The Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania has to be one of the most pleasurable ways to spend an hour, a day or a week. Its lush scenery, accompanied by dark blue skies and high quality roads make this an easy destination for those that enjoy a road trip.
Covering a large part of Tasmania’s beautiful east coast, the area has something for everyone. A gorgeous national park in Freycinet, sparkling beaches, wineries and fishing villages.
We started the drive from Coles Bay and the Freycinet National Park making our way towards Hobart. It’s a short 2.5 hour drive but you can make this into an enjoyable day’s trip with our 5 must do stops!
5 amazing stops on the Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania
#1 Stop at a winery or two
As you make your way onto the Tasman Highway it’s hard to miss the wineries spotted along the road, with their gorgeous green vineyards and distant sea views. My pick is a stop at the Devil’s Corner Cellar Door. Here you can start with a climb atop their purpose built viewing lookout with stunning views out towards the Freycinet National Park and the Hazards. Partake in some wine tasting at the Cellar Door and grab a glass of your favourite. If you’re peckish there are a few fantastic casual easting options, with an onsite wood fire pizza place and a store selling a variety of local seafood. Pick a picnic table and enjoy the views.
#2 Melshell Oysters
Driving the Great Eastern Drive means finding spectacular places to eat. Melshell Oysters had to be the pick of our drive. Turning back onto the Highway you’ll start seeing the sign for the turnoff to Melshell Oysters. Make sure you turn off! It’s about a 20 minute drive on some very long roads and you may wonder if it’s worth it given you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Keep going and you’ll eventually hit Melshell Oysters.
The first thing you’ll notice when you pull up is the pile of oyster shells next to the carpark. In fact, there are oyster shells everywhere and the owners have turned it into a spectacle, using these as a landscaping feature. There’s one cute little food truck selling the oysters. The beauty of this place is in its simplicity as there is only one thing on offer – a dozen freshly shucked oysters for $20. You’ll get a wedge of lemon and make your way to a seat. Choose a spot out of the wind right on the river as you overlook the oyster farm itself. The oysters were large and were the most fresh and delicious I have ever had. My husband who is not really an oyster fan even liked them!
#3 Kate’s Berry Farm
Once back on the Highway you won’t be driving for very long until you hit Kate’s Berry Farm. This is a cute café and restaurant perched high on a hill overlooking the berry patches and sea views. You’ll probably be full from the oysters but do try the freshly baked scones with the local jam of your choice. Those soft, melt in your mouth type of scones. Delish.
#4 Spiky Bridge
Driving in Tasmania doesn’t have to be all about food. For a bit of culture and history along the Great Eastern Drive, make a quick pit stop at the Spiky Bridge. This is an old structure which was built by the convicts in the early 1800s and is just off the main road. Continue south and enjoy the most scenic part of the drive as you wrap right along the coast in the Rocky Hills area.
#5 Orford’s beaches
The town of Orford has the most gorgeous beaches and really puts the ‘great’ in Great Eastern Drive. As you drive right past make sure you stop, even if it might be a little on the cool side. We chose Raspin’s Beach and whilst it was too cold for swimming, you can’t help but dip your toes in the sparkling still clear water with lovely white sand. The views out to the mountain range are just breathtaking.
Our Great Eastern Drive Tasmania adventure concludes in Hobart. Soak in the feeling as you cross the mighty Tasman Bridge, concluding this magnificent stretch of road.
Need somewhere to stay in Hobart? Check out our review of Hobart’s Macq01 hotel.
Have you driven the Great Eastern Drive Tasmania before? What have we missed?
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