Dear Guest,
We wish you a warm welcome to Swansea Beach Chalets and trust you will enjoy your stay. Our aim is to provide you with private and comfortable accommodation on our absolute beach frontage with stunning views of the Freycinet Peninsular.
Please take your time to read through this compendium. Hopefully it will answer any questions you have and also help to plan your stay here in Swansea and discover Tasmania’s stunning East Coast.
There are many wonderful places to see and activities to enjoy during your stay in Swansea. The sandy beach is perfect for swimming and water sports or take a five minute walk into the centre of Swansea town to explore it’s rich heritage.
As managers, we are privileged to have you as our guest and once again welcome you to Swansea Beach Chalets. Please feel free to contact us or any team member should you require assistance with any particular need during your stay.
Thank you for choosing Swansea Beach Chalets. Enjoy our hospitality and you Freycinet coast experience, we look forward to welcoming you back to Swansea Beach Chalets in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Lisa & Peter
ATM’s
Bendigo Bank ATM – Franklin Street Swansea (near the corner store)
BBQ
We have 2 communal BBQ’s on site for your convenience.
BEACH / POOL TOWELS
Complimentary from reception.
BIKES and SCOOTERS
Please be mindful that the driveway is used by vehicles and pedestrians. Bikes and scooters must not be ridden near the property carport.
CHECK-OUT
Check-out is at 10.00am Please vacate your chalet by this time as it will assist our housekeeping team to prepare chalets for our new guest arrivals. Should you wish to check-out prior to reception opening at 8.30am, please leave your key in the drop box outside of reception when leaving.
CHEMIST
Swansea Pharmacy – 28 Franklin Street Swansea.
CREDIT FACILITIES
We accept Visa and Mastercard. EFTPOS is available for account settlement only.
DISTANCES FROM SWANSEA
Hobart – 2 Hours
Launceston – 1.5 Hours
Cloes Bay (Freycinet Peninsular) – 60 minutes
Bicheno – 45 minutes
St Helens – 2 hours
Devenport – 3.5 Hours
DOCTORS/HOSPITALS
Ambulance 000 Doctor 03 6257 8205 Hospital 03 6257 8114
DEFIBRILLATOR
Located outside the office.
DRINKING WATER
Our tap water is safe for drinking.
ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY
240 volt power points are located in your room. Please contact us at reception if you require an adaptor. Power points beside your beds are located under the bedside cube
EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS
0474 893 643
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Fire, Ambulance or Police please call 000
FAULTS
Your room has been carefully serviced and prepared in readiness for your arrival. Occasionally an item can be overlooked, or a fault can develop. If you experience a service fault or have a maintenance request, please contact us at reception.
FIRE PITS
Are located on the lower level of the property just above the beach. They are complimentary and we hope you enjoy a Tassie experience.
FIRE
In the event of a fire, please notify reception immediately, no matter what time of the day or night. In the event of a bush fire, we will be notified immediately by the local authorities if evacuation is necessary. We will contact you immediately to advise of evacuation and request that you take only any necessary medications, valuables and a blanket or warm clothing. Please follow instructions of management.
FIRST AID
For minor first aid, please contact us at reception. In the event of a medical emergency please dial 000
HEATING/COOLING
Your chalet is fitted with a split cycle air conditioner for your comfort. To switch between heating and cooling, just go to the MODE button and choose either a sun icon for heat or the icicle icon for cooling. Arrow up and down to adjust temperature.
HOUSEKEEPING
In response to guest request for privacy, your chalet will be serviced every third day. If you would like to change these arrangements or simply need some new towels etc, please contact us at reception. Please note: If you would like your bed made up, please make sure the bed is clear of your belongings, as our housekeepers will not remove personal items off the bed.
INTERNET
Internet access is available by a WiFi hotspot. If your device is wireless enabled you will be able to access the internet from anywhere on the property. Please choose the Swansea Beach Chalet hotspot Your password is: freycinet
KITCHEN
If you have cooked up a storm, we would appreciate your assistance if you could rinse your dishes and leave them on the sink.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Coin operated machines are located in the chalet complex. You will find the location marked on the map in your compendium. The laundry is open 24 hours. The cost is $4.00 per load and you they take $2.00 coins. Washing powder and change is available from reception.
