Long overshadowed by its neighbouring icons – Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay – the sleepy seaside town of Bicheno has emerged to claim the title of Australian Traveller’s Best Town.
An island off an island at the edge of the world is certain to abound with oceanic vistas and coastal towns, but there’s something about Bicheno. It punches well above its weight as a seaside holiday destination, having drawn a new generation of locals to enrich the fabric of the town, creating a hub of bustling eateries, coffee stops, spas, perfumeries, boutiques and more.
Located on Tasmania’s East Coast, the fishing port-holiday town is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Hobart, or a two-hour drive from Launceston. Though it might still feel like a sleepy holiday destination, beach shacks are no longer all you’ll find when it comes to resting your head. A new luxury boutique resort, along with a new waterside wine bar, has upped the ante, but in no way detracted from the town’s nostalgic summer holiday charm.
Bicheno is officially the best town in Australia! Sandwiched between Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay, there's something about Bicheno. Blue penguin parades, fresh lobster rolls, single malt whisky from a converted oyster hatchery and a new waterside wine bar in an old fishing factory.
Bicheno feels a world away
Bicheno is made for nostalgic summer holidays. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
“I’m aware it’s a bit of a bubble," shares local, Samantha Shaw, “but with everything going on in the world right now, I don’t really want to pop it just yet!" We are standing in the sunshine out the front of the almost-open Sea Stacks Bicheno. While most parents struggle to bribe kids off their devices, even when it’s school holidays and the sun is shining, there seems to be little evidence of that problem here.
In fact, it feels a little like this is the town that time forgot. Locals stop on their morning dog walk to chat with whoever is perched out front of the coffee shop. The main strip consists of a door-to-door trio of Post-Office/Newsagent, IGA and bank. A group of pre-teens pass me on bikes, boards under arm, lazily riding for a morning surf.
Embrace a slower pace in Bicheno. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
The striking beauty of Waubs Beach. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Life in Bicheno is centered around the water. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
On the drive to meet Samantha, I slow down to smile at the bucolic scene of two young boys trotting barefoot down the grassy verge, each hugging a chicken for dear life. “Oh, those chickens keep escaping," laughs Samantha. In a town of just over 1000 people (that figure swells during peak season), everyone knows everyone and has a role in the community.
It’s a far cry from big-city life, and that’s just how Samantha and the other young families that have moved to Bicheno over the past five to 10 years like it. “People have moved here to call it home, but what is great is that in doing so, it’s really energised the town," she adds. “We are all so supportive of one another. If someone has an idea for a new business, whether it’s a café, a bakery, a shop, a bar or whatever, we all work so hard to give it the best chance of success."
New accommodation on the horizon
The new Sea Stacks Bicheno has an enviable position on the headland. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
On the topic of new, Sea Stacks Bicheno is due to open for bookings from June. The 12 buildings house 14 accommodation options, and beachside luxury is an understatement. Each “Stack" is timber-clad both inside and out, resulting in a deeply calm space. The subtle natural perfume of the wood feels like I’ve stepped into a Tasmanian oak-lined cocoon.
Sustainability is taken seriously, with all timbers rescued from the building industry rejection pile, re-milled, and hand-sanded.
“The brief from the owner to the original architects was: ‘a philosophy of no plastics, no paint, and no plasterboard’. Wherever possible, we’ve stayed true to that," shares Sue Gilbert the General Manager.
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Sea Stacks Bicheno is a striking set of 12 timber-clad accommodations set to open for bookings in June. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
The view doesn't get more serene. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
There are 14 types of accommodation. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
All textiles are natural, in collaboration with Newcastle-based Eadie Lifestyle. The buildings feature triple-glazing, harvested water from the roof, and solar panels. Additionally, all parking spots are equipped with EV charging capabilities. “Our goal is to be carbon negative, not to use any electricity from the grid," shares Sue.
The boardwalks are extensive. “Before commencing the build, we knew penguins were nesting on the site. We’ve repopulated the landscape with nesting boxes, and the elevated boardwalk will ensure the penguin colony can come back and live amongst the Stacks," adds Sue. The Stacks have been designed based on the feedback from three prototypes built in 2018 on Denison Rivulet, just a 10-minute drive away.
Wine, waves and whisky tastings
Bicheno is home to the prettiest wine bar in Tasmania, the newly-opened Le Gulch. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
A stroll (or short drive) away, and Bicheno’s new wine bar sleeps lazily during the day, while gulls squawk overhead and fishing boats putter by. Le Gulch Wine Bar recently opened on the site of an old fishing factory, and you’d be hard pressed to find a spot closer to the sea to sip a glass of Tassie bubbles with freshly shucked oysters.
Pink-hued outdoor seating and umbrellas add a dash of romance to an already exquisite setting. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
The newly opened Le Gulch wine bar is set beside the sea. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
The seaside wine bar serves excellent oysters. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Soak up views with a glass of wine. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Framed by the rocky coastline, settle in by the festoon lights and terracotta-hued umbrellas for a relaxed sunset vibe as the bar wakes up from 3 pm until 6 pm in May; hours vary seasonally.
