Bicheno: Coastal Trails, Marine Life and Penguins

Bicheno lies on Tasmania’s east coast along the Great Eastern Drive. Coastal views, a trail between distinctive landmarks by the water, marine life and guided wildlife encounters give a stay a variety of focal points. Which holiday rental makes the right base therefore also depends on which sides of the town you’d like to explore.

Coastal Trails and Views

Whalers Lookout Scenic Reserve has two safe viewing platforms facing in different directions. From one, you can look east towards the sea and across the Gulch; the other offers views over the town and the western beaches. So, if you’d like to see Bicheno from above, the platforms offer two different perspectives on the town and coastline.

The Bicheno Foreshore Trail is an accessible 3-kilometre trail between Rice Pebble Beach, the Bicheno Blowhole and Waubs Bay. The route connects these three named stops along the coast. This lets you plan a walk around these locations, while the stated length also gives you a concrete guide for planning your day.

Marine Life and Islands

Just off the coast of Bicheno is Governor Island Marine Reserve, a temperate diving area. Its more than 35 dive sites feature kelp-covered reefs, sponge gardens and an abundance of marine life. The underwater landscape therefore includes a range of natural habitats. If you’re interested in the sea, you can choose between taking in the view from the coast and diving in the reserve.

Nearby Diamond Island Nature Reserve is a small rocky island inhabited by coastal birds and penguins. At low tide, a sandbar makes it possible to walk to the island from Bicheno’s shore. Timing is crucial for this: plan a walk there only for the low-tide conditions described.

Wildlife Encounters and Nature Experiences

Bicheno Penguin Tours departs from the centre of Bicheno at 1/70 Burgess Street, opposite IGA. From there, a short bus transfer takes visitors to a private penguin breeding colony for a guided encounter with little penguins. This sets the experience apart from a self-guided walk: the encounter is part of a tour and starts at a specific address in town.

East Coast Natureworld is located in Bicheno amid 150 acres of natural coastal bushland and lagoons. It also offers Devils in the Dark, an evening Tasmanian devil experience with wine and cheese. Another way to discover marine life is Bicheno's Glass Bottom Boat. The tour departs from Bicheno and runs from September to April. It offers views of the animals that live there and the lush plant life that is rarely seen, accompanied by an expert guide.

History and Experiences by the Water

The Bicheno History Trail takes you around town using information panels and traces the settlement’s origins as a sealing and whaling port. At the East Coast Whale Trail site on Douglas Street, panels provide information about whales; from there, you can enjoy wide-ranging sea views and look out for whales. The two experiences have different focuses: the History Trail explores the settlement’s history, while the Whale Trail centres on sea views and whale spotting.

Bicheno Beams takes place at Lions Park on the waterfront. Every evening, laser beams, colours and music are projected into the night sky over the sea for about 30 minutes. It’s a standalone evening activity alongside walks, wildlife encounters and opportunities to learn about the town’s history.

Discover More Destinations

If you’d like to explore more destinations in addition to Bicheno, you’ll find Eaglehawk Neck, Whitemark, Camdale, Deviot, Rossarden, Lebrina, Longford and Upper Blessington here.

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.