LOST & FOUND
Any items left in your chalet can be returned COD, upon request. Any goods not claimed within a month are donated to charity.
PARKING
Only one car space is provided per chalet. We do have overflow spaces available for extra cars and boats. Please ask at reception.
PETS
Pets are not permitted.
PLAYGROUND
A small playground is located on the property.
RECEPTION
Reception is open daily from 8.30am to 5.00pm We don’t have a 24 hour reception. For emergencies only or maintenance issues that can’t wait until morning please call this number 0475 843 605
RESTAURANTS
One of the best options for breakfast in Swansea is Cake & Honey, a cute café on Franklin Street that offers pastries, coffee and classic bites. Open Thursday to Sunday.
Another great choice is Artifakt, which is open until mid-afternoon offering breakfast and lunch dishes as well as coffee, cakes, and wines. Artifakt is co-located with an art gallery showcasing work by local artists, so make sure you leave some time to browse. Closed Sunday and public holidays.
Most visitors to the East Coast choose to get out and about during the day, exploring what’s on offer, and packing a picnic lunch to have at the beach or on a bushwalk. However, there are plenty of excellent lunch venues if you’d like to let someone else do the hard work.
Many of the vineyards and wineries near Swansea offer lunches and tasting platters:
Spring Vale, Milton and Devil’s Corner have permanent restaurants onsite, while Mayfield Estate often has visiting food vans and platters. Keep an eye on their social media for details.
Saltshaker Restaurant is easy to find in the centre of Swansea, and has a wide selection of pizzas, seafood and kid-friendly dishes – with a wonderful view from every table.
Melshell Oysters is a short drive north of Swansea: their wonderful shack is a fully licensed venue serving up not just fresh oysters but a wide variety of local seafood that is cooked simply and absolutely delicious.
If you’re travelling as a family, it’s hard to beat a visit to Kate’s Berry Farm, just south of Swansea. Delighting visitors with a wide array of berry-inspired treats, the menu includes waffles with berry compote, scones with rich berry jam, fabulous fruit pies, and some of the best ice cream you’ll find in Tasmania. It’s all best enjoyed at a table on the wisteria-covered deck overlooking the Hazards and Freycinet Peninsula.
You’ll be equally spoiled for choice when it comes to dinner options in Swansea – there’s something nearby to suit every taste and budget.
If you’re looking for a welcoming, casual place, try the Swansea RSL or The Bark Mill Tavern, which is just a few minutes walk from Swansea Beach Chalets. Alternatively, pick up some fresh seafood at The Horny Cray Takeaway and enjoy it sitting on your deck back at the chalets.
The Branch on Maria Street is a wine and cocktail bar in a converted bank that was originally built in the 1920s. They showcase local produce with a Tasmanian tapas menu that includes oysters, salmon, scallops and charcuterie.
For a more substantial dinner that’s still uniquely Tasmania, book a table at The Waterloo. Housed in a traditional retro-style motel, the hugely popular restaurant serves up an inventive menu that changes daily but always celebrates seasonal, local produce.
For a special occasion, consider treating yourself to dinner at the Homestead Restaurant at Piermont Retreat, around 3km south of Swansea. The award-winning chef collaborates with local organic farmers and winemakers to present an inspiring menu in a stylish, elegant setting.
Restaurant Menu Links
https://barkmilltavern.com.au/bar-restaurant/
https://www.saltshakerrestaurant.com.au/menus
https://www.swansearsltas.com.au/swansearsl/index.php?id=home
https://www.miltonvineyard.com.au/restaurant/
https://www.thebranchswansea.com.au/menu/
https://www.waterlooswansea.com/food
https://www.mayfieldestatetas.com.au/
SERVICE STATIONS
Caltex Swansea 6 Franklin Street, Swansea United Swansea 36 Franklin Street, Swansea
SMOKING
Please note that ALL our chalets are strictly NON-SMOKING. Please feel free to smoke on your balcony using the ashtray provided. Please don’t place butts in the inside bins, please use the large bins outside your chalet. Please keep your chalet door closed when smoking as smoke can enter the chalet for which we may need to charge an additional cleaning fee.
