Bicheno is on Tasmania’s east coast along the Great Eastern Drive. Experiences include the 3-kilometre Bicheno Foreshore Trail, views across the sea and town, and guided wildlife encounters. When planning, it’s worth keeping the different conditions in mind: the boat trip is seasonal and weather-dependent, while the walking route to Diamond Island depends on low tide.
Walk between the shore, viewpoints and local history
The easily accessible Bicheno Foreshore Trail is 3 kilometres long and runs between Rice Pebble Beach, the Bicheno Blowhole and Waubs Bay. Coastal conditions can affect the trail. At Whalers Lookout Scenic Reserve, two safe viewing platforms offer different directions: one faces east towards the sea and over the Gulch, while the other looks across the town and western beaches. Along the coast, you can choose between a trail linking named stops and two clearly distinct viewpoints.
The Bicheno History Trail leads through Bicheno with information boards that trace the settlement’s origins as a sealing and whaling port. It adds the town’s history to the coastal scenery. If you’d like to learn about Bicheno’s development on a walk, this offers a different focus from the lookout or Foreshore Trail.
Marine life and routes to Diamond Island
Just off the coast of Bicheno is the Governor Island Marine Reserve, a temperate diving area. Its underwater landscapes include kelp-covered reefs, sponge gardens and a diverse marine world. The reserve has more than 35 dive sites. Check conditions and access with the operator before diving.
Nearby, Diamond Island Nature Reserve is a small rocky island where coastal birds and penguins live. At low tide, a sandbar makes it possible to walk from Bicheno’s shore to the island. Check the tides before visiting: unlike the Foreshore Trail, this route depends on the water level.
Guided wildlife encounters and evening activities
Bicheno Penguin Tours takes visitors by a short bus transfer to a private penguin breeding colony, where they can enjoy a guided encounter with little penguins. The operator’s FAQ, dated 9 September 2026, lists the starting point as 1/70 Burgess Street in central Bicheno, opposite the IGA. Departure arrangements may change; check the meeting point before your tour.
East Coast Natureworld is in Bicheno, amid 150 acres of natural coastal bushland and lagoons. The operator offers “Devils in the Dark,” an evening Tasmanian devil experience with wine and cheese. Availability and format may change. The experience combines an evening visit with a focus on Tasmanian devils.
Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat operates from Bicheno from September to April, subject to weather. The trip offers views of local wildlife and lush, rarely seen plant life, with knowledgeable commentary. At the East Coast Whale Trail site on Douglas Street, information boards and sweeping sea views offer the chance to look out for whales.
Bicheno Beams is another evening activity: the event projects laser beams and colours into the night sky over the sea, accompanied by music, for about 30 minutes each evening. It takes place at Lions Park on Bicheno’s foreshore; programme details may change between seasons.
Conditions for activities vary considerably when planning a trip: the Glass Bottom Boat trip is seasonal, running from September to April, and weather-dependent; the walk to Diamond Island depends on low tide. Coastal conditions can also affect the Foreshore Trail. If you choose Bicheno as your base, it’s best to check these factors against your planned dates before combining activities.
Discover more destinations: Currie, Coningham, Port Sorell, Wynyard, Tea Tree, Falmouth, St Marys, George Town
For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.
