The coastline between Bicheno and Scamander is known as the Surf Coast, and the beaches here offer surfers reliable swells year round, with crystal clear waves rolling into smooth white sand just about everywhere you look. You’ll find surf shops in towns all along this stretch of coast, where you can buy or hire gear and acquire some local knowledge on where to find the best breaks. Check our Outdoor Experiences blog for more information.
Douglas Apsley National Park, located inland from Bicheno, has some excellent short walks, including Apsley Waterhole and Lookout (10 minutes to the lookout, or take a 2-3 hour return walk from the river) and the Apsley-Myrtle Rainforest walk (30+ minutes). If you have time, you could also take the more challenging overnight walk to Heritage Falls and the Rainforest Circuit (7-9 hours return).
To experience a different kind of east coast landscape, take the turnoff from the highway and travel into the mountains to St Marys, at the head of the Fingal Valley. Spend some time browsing the town’s shops and galleries, including the wonderfully quirky Cranks and Tinkerers museum, the Purple Possum Cafe and Wholefoods, and visit Mt Elephant Pancakes for delicious European-style sweet and savoury crepes, and wonderful forest views.
Return to the coastal road near Falmouth and take some time to drive to Four Mile Creek and visit the BrewHaus Bar and Café at White Sands Estate to sample the Ironhouse range of beer, stout and spirits. Travel north along the coast to Scamander—a classic Tasmanian beach holiday town. Try out the local surf beaches, take long strolls on the white sand, explore the local nature reserves or fish for bream in the Scamander River. You’ll find a good range of accommodation here as well, including motels, bed and breakfasts, and self-contained accommodation.
- Distance: 58 km/ 36 mi. Driving time: 45 minutes.
PS. To help plan your visit, you can check our travel times and driving distances.
