Major city · Australia
Bicheno
Stay 1 night, 2 if you want a full Freycinet day: penguins at dusk, blowhole and Gulch walk on foot, Coles Bay 30 min south.
Bicheno is a small east-coast town of a few hundred people, built around a granite gulch and a working lobster fleet. It works as a Freycinet National Park base and as a penguin-viewing stop: the nightly tour is capped and sells out in summer, and the birds come ashore in numbers only from spring to autumn. Everything in town is walkable in under an hour end to end, so a car is only needed for the national park, the wineries and the waterhole.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (warm days, penguins ashore); Nov–Mar for swimming and the full tour season
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, penguins mostly absent); avoid the Christmas–New Year week if you want quiet
- Airports
- Hobart (HBA) · Launceston (LST)
- Nights
- 1–2
About Bicheno
Bicheno is a small town on Tasmania's east coast, reached by the Tasman Highway, with a daily bus from Hobart. It sits within reach of Freycinet National Park, which makes it a useful base for that area. A fairy penguin colony lives here, and penguin tours operate every night. The waterfront track runs from Diamond Island past the Gulch to the blowhole, and takes over an hour to walk end to end. A cycleway connects the town with Diamond Island and the beach. Drivers should watch for penguins on the road after dark, especially near the Diamond Resort stretch of the highway.
Waubedebar's Grave is among the sights listed in town. The Bicheno Motorcycle Museum & Restoration on Burgess Street displays more than 60 bikes and was noted as updated in February 2016, as were the Whalers' Lookout and the grave.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Bicheno.
- Penguins — Tours run nightly, capped at 120 people a night in summer, when up to 800 birds come ashore; numbers drop to almost none in winter.
- Blowhole — It sits just south of the Gulch along the walking track and blows regularly, even in fairly calm weather; the area is unfenced.
- Aquariums — Two are listed, one on the highway and one by the Gulch.
- Apsley Waterhole — It supplies the town's water, lies about 10km from the centre, and allows swimming and snorkelling, with no sunscreen permitted in the water.
- Bicheno Motorcycle Museum & Restoration — On Burgess Street, it shows over 60 bikes and opens 9AM–5PM.
Do
- Snorkel or scuba dive around the rocks and beaches, including the large marine reserve on the far side of the Gulch.
- Swim in summer, when the weather can be mild but the water stays cold; many locals use wetsuits.
- Walk to Diamond Island through shallow water at low tide or take a surf ski, watching for currents and tides.
- Join the Bicheno Glass Bottom Boat from the Gulch, daily 9:30AM–3PM, which also goes to the marine reserve when weather allows.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Crayfish (southern rock lobster) — It is the local speciality, caught locally and sold under the local name.
- Pork's Place — A takeaway and eat-in spot on Burgess Street for fish and chips near the beach.
- Local produce — Wine, cheese, seafood and fruits are produced locally and suit a picnic.
- Devil's Corner, Milton, Freycinet and Spring Vale vineyards — These four vineyards are listed for drinking in the area.
Customs
- The town has a working lobster fleet, and locals call southern rock lobster crayfish.
- Penguins cross the road after dark, particularly near the Diamond Resort section of the Tasman Highway.
- Only Telstra provides mobile service in Bicheno.
Events
- Penguin tours — Capped at 120 people a night; book ahead in summer.Nightly
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bicheno000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bicheno, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a town this size; the real risks are dark-road penguins, unfenced rock platforms at the blowhole, and cold water.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHBA Hobart Airport (About 2 h 15 min by road via the Tasman Highway; the main gateway for international and mainland flights.).
- Getting aroundThe town is small enough to walk: the waterfront track runs from Diamond Island past the Gulch to the blowhole, over an hour end to end…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Budget bedCaravan park powered site, a night, per roomA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or cabin double room, a night, per roomA$190 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or cabin double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$170 (≈ US$120) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HBA Hobart Airport (About 2 h 15 min by road via the Tasman Highway; the main gateway for international and mainland flights.) · LST Launceston Airport (About 2 h by road via Campbell Town; useful if you are driving the east coast north to south.)
