Honeymoon Bay

Sheltered granite cove for picnics, swims, snorkeling and sunsets

InsideFreycinet National Park

Overview

Honeymoon Bay is the classic Freycinet postcard in miniature—a small, sheltered granite cove with glassy turquoise water and the Hazards rising pink behind it. It’s the kind of spot where you spread a picnic, scramble a few rocks, and end up staying longer than planned.

What to Do

Swim or wade on calm days, then poke around the rock pools.
Snorkel the edges when the wind is down; the water is cold year‑round, so plan accordingly.
Launch a kayak or paddleboard for a gentle explore of the cove.
Cast a line from the rocks, or simply settle in for sunset and, on clear nights, excellent stargazing.

Short rock scrambles link to nearby coves—fun, but there are occasional steep drops, so keep an eye on kids.

Facilities

Day‑use gear is dialed: electric barbecues, picnic tables and toilets right by the bay. There’s a tap at Honeymoon Bay, but it’s non‑treated; overall drinking water in the park is limited, so refill bottles at the Visitor Centre’s filtered/chilled station. Nearby Ranger Creek has additional BBQs, picnic tables and a cold‑water shower block.

Wildlife

Expect the usual Freycinet cast: Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons and echidnas around the bushy fringes. Out on Great Oyster Bay you may spot dolphins or Australian fur seals, and humpback whales pass offshore in winter. Sea‑eagles and gannets are regular aerial company.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon is magic for golden light on the Hazards; summer mornings are typically calmest for swimming and paddling. Weekdays and the shoulder seasons are quieter, while midday tends to be the busiest. Most people spend up to 30 minutes here, but sunset lingers often stretch longer. The bay is effectively open all hours.

Camping Nearby

The park’s “Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek” camping area includes a handful of tent‑only sites on the granite knoll above the bay, open during summer holidays and Easter. Peak‑season sites are allocated by ballot; outside those dates, book via the Visitor Centre. Fees and rules change—confirm details before you go.

Need to Know

A valid Parks Pass is required. Drones aren’t permitted in Tasmanian national parks, and you must pack out all rubbish. This is a fuel‑stove‑only area; on Total Fire Ban days, no naked flames—electric BBQs remain available. Drive slowly after dark; wildlife is frequently on the road.

Pros

Sheltered granite cove with clear, teal water
Handy day‑use area with electric BBQs, picnic tables and toilets
Lovely for sunset colors and clear‑night stargazing

Cons

Gets busy at sunset and in peak season
Drinking water is scarce and the tap here is non‑treated

Tips

Aim for late afternoon light; summer mornings are usually calmest for swims.
Bring plenty of drinking water—refill at the Visitor Centre; the bay tap isn’t treated.
Pack a mask and reef shoes for rock‑pool snorkeling on calm, low‑wind days.
For a picnic table in peak season, come on a weekday morning or well before sunset.
No drones, and on Total Fire Ban days use the electric BBQs only.