Bed & breakfast accommodation • Swansea • Tasmania

Swansea - heart of Tasmania's East Coast and gateway to Freycinet

Swansea makes a good base for touring, being under two hours' drive from Hobart, Launceston or Port Arthur, and the beautiful Freycinet Peninsula is less than an hour away. There are so many things to see and do on this part of the coast that many of our overnight guests state that one night was just not enough!
Heritage Walk & Heritage Centre Leave the car behind and take a walk around town to admire the fine examples of colonial architecture; pick up a copy of the Heritage Walk booklet available locally as a guide to the many Georgian buildings and fascinating history of our town. You may want to combine this with a visit to the Heritage centre to learn about the early east coasters, aboriginal inhabitants, French exploration and colonial settlement.
Waterloo Point Make time to take the scenic walk around the Loontitetermairrelehoiner track, or to give it its English name, Waterloo Point. This was the site of the first settlement and military garrison in Swansea and offers spectacular views across the bay to The Hazards, Schouten Island and Freycinet Peninsula.
Kate's Berry Farm Kate's Berry Farm is proving increasingly popular with visitors and locals alike. Centred on a strawberry farm with magnificent views of Great Oyster Bay to Freycinet, it sells outstanding berries, jams, and Devonshire teas, home made cakes, great coffee and ice cream. Kate’s latest innovation is handmade chocolates incorporating the finest local ingredients.
Beaches galore South of Swansea are some of the most beautiful coves and beaches found anywhere in the world, and the best bit? they’re all deserted; Kelvedon, Cressy and Spikey Beaches have easy access off the main highway and parking is available. Just north of town is Dolphin Sands and Nine Mile Beach, an uninterrupted vista of white sand, azure waters and fresh air.
Food Swansea has an eclectic and exciting mix of cafes and restaurants, most within easy walking distance of Meredith House. From fine dining at Piermont restaurant, to café style at Artifakt. The RSL has a great bistro serving delicious home-cooked food; or try The Bark Mill Tavern for a great menu including wood-fired pizza. Sample the freshest of seafood at Oyster Bay Seafood or drive out to Melshell Oysters to get them freshly shucked straight from the producers at their Farm Gate facility.
Wine A day spent enjoying the rugged beauty of Freycinet can be combined with a visit to one (or more) of the award-winning local vineyards. Tasmania is acclaimed for its cool climate wines, with the east coast recognised as a premium growing area for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay varieties. Spring Vale, Gala and Milton cellar doors & eateries are a 15 minute drive from Swansea, Freycinet Vineyard is another 15 kilometres north. Just before the Coles Bay turnoff you will find Devils Corner Vineyard, newly opened facilities include seafood from Freycinet Marine Farm, Wood fired dishes from Tombolo and tastings from Devils Corner, all housed in state-of-the-art facilities with stunning views across Moulting Lagoon & Great Oyster Bay. Going south you may want to stop at Darlington Vineyard at Orford.
Swansea Bark Mill Swansea Bark Mill complex, incorporates the Tavern, Bakery and Bark Mill Museum. This unique, restored working display and pioneer exhibition is a State and National award winner. The Tavern serves beers, wines, spirits, and delicious food, including wood-fired oven pizzas. There is also an on-site bakery serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, bread and confectionery.