Bicheno - East Coast, Tasmania.

Bicheno on Tasmania's East Coast is known for its quiet lifestyle and outdoor activities, lying just north of the Freycinet Peninsula on the Tasman Highway 185 kilometres North East of Hobart.

Bicheno has a population of around 700 people and is a popular destination for fishing holidays offering surf, rock, deep sea and estuary fishing.

From the early 1800's the local area was a busy whaling centre. The first permanent settlement was established at Apslawn some 16 kilometres south of the present day township, during the 1830's four whaling stations operated in the area.

Bicheno was at various times known as 'The Fisheries' or 'Waubs Boat Harbour' named after a local Aboriginal woman, Waubedebar who saved two men when their boat was wrecked offshore. On her death in 1832 she was buried in the town at the back of the present day Lions Park, a headstone was erected in 1855 by local settlers in her memory.

The town was re-named Bicheno after James Ebenezer Bicheno and expanded with the discovery of coal in the Denison River. However, not long after many of the miners left and joined the Victorian gold rush. The town’s population declined and it was not until the 1940s that Bicheno began to transform into the popular holiday destination that is today.

Things to see around - Bicheno

Bicheno has many local attractions to choose from: A popular seaside resort and commercial fishing port you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area from 'Whalers Lookout' a prominent hill that was used by whalers watching for passing whales.

This lookout has become a viewing area for locals and tourists, it is an easy walk on a well defined path, the two lookouts, one facing north and one facing south give a panoramoc view of the area.

Douglas Apsley National Park - Douglas-Apsley National Park can be reached either by taking the Rosedale Road off the Tasman Highway about 3km north of Bicheno or by turning west off the Tasman Highway about 24km north of Bicheno- take the gravel, forestry 'E' Road for 4.5 kilometres to a sign posted junction, taking the left fork, continue just over 1 kilometre on the E4 road, take the right fork and travel 500m to the carpark.

Website: www.parks.tas.gov.au

East Coast Natureworld - East Coast Natureworld brings the wilderness to you. Set amongst 150 acres of natural parkland and lagoons, is the perfect place to experience Tasmania’s unique and amazing animals, birds, reptiles and plant life.

Telephone: 03 6375 1311 Location: Tasman Highway, Bicheno, Tasmania.

Website: www.natureworld.com.au

The Bicheno Aquarium - Bicheno Aquarium displays many specimens of seahorses, sharks, jellyfish, fish, invertebrates and cool temperate marine species from these expansive waters.

We are open for viewing through the summer months and have become known as a real "value for money" attraction with plenty to see in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Things change in the shed as different species come and go but we always try to  have the most popular and interesting things to show you.

Telephone: 0418 300 620 Location: The Gulch, Bicheno, Tasmania.

Website: www.bichenoaquarium.com.au

Apsley Gorge Vineyard - is situated on the pristine east coast of Tasmania, known for it's supreme Pinot Noir and classic Chardonnay. Award winning wines known world wide as among Australia's best.

The Apsley Gorge Vineyard cellar door outlet combines the two passions of Brian Franklin and Marie Hugo, namely wine and seafood. Brian spent years diving for abalone and fishing for crayfish but now concentrates on making fine chardonnay and pint noir in the Burgundian style.

Telephone: 03 6375 1221 Location: Rosedale Road, Bicheno, Tasmania.

Website: www.apsleygorgevineyard.com.au

Bicheno Motorcycle Museum & Restoration - The Bicheno Motorcycle Museum is a must see for all motorbike enthusiests, with up to 50 vintage motorcycles on display a range of vintage spare parts and tyres for sale and a range of motorcycle clothing, accessories and spare parts.

Telephone: 03 6375 1485 or 0419 883 736 Location: Burgess Street, Bicheno, Tasmania.

Find out more: visit our 'Tassie Local' listing now.

The Glass Bottom Boat - View local sea life on board Tasmanian’s only Glass Bottom Boat.

Operates daily from the Gulch - Tour duration approx. 40 min, Warm clothing essential.

For tour information / bookings, visit their office at the wharf or call Maitreya

Telephone: 03 6375 1294 or 0407 812 217 Location: The Gulch, Bicheno, Tasmania.

The weather on Tasmania’s East Coast is typically settled and warm, with an average maximum temperature of 22.5 degrees Celsius (72.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer and 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-75 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter.