserie is the best cafe in Bicheno serving up excellent coffee and amazing croissants. Do yourself a favor, and check this little gem out before heading out for the day to explore the many great things to do in Bicheno!

4. Attend the Annual Bicheno Food and Wine Festival

Each November, the small town of Bicheno Tasmania showcases the local produce and wine from Tasmania’s eastern coastline at the Bicheno Food and Wine Festival. This one-day event is a must for any food lovers and rightly so considering how amazing the food and wine in Tasmania are!

The Best Free Things to Do in Bicheno Tasmania

There are a surprising amount of free things to do in Bicheno. Here are our favorites!

5. Dodge the Blow from the Bicheno Blowhole

Before visiting the Bicheno Blowhole, I had been let down and underwhelmed by Tasmania’s blowhole situation. Other blow holes, such as the Tasman blowhole on the Tasman Peninsula which wasn’t “blowing” when we visited had left us skeptical.

Luckily in Bicheno, we visited the Bicheno Blowhole on a particularly rough day because of inclement weather. Needless to say, my idea about blowholes changed after seeing this one in action which is why it was one of our favorite things to do in Bicheno!

6. Spot Bicheno Penguins Returning Home

I was surprised to learn that indeed you can spot penguins in Tasmania and in fact there are quite a number of locations where this can be done. Tasmania’s local penguin, known as a little penguin and often referred to as the fairy penguin, is the smallest of the penguin family. Fairy penguins only grow to roughly 1 foot (30 cm) tall and weigh approximately 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) which makes it difficult to see them returning to their burrows at dusk.

The best place to see them in Bicheno is on the beach close to the Bicheno blowhole. When visiting, be respectful of the little penguins in their natural habitat and refrain from loud noises and camera flashes. Consider living in the moment instead of trying to capture the best shot for Instagram. If possible join a tour to see the Bicheno penguins so experienced guides can help instruct you on how to observe the penguins without disturbing their nightly ritual.

7. Stroll Along the Bicheno Beachfront

One of my favorite things about visiting the small seaside towns throughout Tasmania is admiring their stunning coastline. The Bicheno coastline is no different. Stunning coves and bays surrounded by glistening blue waters are never a view that gets old.

Walk along Waubs Beach before heading inland to take in the coastline from Whalers Lookout. The hike to Whalers Lookout is a short 10 minute yet steep hike but offers impressive views over the coastline of Bicheno.

8. Spot Whales from Whalers Lookout

A short 1.7-kilometer return hike in the center of town will take you to Whalers Lookout where you can have a chance at spotting whales on the Tasmanian coastline. Whales can be found migrating north from May to June to calve before returning back south between mid-August and November to their feeding grounds.

9. View the Bicheno Beams

The Bicheno Beams is an annual event that occurs one month during the winter at the Bicheno Lion’s Park. Each night the skies come alive with a colorful light show with audio delivered directly to your cell phone. Just make sure to bring your own headphones and show up before 6:00 pm not to miss the show!

Things to Do Near Bicheno

There is no doubt your trip to Bicheno will pass through some of the best things to do in eastern Tasmania. Whether you are on a road trip up the Great Eastern Drive or are just visiting on an overnight trip from Hobart, there are plenty of great things to do around Bicheno that you are sure to enjoy!

10. Hike in Freycinet National Park

One of the most iconic places to visit in Tasmania is the Freycinet National Park home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Wine Glass Bay, and is easily the best thing to do near Bicheno. While the water may be a bit too chilly even in summer to go for a swim, there are plenty of great hikes to enjoy in the Freycinet National Park.

Choose from a variety of hikes such as the easy hikes to the Wine Glass Bay Lookout overlooking the Wine Glass Bay to the more difficult Mt Amos scramble to the top for another vantage point over, you guessed it, Wine Glass Bay. Or, if you are really keen, explore the whole Freycinet National Park with the multi-day Freycinet Peninsula Circuit.

