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Freycinet Peninsula Kayak Expedition: Hike & Paddle Tasmania’s East Coast

There are two sides to every great landscape—and Freycinet Peninsula demands we see both. Down at sea level, pink granite cliffs soar overhead and white sand beaches like Hazards and Wineglass Bay peek around every corner. Up on the peaks, the Tasman Sea stretches to the horizon and our kayaks look tiny on the waves below. For six days, we’ll play this game of perspectives: paddle along Tasmania’s most dramatic coastline in the morning, then maybe hike up for the grand view in the afternoon. Each night brings a perfect beach to call home, and each day starts with the best kind of choice: sea or summit first?

Adventure highlights

  • The full picture

    Switch between paddling and optional hikes to explore Freycinet from every angle

  • Kayak into Wineglass Bay

    Skip the crowd and paddle directly into Tasmania’s most photographed beach

  • Beachfront camping

    Fall asleep to ocean waves at stunning coastal campsites along the Freycinet Peninsula

Itinerary

Discover Freycinet Peninsula’s dramatic coastline by kayak and on foot! Over 6 days, we’ll mix paddling and optional hiking as we explore Tasmania’s highest sea cliffs and most beautiful beaches. Two experienced guides lead the way through sheltered bays and along exposed coasts, while beachfront camps let us fully immerse in the Tasmanian wilderness. All meals are cooked fresh, all camping gear and kayaking equipment is provided, and all you need to do is show up ready for adventure.

  • The following itinerary serves as a general guide. Due to the unique nature of this area and changing weather conditions, there is no fixed route or schedule. Please note that our day-to-day activities will be determined by the weather, logistical conditions and group preferences. Access to the outer coast is only possible in good weather. The listed paddling times should be seen as an approximate guide only.

    Please plan to arrive in Hobart, Tasmania a day or two before the start of the adventure.

  • We start the trip with an early morning pick up from your Hobart accommodation (not included) for the 2.5-hour drive to Freycinet National Park. We’ll pack the kayaks and run through a full kayak safety briefing before launching. Today’s destination is Hazards Beach, a beautiful long beach that runs along Freycinet Peninsula’s west coast. We’ll set up camp and enjoy our first night under the stars.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Paddling: 11 km / 7 miles
    Accommodation: Camp in Freycinet National Park

    Kayaking near a sandy beach along Freycinet Peninsula
  • After a hearty breakfast prepared by the guides, we’ll break camp, pack the kayaks, and paddle to Cooks Beach campsite. Nestled at the southern end of Cooks Beach, which stretches for 1 km (0.6 mi), the site is surrounded by dense coastal scrub and is alive with birdlife.

    After setting up camp, we can hike to the summit of Mt Graham or Mt Freycinet to enjoy excellent views. The hike is optional—we can go for another paddle outing or enjoy a walk along the beach instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Paddling: 12 to 15 km / 7.5 to 9 miles
    Optional hike: 12 to 14 km / 7.5 to 9 miles with some steep sections
    Accommodation: Camp on Cooks Beach

    Kayakers near an Australian fur seal
  • We’ll start our day early for the paddle across the Schouten passage to Schouten Island before the winds get up. After landing, we’ll take a break and then either paddle around the outside of the island or, if winds forbid, swap paddles for hiking shoes to summit the Schouten Island Bare Hill (400 m / 1,312 ft).

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Paddling: 11 km / 7 miles
    Accommodation: Camp in Freycinet National Park

    Kayakers on choppy sea near Freycinet Peninsula on a cloudy day
  • If the weather allows it, today we’ll paddle the outside coast of the Freycinet Peninsula to Wineglass Bay. This is an opportunity to make a unique approach to an iconic and stunning location.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Paddling: 25 km / 15.5 miles
    Accommodation: Camp in Wineglass Bay

    Kayaks in Wineglass Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula from above
  • We’ll set off early to paddle the northern section of the Freycinet Peninsula. We’ll stop at Sleepy Bay before paddling to Friendly Beaches, our last campground for the trip.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Paddling: 18 km / 11 miles
    Accommodation: Camp at Friendly Beaches

    Kayaking near a rocky cliff face along the Freycinet Peninsula
  • Our last morning will be relaxing, with a paddle and a walk along the Friendly Beaches coastline. After lunch, we’ll be picked up and shuttled back to Hobart. You’ll be dropped off at your chosen accommodation (not included) between 5-6 pm.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Paddling: 8 km / 5 miles

    Kayaking near the cliffs of Freycinet National Park
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Meet your guide

Southern Sea Ventures
5.00
Southern Sea Ventures
Southern Sea Ventures began conducting sea kayak trips in 1988. The founder and fellow adventurer, Al Bakker, set out to discover new and untouched destinations best explored by sea kayak. The company’s guides, both new and existing, have many decades of experience leading sea kayak trips all over the world. Southern Sea Ventures work with a select group of partners to provide local expertise in culture, language and history of the regions they paddle through.
5.00 (2 reviews)
Mary (source: TripAdvisor)

best kayak trip ever
Every day of this trip was wonderful – excellent equipment, great location choices by our guides, fantastic views from the water, stunning food, great company – what more could you want?

