East Coast (Southern Tasmania)
Nestling in picturesque and sheltered bays, the resort towns of Orford and Triabunna and Swansea are known as Tasmania's east coast playground. Spend lazy days on secluded beaches or take day trips along the magnificent coastline and stop to enjoy delicious Tasmanian seafood along the way
Launch a dinghy and drop a line or spend a summer of surfing and swimming at one of Tasmania's most popular holiday destinations. Charter a boat and haul in a tuna. Visit the bark mill and east coast museum in historic Swansea or the pioneer and working horse museum at Little Swanport.
Take the ferry to historic Maria Island
Pack your provisions and catch the ferry from Orford to Maria Island to spend the day (or days) exploring a convict settlement which pre-dates Port Arthur. The peaks of Mount Maria and the Bishop and Clerk dominate the landscape of this stunning island. At its north-west tip are ruins of the Darlington settlement, established in 1825. On its northern headland are the Fossil Clips, a rich deposit of the fossilised remains of marine molluscs.
Emus, Cape Barren geese and native wildlife will cross your path (and steal your food). Camp or spend the night in the bunkhouse of the former penitentiary.
Drive south on a short-cut to Port Arthur through the Wielangta Forest and the relict rainforest of the Sandspit Forest Reserve. Picnic in the understorey or climb the track to the Thumbs for a coastal view.