Cool Things To See and Do in Bicheno, Tasmania

Wedged between the Tasman Sea and the rolling vineyards of the east-coast hinterland, Bicheno is the sort of place that makes unwinding feel effortless. The fishing boats bob just offshore, penguins waddle home after sunset, and there’s always an empty patch of sand to kick back with a book or spend the day building sand castles. For outdoorsy young families, especially those travelling by camper, this laid-back town is a dream base for exploring Tasmania’s east coast. 

In this guide, you’ll find all the essentials for planning your road trip, including Bicheno weather, the best seasons for beach days and penguin nights. Along the way, we’ll point you to other helpful guides and resources like the top 10 family-friendly things to do in Tasmania and the best family-friendly campsites and holiday parks. That way, you can easily stitch Bicheno into a bigger travel itinerary with ease.  

Bicheno weather: when’s the best time to visit?

Unlike the mountainous regions of Tasmania, Bicheno's weather stays mild all year. Summer tops out around 22 °C, warm enough for snorkels and sandcastles, while winter days still hover in the low teens. That said, you may not want to schedule your beach days for winter. Here’s a little of what to expect during each season:  

• Summer (Dec–Feb): This is the season to pack the body boards. Calm seas at Waubs Bay and Redbill Beach are perfect for families, and the Governor Island Marine Reserve offers some of the clearest snorkelling on the island. To scope out more sandy options, skim Apollo’s rundown of the best beaches in Tasmania. 

• Winter (Jun–Aug): Expect crisp blue mornings, near-empty walking tracks and the year’s most reliable penguin parades. Simply wrap the kids in beanies and head to the foreshore boardwalk after dusk. Winter is also peak season for aurora hunters, so if you find yourself here in the winter, be sure to check Apollo’s guide to where to see southern lights in Tasmania. Or if you want to add a little winter adventure to your campervan trip, be sure to check out our full guide to where to see snow in Tasmania.  

• Shoulder seasons: Autumnal hues colour the hinterland and spring wildflowers dot the headlands, making both periods sweet spots for quieter campsites.  

Need exact timing and a more detailed breakdown? Apollo’s month-by-month best time to visit Tasmania planner will help you lock in campervan hire dates. 

Top attractions in Bicheno

So you’ve grabbed your camper, you’ve cruised up the coast, and you’ve pulled into town. Now what? You can’t go wrong by starting with these three crowd-pleasers, all within ten minutes of the town centre. 

The Bicheno Blowhole

One of Bicheno’s most iconic sights, the Bicheno Blowhole is a narrow granite vent that hurls seawater skywards whenever the swell rolls in. On a wild-weather day or king tide, the upshoot can reach 20 metres, so keep phones ready and remind kids to take a cautious step back.    

East Coast Natureworld

Just five minutes up the Tasman Highway, you’ll find East Coast Natureworld, a 150-acre wildlife sanctuary where Tasmanian devils scream (you’ll know it when you hear it), wombats doze, and kangaroos accept gentle hand-feeds. Daily keeper talks bring the creatures close, and night-time “Devils in the Dark” sessions rank high on every list of what to do in Bicheno with kids. It’s a no-brainer for international visitors chasing native animals in one easy hit. 

Diamond Island

South of town, a sandy causeway appears at low tide, making Diamond Island accessible by foot for an hour or two. If you’re feeling adventurous, wander across barefoot, peer into rock pools alive with sea stars, then climb the granite knuckle for a postcard view back over the bay. Be sure to check the tide tables posted outside the surf club first, as the channel refills surprisingly fast. 

Penguin watching in Bicheno

Little penguins are the town’s unofficial mascots, so it’s no surprise penguin watching in Bicheno lands on every family’s travel itinerary. These pint-sized birds spend daylight hours fishing offshore and waddle home once dusk sets in, so it's easy to enjoy even if you’re travelling by campervan hire and have youngsters tucked up early. 

