Tasmania's east coast springs into action as the sun comes out

A few weeks ago - after we were let off the leash - a few days on the East Coast of Tasmania proved thoroughly enjoyable.

So much so that we are heading back for a few days later this month.

There are several icon destinations here: Maria Island with its furry locals, beautiful Wineglass Bay and, of course, the Bay of Fires with pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and orange lichen-covered rocks.

Throw in wineries like Freycinet Vineyard, Milton, Spring Vale, Priory Ridge, Craigie Knowe and Devil's Corner and there is plenty to keep vinophiles happy. 

The good folk at East Coast Tourism have just issued a list of fun things to do in spring.

# Get outdoors and go caravanning or camping – the weather is getting warmer and several camp sites are up for grabs. The coastline stretches 220km with some of the most scenic, coast-hugging road imaginable.

# Visit a wine producer – the vineyards are coming alive with the first bud bursts bringing colour and life into the cool-climate vineyards, where you can enjoy tasting plates of Tasmanian cheeses and other luscious morsels while soaking up the views.

# Saddle up and go mountain biking. Whether you like to shred some serious downhill, enjoy some cross-country flow or just want a fun day on the trails with the family, St Helens Mountain Bike Trails.  has an experience for everyone.

# Take a walk on the East Coast – sometimes walking is the best way to discover something wonderful in the bush. Or maybe a town walk experience is more your style. The East Coast Towns have their own walking experiences.

# Forest bathing. How about literally bathing in the crystal blue waterholes in Douglas Aspley National Park. 

# Follow the trails of the convicts – the convict system was a major feature in the history of Tasmania. Take a bush walk along the old convict road, which runs beside the Prosser River to the ruins of the Paradise Probation Station, or stop off at Spiky Bridge and decide why it was built with this unusual design. 

# Collect shells on Kelvedon Beach. The cobbled rock patches and sands are littered with beautiful shells to collect. While you are there, be sure to check out the old weathered boatshed, which stands solitary on this exposed strip of beach.

# Get off the beaten track in Freycinet National Park – founded in 1916 and ranked among Tasmania’s oldest parks. Add some adventure by taking an ATV tour, paddling in a kayak or snorkelling into an underwater paradise.

# Get your wildlife fix – delight in the waddle of Little Penguins at Bicheno or snap a picture or two of some blonde wombats.

# Hike to St Columba Falls – one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls, with a waterfall drop of over 90 metres. The track is suitable for most ages.

Here is all you need to know: https://eastcoasttasmania.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2019_GED_holiday-guide_DIGITAL.pdf 

Images: Supplied, Stu Gibson