SPEED – SLOW DOWN
The maximum speed around the property is 8km
SUPERMARKET
Morris General Store – 8 Franklin Street, Swansea Open from 8am to 5.30pm Corner IGA – 13 Franklin Street, Swansea Open from 7.00am to 6.00pm
SWIMMING POOL
We have an outdoor solar heated swimming pool located on site for your enjoyment. Opening hours are from 10.00 am until 6.00 pm November through to April. Children under the age of 12 years old must be supervised by an adult.
Swansea Town – A Brief History
The beautiful historic township of Swansea sits on Great Oyster Bay and gazes across at the rugged mountains of the Freycinet National Park. It is a pretty setting and boasts a very substantial number of historic homes and buildings which give this fishing and holiday destination a distinctive charm.
The first European to explore the Swansea area was Captain John Henry Cox sailing from England to Sydney. He took his ship, the Mercury, up the Eastern Coast of Tasmania. On the 3rd of July 1789, having heard of vast colonies of seals in the area, he sailed along the western shore of Maria Island and into a stretch of water he named Oyster Bay.
Swansea was not settled until 1821 when George Meredith, his family and workers arrived from Pembrokeshire, Wales. Meredith obtained a grant from Lieutenant Governor William Sorell to farm in the area around Oyster Bay. The land was developed and made suitable for seasonal crops and grazing stock and a tannery and flour mill were established by the Meredith River.
Whaling stations were also set up on nearby islands to enable the export of whale oil. Swansea was originally called Great Swanport and Meredith built the family home, Cambria, which is now in private hands. There are other important buildings in the town including Morris’ General Store which has been owned and run by the Morris family for over 100 years.
The Swansea Bark Mill which processed black wattle bark was used in colonial times in the tanning industry and is now a combined museum, tavern and bakery. Schouten House is a fine early Victorian colonial house built in 1844. Swansea is the southern gateway to the Freycinet National Park and is surrounded by orchards, vineyards and sheep-grazing properties.
Swansea attractions
With its laid-back ambience, historic town centre and breathtaking Freycinet views, Swansea is a perfect retreat for visitors seeking a coastal getaway.
There are plenty of wineries, National Parks and seafood shacks within easy driving distance of this seaside town. But there are also plenty of attractions and activities in Swansea itself for the days when you don’t fancy getting behind the wheel.
Beaches in Swansea
Swansea Beach Chalets has direct beach access to beautiful Jubilee Beach, which is lovely and sheltered for walking, swimming, and snorkelling. When the tide allows, you can walk the length of the foreshore past Swansea Jetty and around Waterloo Point onto Schouten Beach. There are public toilets, a barbecue area and a playground along the way if you’re travelling with kids.
Part of this walk, from Waterloo Beach to Schouten Beach, overlaps with the loontitetermairrelehoiner circuit walk, named after the local band of Aboriginal people. The track passes through a shearwater breeding area, and the birds can be seen at dusk in the summer months, returning to their burrows.
Spiky Bridge and Spiky Beach
A few minutes’ drive south of Swansea, you’ll discover Spiky Bridge, built by convicts in 1843 without any mortar or cement – hence the upright stones and the spiky looking appearance. On the opposite side of the Tasman Highway, you’ll find the turnoff to Spiky Beach, a delightful little beach known for its rockpools and a perfect spot for some quiet contemplation.
Nine Mile Beach
At just 100 metres in length, Spiky Beach isn’t ideal for long walks. For that, you need to head just north of Swansea to Nine Mile Beach, where you’ve got 13 kilometres of sand to play with. This pristine, dog-friendly beach is usually very quiet, and with the western end bordering Swansea, it’s easy to access. At the eastern end of the beach, accessed from Dolphin Sands Road, you’ll find Bagot Point where the Swan River opens into bay. The views from here across to the Hazards, especially in late afternoon, are breathtaking.