Where to see penguins in Bicheno without a tour

If you’re wondering where to see penguins in Bicheno without a tour, you’re going to want to aim for the stretch between the Bicheno Blowhole and Redbill Beach. Arrive after dusk, switch off torches and phones (as white light disorients birds), and keep at least five metres back, letting penguins choose their own path to the nest burrows hidden in the dunes. Red cellophane over a small torch is fine for footing; flashes, loud voices and selfie-stick close-ups are not. Prefer a guide? Several local operators run low-impact evening walks that supply red lights and are an excellent option for families with small children who may need a guiding hand to respect the wildlife.  

For more ideas on where to see Penguins, check out the full guide to where to see Penguins in Tasmania.  

Outdoor adventures and nature walks

Ready for a day of hiking after a long day in the campervan? These three trails are a few of the top go-to trails for hiking and nature walks in Bicheno:  

Whalers Lookout Scenic Reserve

A ten-minute stair climb delivers the panoramic views every camper craves—granite headlands to the north, the Hazards of Freycinet to the south and fishing boats dotted between. Whether you’re an early riser chasing sunrise or prefer to kick back and watch as sunset turns the water copper, this lookout is worth the trek.  

Governor Island Marine Reserve

Just offshore, Governor Island is the answer for what to do in Bicheno for snorkellers and divers. Tucked in these underwater landscapes, kelp forests sway above caves and bommies, while sheer walls drop to 30 metres, revealing sponges the colour of mandarins. Best of all, a short foreshore stroll leads you to the entry point, so all you need to do is pack fins and slip over the ledge for instant access to this little slice of diving heaven.  

Bicheno foreshore walk

Prefer a low-key walk to start your day? This gentle path links Waubs Bay to the Bicheno Blowhole, threading past rock pools, cafés and playgrounds—ideal for pram-pushing parents. Early birds often have the granite slabs to themselves, while sunset walkers may spot penguins or even dolphins cruising the bay. 

Beaches and water fun

Tasmania’s east coast is famous for gin-clear water and white sandy beaches, and Bicheno is no exception! Here are two of the easiest sandy stops for families looking for a bit of beach therapy on their upcoming road trip:  

Redbill Beach

Facing north-east, Redbill Beach scoops up just enough swell to keep beginner surfers smiling without intimidating kids. The sand is deep and squeaky, crowds are thin (outside school holidays), and penguins shuffle ashore at the far end once daylight fades.   

Waubs Bay

Steps from the main street, Waubs Bay is a horseshoe of turquoise waters so clear you can count your toes. The best part? The headlands block most wind, making it a safe first-swim spot for toddlers. You’re also in easy walking distance of town, so you can easily grab warm cinnamon scrolls from a town bakery, sling towels over the campervan doors and enjoy a quick break before heading back to the beach. If you’re planning a wider coastal loop, pin Apollo’s digest of the best beaches in Tasmania) to your maps app for more sandy detours. 

Day trips from Bicheno

One of the perks of basing yourself in Bicheno, Tasmania, is how many bucket-list spots sit within an hour’s drive—easy hops in a camper, motorhome, or short-wheelbase campervan hire.  

Freycinet National Park – 45 mins south

Freycinet is the poster child of Tasmania’s east coast. A smooth 45-minute cruise south lands you at the trailhead for the famed Wineglass Bay lookout, a two-hour return hike that rewards with an arch of white sand and cobalt water. Park-up bays fit most campervans, and the coastal drive itself is a highlight, skirting oyster farms and turquoise inlets. 

Douglas-Apsley National Park – 30 mins north-west

Quieter than Freycinet yet brimming with bush pools and eucalypt scent, Douglas-Apsley National Park is a go-to for travellers who like their walks uncrowded. The Apsley Waterhole trail is a gentle 30-minute stroll; push on another hour and you’ll reach the stunning gorge. It’s a perfect off-the-beaten-path detour before looping back to camp in Bicheno for sunset penguins. 

