Dive into the best swimming spots in Tasmania!

The reason we made Tasmania the first stop on our lap of Australia, is because we knew how cold it could get here. We wanted to make the most of the last of the summer sun before it became too chilly to take a dip. It was definitely a surprise to us how much we actually did end up swimming in Tasmania. We were not expecting the beaches to be as beautiful as they were. Despite the water always being a bit brisk, we braved the cool waters and swam in some of the most beautiful swimming locations imaginable. If you are heading to Tasmania in the summer, these are the most spectacular swimming spots Tasmania has to offer. So let’s dive in!

If you’re needing accommodation while in Tasmania check out Booking.com or Tripadvisor for the best deals! And if you’re looking for car rentals be sure to check out here to see whats available.

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Bay of Fires

As previously mentioned in our Tasmania’s best free camping blog, this spot is perfect for a little break from hiking and a good swim. Binalong Bay is 15 minutes from the town of Saint Helens. It is also just over 2 hours from the nearest city of Launceston. Here you will find the bluest water you could imagine. Combined with the fire orange rocks, it makes for a stunning backdrop.

If you’re into your snorkelling, there are great spots for this too. Cosy Corner North is one of those spots where we saw plenty of fish. Or there is Seaton Cove by the Sloop Reef campground which is another great area for exploring the water. Here we saw a little stingray. We also had people tell us they saw much bigger ones, so keep your eyes peeled! There are huge kelp forests all along the east coast as part of a conservation program. So be sure to check those out in your snorkelling adventures as there is marine life everywhere calling it home.

Wineglass Bay

Another beach on the East Coast of Tasmania is found in the Freycinet National Park. Wineglass bay is famous for its pristine water, golden sand and mountainous scenery. It is a fair walk to get to this beach. The trek is 1 and a half hours and 1000 steps in total but you reap the rewards. After working up a sweat, diving into this water is as good as it gets.

If you’re looking for tours out to Freycinet National Park you can have a look here or here for easy travel options.

Waubs Bay (Bicheno)

This beach fell into our lap completely by accident and I’m so glad we found it. Waubs Bay was some of the clearest water we had swam in. After spending time in Freycinet National Park we had decided to spend the day in Bicheno as we had planned to go to the blowhole. We wanted to find a public bathroom on the way and just searched on Google maps. Then we chose a random one which happened to be at the Bicheno Jetty. We thought it might be a nice spot to check out while we were there. When we arrived it was absolutely stunning! With the weather being so good that day, Kayla gave that look saying “fancy a swim?” and how could we not? As is most of the water in Tasmania, it was like looking through glass – it was that clear. The waves were very calm and we just soaked it all in… Literally!

If you need accommodation for the beautiful costal town of Bicheno take a look here or here, so you can spend a few days soaking up the sun.

Maria Island (Darlington Bay)

A trip to Maria Island costs $54 per person to catch a return ferry departing from Triabunna. This is money well spent in our opinion. The ferry itself is about 30 minutes long and on a beautiful day like we had, the water isn’t choppy and the ride is smooth. You can either catch the last ferry back at 4:15pm like we did, or camp over night. We regret not looking into this so we could spend more time on this remote paradise.

We snorkelled down at the painted cliffs which was a profound experience. But it was Darlington Bay that took our breath away, which is where the ferry docks. After walking around all day and cooking like a lobster, this beach was the perfect bit of relief. The crystal blue water looked so inviting from the second we stepped off the boat. There was no better way to end our day on this incredible island.

For tours out to Maria Island have a look here and here to check out all of your options!

Fortescue Bay

Once again a great post hike treat after completing the Cape Hauy trail in the Tasman National Park. Fortescue Bay down in the Southern Peninsula was another example of perfection. Working up a sweat after 4,500 steps, this water couldn’t have felt any better.

There is a free campsite about a 30 minute drive from this beach. Or for $13 per night you can camp at the base of the hiking trail right next to the beach. A definite must if you are completing any of the trails in the area. Find the beach campsite here, through the Tasmanian parks website.

Cockle Creek Beach

If you’re chasing a bit of escapism then quite literally look no further than Cockle Creek. This is the Southern most drivable part of Tasmania and therefore Australia. 2 hours south of the nearest city of Hobart, it is a long and at times arduous drive. The final destination is worth the challenge though, trust us! There are also plenty of places to stop along the way including Hastings Caves and Geeveston. Geeveston is one of the top places to spot platypus in Tasmania.

This beach is filled with plenty of marine life and stunning seashells decorating the sand. A great place to go for a dip. Just watch out for the local bull ray that likes to hang around the jetty on the far end of the bay! At low tide the creek is a great place to go for a stroll and watch all the solider crabs make their way along the sand. At high tide the clear blue water is definitely refreshing. You may see boats mored out in the bay and many people fishing along the shoreline.

Boat Harbour Beach

We had this beach recommended to us the night before we ended up going by a couple we met. We instantly added it to our list as they said it was an absolute must. They had it recommended by their friend who was a local of the area. They said the beach wasn’t visited by many tourists and was a great hidden gem that we needed to explore. However, after literally breaking down on the way there we thought this to be off the cards.

Enter – the tow-truck driver. After a quick chat he miraculously turned out to be from the area of Boat Harbour Beach. He asked if we’d been so we explained our situation… He said that he was going to go for a swim with his wife but had to come and get us instead. The lovely man then offered to take us down there for a swim before towing us to the mechanic. So there we were making our way down to the beach in the tow-truck! As break downs go it can’t get much better than that.

Boat Harbour Beach itself is spectacular. More transparent water and golden beaches, with amazing rock pools to snorkel. Because this beach isn’t as popular with tourists, it is a much quieter place to put your toes in the sand and soak up those rays.

Looking to unwind by the beach and spend a few days relaxing? Then check out here or here for accommodation in the beautiful little seaside town of Boat Harbour Beach.

Lake Osborne

Our final post hike swimming spot, located in the Hartz Mountains National Park is Lake Osborne. After finishing the Hartz mountain trail to the peak, we definitely earned a swim. There are tarns you can do this in along the way on the trail at Lake Esperance or Ladies Tarn, but we thought we’d save the best till last.

It took us 10 minutes to get there and 10 minutes back. Yet we must have spent nearly half an hour in this jaw-dropping location swimming and taking in our surroundings. The water here was easily the coldest we swam in due to it being a glacial lake. However, that made it even more enjoyable. The water was so clear and refreshing. So if you find yourselves in Hartz Mountain National Park, be sure to check out Lake Osborne.

Lake Rosebery

This lake was one of our favourite free campsites and also made one of the best swimming spots too. The water may not look too appealing due to the brown nature of the colour, but don’t let that fool you as the water is still quite clear while you’re in there. As an added bonus the water was actually quite warm. This made a pleasant change to what we’ve experienced in any other place we have swam. Plus it’s hard to beat swimming with mountains standing over you.

Make a Splash

Now we know that when you think of Tasmania, swimming isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But if you’re visiting in the summer definitely make these swimming destinations a part of your plans. With so much natural beauty in Tasmania there is so much to explore. From the hikes and the scenery to the beaches and lakes that are indescribable – Don’t be scared to take a dip, even if it’s just a toe!

Make sure to pre-purchase your Tasmania National Parks Pass from here, as it is required to access most of these locations. And if you’re looking for other tours or activities to complete your trip to Tasmania be sure to check out here and here.

Dive into the best swimming spots in Tasmania!