Swansea Cycle Tours
If you’d like to explore the East Coast on two wheels, there’s bike hire available in Swansea. But an even better option is to book an experience with Swansea Cycle Tours. Catering for 2-8 people, with a support vehicle to carry backpacks and jackets, you can pick from a vineyard tour that takes in three vineyards over the course of a day; an oyster farm tour; or a self-directed tour where you get all the support but set your own itinerary.
Tasman Sea Salt tour
The Tasman Sea Salt Sommelier offers fascinating tours of their innovative clean energy saltworks at Little Swanport. Learn about the company’s unique production process, discover more about the importance of sea salt for our bodies and for flavouring, and sample some delicious small bites of local produce – all perfectly seasoned, of course.
East Coast National Parks
Located right in the heart of Tasmania’s East Coast, Swansea is ideally positioned for visitors who are keen to explore some of our wonderful National Parks.
There are three National Parks within easy reach of Swansea Beach Chalets: Freycinet, which is a 50-minute drive; Douglas Apsley, which is just over an hour away; and Maria Island, which is a 40-minute drive followed by a 45-minute ferry crossing. Each park has distinctive features and a character all of its own – it’s hard to choose a favourite but we know you’ll have fun trying!
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is the best known of Tasmania’s East Coast National Parks. Renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and the iconic granite mountain range known as The Hazards, Freycinet is a must-visit destination for bushwalkers, beach lovers, and adventurers alike.
Enjoy a quiet picnic at the foot of the Hazards in beautiful Honeymoon Bay, hike up to capture a photo of the world-famous Wineglass Bay, or take a short, accessible walk that ends with panoramic coastal views at Cape Tourville Lighthouse. If you’re not a keen walker, you can explore Freycinet on water, with a range of kayak tours and cruises available; on an off-road experience; or even from the air.
There’s an interpretation centre at Coles Bay run by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife where you can pick up a Parks Pass, chat to the park rangers, and seek guidance on the walks that are the best fit for your interests, experience and ability.
Douglas Apsley National Park
Douglas Apsley National Park is a short drive north of Swansea. It’s an understated park, often overlooked in travel guides, but a real local favourite – especially in summer, when the waterholes and rivers offer a refreshing way to cool off.
There are a range of walks in the park, from easy 15-minute loops to 5-hour circuits and multi-day hikes that are best left to experienced bushwalkers.
The forests and heathlands are home to a dazzling array of orchids, wildflowers, and native trees, and this diverse landscape supports a large population of birds, making it a popular spot with birdwatchers. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles, spotted pardalote and even swift parrots on their annual migration.
Maria Island National Park
Finally, there is Maria Island National Park which is reached by a short ferry trip from Triabunna, south of Swansea.
There are no cars on Maria Island – you can explore on foot or by bike. Whichever you opt for, be prepared for plenty of wildlife encounters – there are wombats, wallabies, Cape Barren Geese, and even Tasmanian Devils that have been released there as part of conservation efforts.
Maria Island boasts a rich, ancient cultural heritage, with Tasmanian Aboriginal people visiting and living on the island as far back as 35,000 years ago. In the colonial era, it became a penal settlement for convicts, and many remnants of this period remain. Most visitors to the island begin their exploration with some time at the old Commissariat Store in Darlington, which houses displays and information about the island’s history.
Other highlights that you should make sure to leave time for include the Painted Cliffs, where wave action and water have left incredible natural patterns in the sandstone cliffs; the challenging Bishop and Clark walk, which is 5-hours return; and Fossil Cliffs, where you can see the remains of clams, corals and scallops from 300 million years ago.
All Tasmanian National Parks require visitors to have a Parks Pass. Visit parks.tas.gov.au to organise this in advance.
East Coast Wineries
Tasmania has become renowned in recent years for its exceptional cool climate wines, and the East Coast is one of the state’s premier wine regions. Varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling have won countless accolades at national and international competitions.
