Â鶹APP

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay)

Freycinet Wineglass Bay- Author; Jörn Brauns-

Freycinet National Park is a national park located on the east coast of Tasmania, in Australia.  It is Tasmania’s oldest park  together with mount field national park since it was founded in 1916.

Bordering the national park is the small settlement of Coles Bay, and the largest nearby town is Swansea.

This national park contains part of the rugged Tasmanian coastline and includes the secluded Wineglass Bay. Features of the park include its red and pink granite formations and a series of jagged granite peaks in a line, called “The Hazards”.

1. Freycinet has quite a significant role in conservation

Frilly flowers Wineglass Bay lookout Freycinet National Park- Author; Poyt448 Peter Woodard-

Due to the range of rare and endemic flora and fauna species present, as well as the diversity of landscapes and communities at Freycinet National Park, its role in conservation is particularly significant.

The area within the park is also of cultural importance, with many Aboriginal and European sites protected, though deeper investigation into human history within the park still needs to be undertaken.

Large sections of the park remain undisturbed by humans, including parts of the catchment and the landscape.

2. Tourism at Freycinet has really contributed to Tasmania’s economy

Climbers at Freycinet_National park- Author; Stefan Karpiniec-

Tourism at Freycinet forms a significant component of the economy for the eastern part of Tasmania, with visitors drawn to the region by the natural environment, weather and recreational activities available in the area.

Every year, thousands of people are attracted to the coastal environments and the area’s rural and isolated setting.

3. Geologically speaking, it is home for unique rock types

Rocks at Freycinet National Park- Author; Leighblackall-

Devonian granite is the dominant rock type at Freycinet. Orthoclase, which is a pink feldspar (rock-forming minerals, containing sodium, calcium, potassium, or barium), gives the mountains and coastline their characteristic pink tint.

Black micas and white quartz are also found. The western side of Schouten Island is composed of Jurassic .

4. So many different specie of animals are found at Freycinet

Bennetts Wallaby in Freycinet National Park- Author; Joern Brauns-

 

You will most definitely find dolphins swimming in Wineglass Bay. Forty-nine endemic species to Tasmania are found at Freycinet.

Mammals found include the brushtail possum, ringtail possum, sugar glider, eastern pygmy possum, little pygmy possum, echidna, wombats, New Holland mouse, swamp rat, water rat, Tasmanian bettong and the long-nosed potoroo.

The Tasmanian devil was once common at the park, but has seen a significant drop in density due to the devil facial tumour disease. Aquatic mammals such as southern right whale, humpback whale, and bottlenose dolphins are known to use the bay to feed, calve or to take rests.

Another common species seen is the eastern quoll, which is a marsupial carnivore that was previously sighted on the mainland of Australia but is now only found in Tasmania.

Also, although extinct on the mainland, the Tasmanian pademelon is still common in Freycinet National Park but they are rarely seen during the day, coming out at night to feed.

5. Over 500 specie of plants are found at Freycinet

Vegetation at Freycinet National Park- Author; Diego Delso-

The vegetation in Freycinet National Park is indicative of temperature ranges and precipitation, just as it is through the rest of Tasmania.

In this part of the state it is dominated by dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, with black peppermint.

West of the lagoon the coastal scrub consists of Acacia longifolia with a thick forest of Allocasuarina verticillata, and to the east Eucalyptus ovata and Eucalyptus obliqua dominate the dry woodlands.

More than 500 plants have been recorded within the park, with over 80 species of orchids being sighted.

6. A wallaby is the most common animal that inhabits the national park

Red-necked wallaby in Wineglass beach, Freycinet National Park- Author; Maxime Carron-

The red-necked wallaby, also called Bennett’s wallaby, is one of the most commonly seen animals within the park and can be spotted grazing on low lying vegetation such as grass. They are well known to gather around people.

7. Has different specie of reptiles and amphibians

Lizard – Freycinet National Park- Author; brewbooks-

There are numerous reptiles that are found at Freycinet including lizards, skinks and snakes.

The ocellated skink , Tasmanian tree skink and she-oak skink  are all endemic to Tasmania and found in the park.

Other species found include the blotched blue-tongued lizard , mountain dragon  and lowland copperhead snake.

In addition, the Tasmanian froglet  is also endemic to Tasmania and can be seen in several creeks in Freycinet, along with the frequently spotted common eastern froglet found in low-lying water bodies such as swamps.

Other amphibians found include the southern toadlet , spotted grass frog , southern brown tree frog  and growling grass frog.

8. You can drive yourself there to have the full experience

The easiest way to get to the park is to either fly to Hobart/Launceston or rent a car and drive yourself from there.

It takes roughly 2.5 hours to drive non-stop, and there are a few spots and lookout points to check out along the Tasman Highway. Recommendations for stopbys include:

• Katy’s Berry Farm in Swansea 😉
• Great Oyster Bay Lookout point
• Spiky Bridge
• Museum of Old and New Arts (MONA)

9. There are over 10 different specie of birds that inhabit the national park

Illustration of different specie of birds- Photo by Boston Public Library on

Owing to the varying ecosystems in Freycinet, there are many species of birds that either inhabit or fly through the park.

They range from large predator species such as the brown falcon  and white-bellied sea eagle  to smaller species including the superb fairy-wren  and flame robin.

There are also several species which are listed on the TSP Act, such as the black-browed albatross, shy albatross , Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle , Australian fairy tern among others.

The endangered swift parrot breeds on the east coast of Tasmania from September through to January, before migrating to the mainland over winter.

10. It has a global appeal that makes it a popular tourist destination

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania- Author; Andrew Turner-

Freycinet has a unique global appeal. In other words, it is just so  iconic, memorable and breathtaking.

The park is best known for the stunning beauty of Wineglass Bay. That is,  its crystal-clear waters and curvaceous white beach, which is one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views.

Beyond Wineglass Bay, there’s plenty more to uncover at Freycinet. There is the diversity in the coastal landscape which is dramatic, with rocky coves and surging surf around one corner, and ten sheltered bays and sandy beaches around the next.

P.S: Although one of Tasmania’s most popular national parks, it is still possible to find solitude in the variety of experiences that await you at Freycinet National Park.