Food, coffee & local eateries

After a morning surf or hike, nothing beats Bicheno’s simple, fresh fare, especially when you can ferry takeaway straight to your campervan table. 

• The Lobster Shack – a must-visit for seafood lovers. Perched right on the edge of the working harbour, this relaxed wharfside eatery dishes up Tasmania’s famous rock lobster fresh from the ocean. Their garlic-butter lobster rolls are rich and indulgent, while the classic fish-and-chips, made with local flathead or blue-eye, are perfect for a casual lunch with sea views. 

• Blue Edge Bakery – Their warm cinnamon scrolls are legendary, the focaccias are stacked with fresh local produce, and the espresso holds its own against any city café.  

Most venues are family-run, so expect that small-town “no worries” vibe and portions sized for post-beach appetites. 

Where to stay in Bicheno in a campervan

Looking for Bicheno accommodation that hugs the shoreline? Here are a few of our top picks of the best places to stay in Bicheno in a campervan:  

• Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park – this campground offers powered sites right in the heart of town, making it easy to walk to cafés, shops, and Waubs Bay in just a couple of minutes. With clean facilities, level sites, and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a top choice for campervan travellers.  

• Seaview Holiday Park – sitting on a peaceful bush block with terraced sites that look out over the coastline and rolling waves of Waubs Bay. It’s a quieter option with unbeatable views—ideal for watching the stars from your motorhome porch once the town lights fade. 

Both parks welcome everything from compact campers to full-sized motorhomes. Looking for more options? Check out Apollo’s round-up of the best family-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Tasmania. 

Family-friendly things to do in Bicheno

Short travel days, safe swimming spots, and wildlife encounters around nearly every corner make Bicheno a dream destination for young families exploring Tasmania by campervan. It’s compact enough that you’re never far from a beach, a playground, or a penguin sighting, and relaxed enough that parents can truly unwind knowing the town has a gentle, kid-friendly pace. Whether your little ones are into nature, animals, or just running wild on the sand, there’s always something to keep them engaged and smiling. Here are a few of the top things to do with kids in Bicheno: 

• Watch penguins waddle home at dusk along the foreshore near Redbill Beach or the Bicheno Blowhole (just remember to bring a red-filtered torch and keep your distance). 

• Visit East Coast Natureworld, where kids can meet Tasmanian devils, hand-feed kangaroos, and learn about native species in a safe, open-air setting. 

• Explore the Bicheno Foreshore Walk, an easy, stroller-friendly track that links beaches, rock pools, and fun lookout spots perfect for a morning wander. 

• Scramble over rocks at the Bicheno Blowhole, waiting for the sea to shoot skyward—a thrilling display for all ages. 

• Build sandcastles at Waubs Bay, where shallow, sheltered water makes it an excellent spot for paddling, splashing, and picnic lunches. 

With its safe, small-town vibe and mix of active and low-key experiences, Bicheno, Tasmania, is one of the best stops on a family road trip through the east coast. 

Need more inspiration? Apollo’s top 10 family-friendly things to do in Tasmania slots plenty more east-coast stops into the same itinerary. 

Final travel tips: what to see in Bicheno, Tasmania

From the surge of the Bicheno Blowhole to dusk penguin parades and easy day-trips into Freycinet, this east-coast gem more than justifies its spot on any Tasmanian road trip itinerary. Best of all, travelling by campervan hire lets you pivot with the famously changeable Bicheno weather—linger when the water’s glassy, or point the van inland if a southerly blows through—while serviced holiday parks in town make parking up for the night a breeze.  

Ready to book your Bicheno adventure? Lock in your wheels and book your Apollo campervan today, so that all that is left to do is collect from your preferred Apollo branch before rolling east. With flexible accommodation, coastal trails and wildlife on your doorstep, Bicheno, Tasmania, makes exploring at your own pace a breeze.