Swansea Beach Chalets is perfectly located for guests looking to enjoy tastings and wine sales at some of the wonderful wineries along the East Coast Wine Trail.
Each winery on the East Coast has something unique to offer. It could be the last few bottles of a particularly good vintage, an architecturally designed cellar door with incredible views, a lunch menu that’s bursting with delicious local produce… or perhaps just a cracking yarn from the family who run it.
It’s such a special experience to sip a glass of wine in the place where it was made, so we hope you’ll take the time to pop in to a few of our favourites.
Two exceptional vineyards that you’ll find very close to Swansea are Milton Vineyard and Kelvedon Estate. Kelvedon is a family owned and operated vineyard and Merino Farm. They have a spectacular outlook over the water, but are only open to visitors by appointment only, so please make sure you get in touch before your visit. Milton Vineyard is a more accessible option that has a cellar door open daily for wine sales, and a lovely restaurant overlooking their lake and vines.
If you drive south from Swansea on the East Coast Wine Trail, you’ll reach Mayfield Estate at Mayfield Beach, shortly followed by Boomer Creek Vineyard. Half an hour further down the road at Orford, you’ll then reach Darlington Vineyard – the southernmost stop on the trail.
Mayfield produce boutique, small batch wines including Pinot Gris, Rose, Pinot Noir and Sparkling. Their family-run cellar door overlooking Great Oyster Bay is open Friday-Monday, and advance bookings are recommended. Boomer Creek is another spot with an incredible view. Enjoy a tasting platter and a glass of their award-winning wine as you look out over Schouten Island and the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula.
North of Swansea, before you reach the turnoff to the Freycinet Peninsula, you’ll find a convenient cluster of some of the East Coast’s very best vineyards. They each have a distinct identity and are all worth a visit.
A trio of wineries awaits you in the vicinity of Cranbrook. Among them is Craigie Knowe, the oldest vineyard on the East Coast that offers a unique wine and chocolate menu in addition to the more traditional wine and cheese pairing. Spring Vale is another family-owned winery and vineyard, welcoming visitors to enjoy cellar door tastings in their original, convict-built stable from the 1840s. And Gala Estate, acclaimed for their fruit-driven wines, offer tastings at their Halliday 5 Star Winery. Booking ahead is recommended.
A short drive further north at Apslawn, the iconic Devil’s Corner boasts some of the prettiest views on the East Coast from its position above Moulting Lagoon. Enjoy the contemporary feel of their architecture-designed lookout, relax on the deck with a woodfired pizza from onsite restaurant Tombolo, or indulge in some fresh local oysters from Fishers of Freycinet. Oh, and the wine isn’t bad either…
Mere moments from Devil’s Corner, on the opposite side of the Tasman Highway, is the Freycinet Vineyard Cellar Door. They’re open daily for tastings, and in addition to the excellent wine selection you can pick up a bottle of their olive oil, also grown and produced onsite.
If you’re only staying a night or two in Swansea and don’t have time to visit as many individual vineyards as you’d like, our top tip would be to visit the Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre at Bicheno instead. The knowledgeable owners have up to a dozen East Coast wines available for tasting at any time, including a few from wine producers who don’t have their own cellar door. It’s an ideal way to see what’s on offer, and choose one or two special bottles to bring home with you.
Freycinet Attractions
The picture-perfect Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s East Coast draws visitors from all over the world. Some are attracted by the prospect of a relaxing beach holiday, while others are keen to take advantage of the outdoor activities that are on offer.
Whether you’re here in Tasmania for the spectacular coastal scenery, the native flora and fauna, or an adrenaline-filled adventure, we’ll be happy to help you plan your itinerary. Here are a few ideas for Freycinet attractions to help you get started.
Friendly Beaches
Many visitors to Freycinet are so keen to reach Coles Bay that they rush straight down the Freycinet Peninsula and miss out on a real highlight: Friendly Beaches.