Next door on the waterfront, Waubs Harbour Distillery is Tasmania’s true maritime distillery, crafting single malt whisky in an old oyster hatchery. The distillery was founded by ex-Lark and ex-Overeem distiller, Rob Polmear, and his brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Bec Polmear.
Waubs Harbour Distillery crafts single malt whisky in an old oyster hatchery by the sea. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
The brothers had fond memories growing up with seaside holidays in Bicheno, and have proven to be the perfect location to craft award-winning small-batch whisky. Take a tour of the distillery, or taste through the range in the tasting room next door – it used to be the old fish and chip shop.
Saunas and sensory journeys
Selkie Wellness offers hot and cold therapy experiences. (Credit: Fiona Vail Photography via Tourism Tasmania)
If the invitation of an afternoon in a “wellness garden" in a renovated 1960’s shack by the sea doesn’t have you getting your kit off, then I don’t know what will. Selkie Wellness was founded by Sam Thorp and Jemma Hosking after they moved to Bicheno seven years ago. Dive in for a heavenly remedial massage with the soft hum of the waves crashing on the shore nearby. The wellness garden offers bliss via hot and cold therapy in the shack’s courtyard.
Continuing the sensory journey, Undersong Perfumery was founded in 2021 by writer and ex-journalist Hillary Burden, as her curiosity for perfume led her towards distilling her own scents and natural Eau de Parfums from native Australian flora for a true expression of place.
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Unique Bicheno experiences
Pop Bicheno into your Google Maps, and “Bicheno Blowhole" will pop up. The natural wonder is worth a visit, and there’s no shortage of squeaky white sandy beaches to take a dip in. On the drive out of town, there are four different “watch out for wildlife" signs. Tasmanian devils, spotted quolls, wombats, wallabies and blue penguins are just a few of Bicheno’s furry and feathered inhabitants.
Rug up for a night tour with Bicheno Penguin Tours, and you’ll catch a glimpse of these cuties as they return to land after a day at sea. Formally known as fairy penguins, blue penguins are the world’s smallest penguins, and beyond their serious case of cuteness, they are fascinating little birds that spend months and even years at sea before returning to the Bicheno breeding grounds.
Bicheno Beams is a must-have winter experience. (Credit: Adam Reibel via Tourism Tasmania)
A trip to Tassie is for the curious, those looking to explore a little further off the beaten path, and those who dare to do things differently. You are guaranteed quirk, and here in Bicheno, there is no shortage of it. Bicheno Beams is a free winter light and sound experience, running during the Off Season from Saturday 27 June 2026 – Saturday 25 July 2026. Taste whisky from the counter of an old fish and chip shop? Tick. Explore a uniquely Australian perfumery, with scents distilled from the local flora? Tick. Gather up a few memories amongst the mementos? Tick and tick. Vintage stores to rummage through? Tick. The quirkiest find, however, has got to be “Rainy Day": an intriguing union of ice-cream parlour, puzzle shop and laundromat.
Come for the views, stay for the brunching, wine bars, beach dips, penguins, perfume…
How we chose the winners
Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit were selected by a voting panel of much-loved Australians, industry experts and category authorities from across the country. The expert panel consisting of 15 travel experts, including the likes of Accor’s Adrian Williams, Ernie Dingo and Catriona Rowntree. Bicheno was voted ‘Best Emerging Town’ and came first overall in ‘Best 100 towns’ in Australia.
Here is the shortlist of what to know about Bicheno
Meet the Tasmanian Devils at East Coast Natureworld. (Credit: Tourism Tasmania)
Bicheno is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Hobart, or a two-hour drive from Launceston
The town is seasonal, with summer holiday makers through until Easter school holidays. Winter is just as picturesque, and has plenty of sunshine-drenched days to enjoy without the additional crowds.
Sea Stacks Bicheno are due to open for bookings in June 2026, while the Denison Sea Stacks are a ten-minute drive from the heart of the town.
Bicheno Penguin Tours run year-round and offer an up-close experience with the world’s smallest penguins. East Coast Nature World also provide encounters with Tassie fauna, including the very cool Devils After Dark experience.
There are plenty of options for eating out. Try Peggy’s, Little Bay Collective, or Governors Bicheno for daytime dining from breakfast through to lunch, fresh seafood with a view at The Lobster Shack (the lobster roll is iconic), or step dinner-time up a notch at French bistro, Le Coq.
Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.
In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.
Where to stay
Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.
Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.
For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart. Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline, and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique from your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).
For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles. Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.
1. Bruny Island
Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Credit: Elise Weaver)
Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.
Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.
Catch a rare glimpse of the white-furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked. Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.
2. Mount Wellington
Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Credit: Samuel Shelley)
At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.
Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes, which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).
For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.
2. Port Arthur
Wander through convict-built grounds and gardens. (Credit: Alastair Bett)
Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.
The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.
Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.
3. Launceston
Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Credit: Nick H Visuals)
You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.
Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo, for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.
4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.
Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.
5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley
Trace the river through history and wine country. (Credit: Alastair Bett)
Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol, said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.
Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.