Map of Bicheno
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Bicheno
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Coles Bay · 28 km straight line
- Swansea · 34 km straight line
- Scamander · 47 km straight line
- St Helens · 62 km straight line
- Campbell Town · 67 km straight line
- Ross · 69 km straight line
- Triabunna · 78 km straight line
- Perth, Tasmania · 100 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jul
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Aug
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jul (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jun (10 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bicheno: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Jul
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is small enough to walk: the waterfront track runs from Diamond Island past the Gulch to the blowhole, over an hour end to end, with a cycleway alongside. A car is needed for Freycinet National Park, Apsley Waterhole and the vineyards. There is a daily bus from Hobart, but no local public transport, so book tours or drive.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive the C302 south from the Tasman Highway, about 30 min
The reason most people stop here. Park entry fees apply at the Freycinet visitor area; go early in summer for the Wineglass Bay lookout car park.
Apsley Waterhole
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Signposted turn at the northern end of town, about 10 km (6.2 mi)Signposted turn at the northern end of town, about 6.2 mi (10 km)
Town water supply and a cold swimming hole; no sunscreen in the water, so wear a rash vest.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Tasman Highway north via Scamander
North-coast base for the Bay of Fires; a natural next stop on an east-coast drive.
Swansea
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Tasman Highway south
Historic town with bakeries and a small supermarket; useful resupply between Bicheno and Triabunna.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre and the Gulch
Walk to the blowhole, the waterfront track, cafés and the pub; best for one night without a car.
Redbill Beach and Diamond Island end
2 km (1.2 mi) north of the centre on the Tasman Highway; beachfront houses and the resort, penguins cross the road here after dark.1.2 mi (2 km) north of the centre on the Tasman Highway; beachfront houses and the resort, penguins cross the road here after dark.
Burgess Street and the highway strip
Motels, the caravan parks and the supermarket; practical for drivers and campervans.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–250 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or cabin double room1 × 1 night × A$190 | A$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$170 | A$340 |
| Penguin tour, per person2 × A$20 · check | A$40 |
| Glass-bottom boat tour, per person2 × A$60 · check | A$120 |
| Freycinet National Park day pass, per vehicle1 × A$45 · check | A$45 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$79 |
| Trip total≈ A$432 per person per day, bed included | A$864≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and national park passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Fish and chips, takeaway | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Pub main (parmigiana, steak, seafood) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Southern rock lobster, restaurantMarket price; ask before ordering. | A$60–120 (≈ US$40–80) |
| Bakery pie or sausage roll | A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Supermarket picnic supplies for two | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Penguins cross the Tasman Highway after dark, especially near the Diamond Island end: drive slowly and never use a torch or flash on the birds.
- The blowhole and the rocks around the Gulch are unfenced; big seas and high tides wash over the platform.
- Diamond Island is reachable on foot at low tide only, and the currents in the channel are strong.
- Mobile coverage is limited: Telstra is the only network with reliable service in town.
- The supermarket closes in the early evening, so buy dinner supplies before then.
- Penguin tours are capped and sell out in summer: book ahead.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
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BichenoBicheno
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Emergency information line (national)1800 226 226
Embassy
No consulates in Bicheno. Nearest consular help: Hobart (some honorary consulates) and the embassies and consulates-general in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Penguin tour from town: about A$20 (≈ US$14) per person, minibus included, nightly (check)
- Glass-bottom boat from the Gulch: about A$60 (≈ US$40) per person, daily 9:30–15:00 (check)about A$60 (≈ US$40) per person, daily 9:30 AM–3:00 PM (check)
- Drive Bicheno → Coles Bay: about 30 min, 30 km (19 mi)about 30 min, 19 mi (30 km)
- Drive Bicheno → Hobart: about 2 h 15 min, 180 km (112 mi) (check)about 2 h 15 min, 112 mi (180 km) (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thanks
- No worries — No worries
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Table for two, please — Table for two, please
- Where is the beach access? — Where is the beach access?
- Is it low tide now? — Is it low tide now?
Fuel is available in town; fill up before driving to Freycinet or north to St Helens.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bicheno. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (warm days, penguins ashore); Nov–Mar for swimming and the full tour season · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, wet, penguins mostly absent); avoid the Christmas–New Year week if you want quiet · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HBA and LST: drive times field-checked, last fuel and food stops, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Gulch and blowhole, Redbill Beach and Diamond Island, Burgess Street, the Whalers' Lookout track.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (penguin tour, glass-bottom boat, motorcycle museum, Apsley Waterhole) and eat pages with last orders.
- Penguin-night and rough-sea fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Bicheno
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