The turnoff to Friendly Beaches is on Coles Bay Road, around 9km after you leave the Tasman Highway. At the end of a 10-metre walking track, you’ll find one of the longest, quietest, most beautiful stretches of beach in Tasmania. Give your toes a good wiggle in the sand and let that fresh sea breeze carry away all your concerns – now you’re really running on Tassie time.
Freycinet Marine Farm
Enjoy some of Tasmania’s best and freshest seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm – conveniently located on Coles Bay Road as you drive down the Freycinet Peninsula.
You can sit on the deck and tuck into some oysters and sparkling, or delve a little deeper with a land and sea-based tour of the farm. They also offer mussels, salmon, octopus, lobster and scallops (seasonally available) which you can enjoy onsite or take home for later.
Coles Bay
An enormously popular holiday spot, Coles Bay is the main settlement on the Freycinet Peninsula, situated at the base of the Hazards.
This is where you’ll find the National Park Visitor Centre, along with a sheltered family friendly beach, a range of tours and walking trails, and several small shops and restaurants. If you’re travelling with kids, pay a visit to The Ice Creamery, where you’ll find 24 flavours of Tasmanian-made ice cream. Will you play it safe with vanilla, or dare to try lavender, bubble-gum or mango?
Out on the water
Depending how energetic you’re feeling, there are a few different options for exploring the Freycinet Coast from the water.
If you’re keen to sit back, relax, and let someone else to do all the hard work, book your place on a Wineglass Bay Tour. It’s an award-winning 4.5-hour cruise on a 150-seat Catamaran, with expert commentary, lunch provided, and a good chance of wildlife sightings.
For something a bit more adventurous, Freycinet Adventures offer award-winning guided sea kayak tours. These are family friendly and suitable for all levels of experience.
Alternatively, you can explore the sparkling waters and spectacular coastline at your own pace with Freycinet Paddle Boards. Half day and full day hire is available, and snorkel kits can also be included.
Bicheno Activities
The laid-back beach resort of Bicheno is an easy 35-minute drive up the East Coast from Swansea. A popular destination for surfers and divers, Bicheno is also a working fishing port and a great option for a daytrip – especially if you’re looking for family friendly activities.
East Coast Natureworld
Visitors looking to get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s magnificent native wildlife should head to East Coast Natureworld. With 150 acres of bushland and lagoons to explore, you can expect to see a combination of wild and rehabilitated wildlife, including echidnas, wombats and wallabies. There are also wildlife talks, photography exhibitions, and wildlife encounters, including a unique Devils in the Dark tour at night.
Bicheno Penguin Tours
Another one for wildlife lovers! With a focus on conservation and environmental sustainability, Bicheno Penguin Tours depart at dusk and take around an hour. Enjoy learning from a knowledgeable local guide as you watch native fairy penguins in their natural habitat.
Glass Bottom Boat
Experience the wonderful underwater sights of the coastline around Bicheno with Tasmania’s only Glass Bottom Boat tour. Learn about the local marine life from an experienced guide, and keep your eyes peeled for sea stars, jellyfish, rays, sharks and more.
Bicheno Blowhole
Bring your waterproofs in winter, or your bathers in summer. No visit to Bicheno is complete without a visit to the Blowhole – a spectacular natural feature where water erupts out of a hole in the top of a sea cave.
Waubs Harbour Whisky Tour
Waubs Harbour Distillery is set in an old oyster hatchery on the rocks in Bicheno, with spectacular views out across the water. They’ve created a wonderful Tasmanian single malt whisky, and offer guided tastings and distillery tours by appointment only.
Lobster Shack
As you’d expect from a fishing port, the seafood in Bicheno is second to none. Some of the best can be found at The Lobster Shack, a characterful farm-gate style eatery overlooking The Gulch. They offer eat-in and takeaway, with some dishes available year-round and others seasonally. The fish and chips and the seafood chowder are both excellent… but it’s hard to go past the lobster roll. Succulent fresh lobster, crisp lettuce, and home-made sauce served on a lightly toasted milk bun. Yum.
