Swansea    East Coast    Midlands    National Parks    More information   
See & do
Surrounded by a beautiful old English garden, fruit trees and vineyard, we are only minutes from pristine white beaches, excellent fishing and sightseeing.

Redcliffe House is an ideal base for visiting local attractions and nearby towns. By day, experience our local history & heritage, lifestyle & culture, outdoor adventure, wilderness & wildlife, wine & food . . . or just laze about. There's as much, or as little, as you want to see and do . . . and something for everyone, no matter which direction you take.
 
Swansea East Coast
The oldest rural municipality in Australia and a noted fishing and tourist resort situated on the shore of beautiful Great Oyster Bay. Freycinet National Park, the Blow Hole at Bicheno and Maria Island are all easily accessible. More ... With long white beaches, excellent surf and game fishing, hospitable towns and captivating national parks, this is a holiday region not to be missed. More ...
National Parks Midlands
Tasmania's East Coast is home to four of nature's wonders — Douglas-Apsley, Freycinet, Maria Island and Mt William National Parks — all rich in dramatic beauty, wildlife and history, and all within easy reach. More ... The quiet towns reflect the convict and colonial heritage — beautifully-preserved sandstone buildings including convict-built bridges, churches, mansions and pubs. More ...
 
In and around Swansea
 
Gourmet Food
Photographer: Garry Moore
© Tourism Tasmania
Safe swimming at the bay beaches and in the Swan River, a variety of water sports and spectacular coastal scenery are just some of the local attractions. Anglers can choose to fish in the river, bay or ocean and excursions can be made to Freycinet and Maria Island National Parks.
The district's first settler was George Meredith, who explored the area and took up land in 1821.
Swansea was the site of one of many whaling stations established along the East Coast in the 1800s, and further settlement took place when a military garrison was built on Waterloo Point in 1827.
 
 
A historic walk booklet (available from the information centre) guides visitors to the most interesting town sites.
 

Some early buildings are still used for their original purpose, including the Council Chambers (1860), Morris' General store, built in 1838 and operated by the Morris family for more than 100 years, the Swan Inn (1841), and the Community Centre, built in 1860, as a school. Guided garden tours in spring, bookings essential.
 
The convict-built Spiky Bridge at Spiky Beach on the highway 7km south of Swansea is another piece of local history. Four kilometres north of the town, Dolphin Sands and the Swan River picnic area at the mouth of the river are popular recreation spots.
 
Swansea highlights
  Mayfield Bay Coastal Reserve
  Kate's Berry Farm
  The Banc licensed Restaurant
  Kabuki By The Sea Restaurant
 
Swansea local attractions
Restored bark mill, safe bathing, surfing at Waterloo Point, water skiing, shooting, trout fishing at Lake Leake, outstanding beach and rock fishing.
Waterloo Point, at edge of golf course near town centre, has 1-km walking track for short-tailed shearwater (muttonbird) viewing at dusk, Aboriginal middens and views across bay to Freycinet Peninsula. Coswell Beach, 1 km south along coast from Waterloo Point, for little (fairy) penguin viewing at dusk.
Splendid views from Duncombes Lookout, 3 km south.
Several vineyards in the district, including Springvale, Craigie Knowe and the popular Freycinet vineyard to the north offer wine tasting and cellar door sales.
Grapes - Moorilla Estate
Photographer: Peter Whyte
© Tourism Tasmania
 
 
Tasmania's East Coast
 
With long white beaches, excellent surf and game fishing, hospitable towns and captivating national parks, this is a holiday region not to be missed.
 
The coastal resort and fishing town of St Helens is furthest north, with scenic St Marys nearby. Other towns lining the coast include Bicheno, Swansea, Coles Bay, Triabunna, and Orford, where a ferry runs to Maria Island. Freycinet, Mt William and Douglas-Apsley National Parks all protect stunning native landscapes. Read more about Tasmania's East Coast.
 
Fishing - Bicheno
Photographer: Owen Hughes
© Tourism Tasmania
 
Midlands area
Throughout the Midlands region, the quiet towns of Tasmania reflect the convict and colonial heritage, from grand mansions to quaint cottages, former coaching inns and pubs still in service.
 
Campbell Town, Ross and Oatlands are three of the most popular towns in the historic heart of Tasmania, and form part of the Heritage Highway. With a sense of adventure and discovery, pay a visit to the tree-lined villages with beautifully-preserved sandstone buildings including convict-built bridges and churches. And gaze upon a landscape that has inspired artists like John Glover and Tom Roberts. Read more about the Midlands area of Tasmania.
 
National Parks
 
Abseiling - Wineglass Bay Freycinet National Park Photographer: John de la Roche
© Tourism Tasmania
More than a third of Tasmania is protected in national parks, World Heritage Area, forest and marine reserves. Tasmania’s 3000 kms of managed walking tracks are among the best in the world and deliver dramatic seascapes, rushing waterfalls, craggy mountains, ancient forests and alpine tarns.
The East Coast is home to 4 of those natural wonders — Douglas-Apsley, Freycinet, Maria Island and Mt William National Parks — all rich in dramatic beauty, wildlife and history, and all within easy reach. View Visitors Guides to Tasmania's National Parks.
   
 
More information
 
Feel free to contact us with any questions about Redcliffe House and its' local attractions. Or visit these specialist websites:
Kayaking
Freycinet National Park Photographer: Garry Moore
© Tourism Tasmania
 
  Discover Tasmania website
  Tasmania's East Coast  
 National Parks visitors guides  
  The interactive tour of Tasmania - Road Planner  
  The Midlands area of Tasmania  
 Tasmania's Heritage Highway  
   
 

 
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