One of the beauties of travel is the opportunity to explore off the beaten track and discover unique experiences. Such is the case for Tasmania, the large island off the southern coast of mainland Australia, which welcomed 1,277,500 people during the year ending March 2024.
Tasmania is famous for many things, known widely for having some of the cleanest air in the world, incredible scenery and unique wildlife.
The island is home to incredible remote sandy beaches, with some of the most famous including Wineglass Bay in Freycinet Peninsula, Boat Harbour Beach and Cosy Corner in the Bay of Fires.
However, there is another destination which locals love for its stellar seafood and incredible scenery. Bicheno is described as an “oft-overlooked seaside town” by Tourism Tasmania.
“Bicheno, best known by locals for its stellar seafood and blustery blowhole, is around two hours and 30 minutes’ drive of Hobart, or two hours from Launceston,” explained the tourism board. “A haven for travellers looking to experience all that Tasmania’s east coast offers, but a little off the beaten track. Beaches, walking trails, ample opportunities to spy wildlife, fresh food and drinks, and proximity to two contrasting national parks.”
The beach offers access to the East Coast Whale Trail, where visitors may catch a glimpse of whales at certain times of the year. Humpback and Southern right whales are sighted regularly off the Tasmanian coast between May and December each year, as they have begun their long northward migration from polar waters.
“Stretching along the coastline from Eaglehawk Neck on the Tasman Peninsula to St Helens in the North, the East Coast Whale Trail comprises fourteen sites frequented by whales during the months of May–December,” said the tourism board. “Some even come as close as a few hundred metres from shore.”
Taking to Tripadvisor, visitors to the Whale Trail have described it as a “gorgeous walk.”
An Australian visitor, who reviewed the Whale Trail from Bicheno in 2021, said: “The National Whale Trail runs a long way along the east coast, and here at Bicheno, they have a fabulous ~3km foreshore walkway that provides numerous sighting opportunities in season.” [SIC]
For diving enthusiasts, offshore you will find the Governor Island Marine Reserve, described as “one of the best temperate diving locations in Australia”, with kelp-covered reefs and spectacular sponge gardens. Water enthusiasts can dive or snorkel or if you prefer to stay dry, visitors can enjoy a cruise on Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat.
The seaside town has welcomed a number of new accommodation and food venues in recent years, and also regularly hosts events including Bicheno Food and Wine Festival and a family-friendly celebration of light Bicheno Beams.