Paul D (source: TripAdvisor)

Lovely Trip
Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Two experienced sea kayak guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 6-day Freycinet kayak expedition
      • Tent accommodation for 5 nights in Freycinet National Park
      • Tent, mat, sleeping bag and liner — if you’d prefer to bring your own, please leave a note at checkout
      • All cooking equipment including cups, plates, and eating utensils
      • All meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
      • Return transfers between Hobart and Freycinet National Park
      • Double or single expedition kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and spray skirts
      • Two 20L dry bags
      • Waterproof paddling jacket
      • Pogies (paddling mittens)
      • Toilet paper, toilet kit, and antibacterial hand gel
      • Comprehensive first aid kit and emergency safety equipment
      • National Park entry and camping fees

    Not included:

      • Flights to Tasmania
      • Airport transfers
      • Accommodation and meals in Hobart
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • For this Freycinet kayak expedition, you’ll need a solid fitness level and a sense of adventure. The paddling is of moderate level and previous kayaking experience is recommended, though you don’t need to be an expert kayaker or know how to roll. However, you should be confident in swimming.

    While most paddling takes place in sheltered waters, accessing the spectacular cliffs on the east coast of Freycinet Peninsula may require up to three hours in a kayak, including possible landing or launching in small waves. The degree of difficulty of the trip will depend on the weather, and keep in mind the group will kayak at the pace of the slowest paddlers.

    To get the most out of your Freycinet kayak expedition, consider starting some regular exercise like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming well before the trip. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy paddling.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Essentials

      • Lightweight thermal long sleeve top for paddling
      • Lightweight thermal long underwear for paddling
      • Lightweight fleece for paddling
      • Quick drying shorts for paddling (like board shorts)
      • Long sleeved quick drying shirt for sun protection
      • Two to three lightweight quick drying t-shirts
      • Warm fleece or down jacket
      • Synthetic quick drying long trousers
      • Medium/heavy weight thermal long sleeve top for the night
      • Medium/heavy weight thermal long underwear or fleece pants for the night
      • Quality, breathable rain jacket with hood for hiking
      • Quality, breathable rain pants for walking or shorts and gaiters
      • Shoes for paddling that can get wet (sandals, wetsuit boots, Crocs)
      • Trail walking shoes/runners or lightweight hiking boots for hiking
      • Dry shoes for the camp (sneakers or Crocs)
      • Sunglasses with a cord to prevent them from falling into the water
      • Sunhat with a stiff brim
      • Wool or fleece gloves
      • Wool or fleece beanie
      • One pair of warm socks
      • Two pairs of hiking socks
      • Underwear for the duration of the adventure
      • Headlamp with spare batteries
      • Water bottle or hydration system (minimum 1L capacity)
      • Personal toiletries and medications (if you’re bringing soap, please make sure it’s biodegradable)
      • Sanitizing hand gel (60ml / 2 fl oz)
      • Beach towel
      • Sunscreen (waterproof and at least SPF 30)
      • Lip balm
      • Insect repellent

    Optional items

      • Short or long sleeved rash guard
      • Long sleeved quick drying shirt for sun protection
      • Paddling gloves (pogies are provided by your guide)
      • Gaiters
      • Swimsuit
      • Camera
      • Book
      • Small daypack (frameless)
      • Small inflatable camping pillow
      • Swimming goggles or mask and snorkel
      • Plastic bags for wet gear
      • Wine or liquor (no glass)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity.

  • On this Freycinet kayak expedition, you’ll use Wilderness Systems Tsunami singles and Mission Eco Niizh doubles, all sit-in with rudders. The paddles supplied are Werner Skagit at 220cm length and split for easy adjustment to suit every style. The kayaks are stable and easy to navigate. Other essential gear is included as well: life jackets, a set of paddling mittens, two 20L dry bags, and a cagoule (over-the-head jacket with seals on the waist, wrist, and neck for protection from wind and rain).

    Day 1 of the Freycinet kayak expedition has a thorough briefing covering all aspects of sea kayaking techniques, so you’ll have ample time to get comfortable with the equipment before heading out to explore.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Freycinet kayak expedition, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
      • Two guides will accompany you on this adventure.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    A Freycinet kayak expedition can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

     

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 16 may be permitted to join this Freycinet kayak expedition on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Freycinet kayak expedition is Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. To get there, most people fly into Hobart Airport (HBA). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Hobart.

    Since your adventure starts in the early morning of Day 1, please plan to arrive in Hobart a day before.

    You will meet your guide in the early morning of Day 1 between 7:30am and 8am at your chosen accommodation in Hobart (not included) for a 2.5-hour group transfer to Freycinet National Park, where your kayak adventure begins. You will receive specific details about the meeting time before your departure.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits
    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations
    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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