You don’t need a guide to explore Freycinet National Park, but if you are interested in booking a guide the Freycinet Walking Tour by Experiential Tasmania is a great option. This guided walking tour takes you along Wine Glass Bay, the Isthmus Track, and Hazard Beach before returning to the starting point via an Aqua Taxi. Along the way, enjoy morning tea at Wine Glass Bay and a gourmet picnic lunch at Hazard Beach!

11. Kayak Wine Glass Bay

If you would like to visit Wine Glass Bay but hiking doesn’t interest you, another great way to bask in the natural beauty of this spectacular national park is on the water. Kayaking Wine Glass Bay gives you unbeatable views that you won’t have from on land. The guides from Freycinet Adventures are knowledgeable and experienced on the water.

12. Explore the East Coast Wine Region

Many of the wineries in the East Coast Wine Region of Tasmania are located only a stone’s throw away from Bicheno.

You could spend quite a lot of time (and money) exploring the 22 wineries that comprise the East Coast Wine Region. And for some, deciding which East Coast Winery to visit will be difficult. Our advice is to check out Boomer Creek for the unbeatable views with excellent wine or hit up Craige Knowe for friendly service and superb wine!

13. Wine and Dine at Melshells Oysters

The side trip to Melville’s Oyster is an absolute must for any oyster fanatic and food lover. Quite possibly some of the best oysters I have ever had in my entire life, Melville’s Oysters is the perfect stop on any Great Eastern Drive and a great thing to do near Bicheno.

Quite literally a shack along a long empty road you won’t find anything here except Melshells. Bring your favorite Tassy bubbly or wine, and enjoy fresh oysters overlooking Freycinet Mountain and Cole’s Bay.

14. Explore the Outdoors at Douglas-Apsley National Park

A national park in Tasmania that is often overlooked by tourists opting for one of the other more popular national parks is Douglas-Aspley National Park. This national park is located just outside of Bicheno and provides a great glimpse of some of the beautiful outdoor forestries Tasmania is known for. The most popular thing to do in the Douglas-Apsley National Park is to tackle the 5.6-kilometer return journey to the Apsley River waterhole and gorge.

Those looking for more adventure can embark on the Leeaberra Track a 28-kilometer one-way hike through the remote areas of the Douglas-Apsley National Park.

Where to Stay in Bicheno Tasmania

As always, there are plenty of places to stay in Bicheno depending on your budget and comfort level.

Free Camping Bicheno

Unfortunately, there is no free camping in Bicheno. The closest free camping is at the Friendly Beaches camping area in the Freycinet Peninsula. Camping here is free for those with a Tasmania National Parks pass. There are limited spots available at Friendly Beaches camping area and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The drive from Friendly Beaches camping area to Bicheno is only 23 km.

Best Bicheno Hotels

Wheel House Studio | For couples on a budget

For basic accommodation only 600 meters from the city center of Bicheno, check out Wheel House Studio. Suitable only for two, it is a great option for couples on a budget with prices starting as low as $77 for the night with breakfast included.

Seymore Waves | For families

Seymore Waves, a beautiful three-bedroom family home, is the perfect base for families visiting Bicheno and the surrounding area as it is only a 15-minute drive from the town center. A two-minute walk from the beach, you will have everything you need for any Tassy holiday! Prices start at $190 for the night.

The Hub Bicheno | For modern amenities

For the most up-to-date amenities and central location, check into The Hub Bicheno. Located directly in the heart of the small seaside town, The Hub offers modern and stylish accommodation. These spacious and comfortable rooms will ensure your time in Bicheno is spent well! Prices start at $175 per night for two.

Bicheno Cabin Park

Located on the edge of town, the Bicheno Cabin Park is an excellent option for those on a budget. With a full kitchen in each cabin, extremely friendly staff, and reasonable prices, the Bicheno Cabin Park is an easy choice in Bicheno. Prices here start from $125 for a night.

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As you can see, even though Bicheno is a small coastal town in Tasmania, there are so many great things to do in Bicheno. Let us know if you enjoyed Bicheno Tasmania as much as we did!

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