As an Aussie who travels regularly to SE Asia, I am always shocked by just how expensive it is to travel in my home country. Freycinet Tasmania has long been on my bucket list, but the cost has always held me back. I just couldn’t justify dropping $2k on a bed for the night, no matter how fabulous that bed was. I knew there had to be a way to see this magnificent part of the world without selling my first born and I was determined to find it. Bicheno Tasmania is a real gem. It’s about 18klms from the world famous Freycinet National Park and just as spectacular, but the prices are a world away. Read on for all the details …
The Freycinet Dream
For as long as I can remember I have fantasised about staying in Saffire Freycinet. The only problem is that it starts at $2,100 a night. With a two night minimum. And it’s NEVER on sale. Given my entire budget our 6 day Tasmanian road trip was $1000 we had a problem. If I did splurge on Saffire, we would have to forgo our upcoming trips to Bali in March and Vietnam in May, both of which had an allocated budget of $2k each. Once of the best ways to keeps the cost of travelling down is to book a bargain airfare. We paid just $55 each for our return Jetstar flights using all my tips on securing a cheap flight. It was a no-brainer in the end and Saffire was scratched.
Bicheno Tasmania: The More Affordable Freycinet
While there is a budget option in Coles Bay (the YHA Backackers), I no longer have a desire to bunk with randoms so I turned my mind to the nearby towns of Swansea and Bicheno in the hopes of securing a comfy bed for around a tenth of the cost of Saffire. The Best Western Beachfront At Bicheno ticked most of the boxes. We booked through Hotels.com and at $170 it was a lot friendlier on the hip pocket. We checked out of the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart where we spent the previous two nights and drove our bargain hire car from Airport Rentals the 2½ hours to Bicheno. The room was basic but functional and provided everything that we needed for our overnight stay. The Hubs even found time for a quick dip before we headed out but it was waaaaaaay to cold for my liking 🙂
Bicheno Tasmania is a quaint little town with not a lot happening but it is spectacularly beautiful. If you’re a beach lover, be sure you take a stroll along the pristine white sand. Time it right and you may catch a glimpse of a spectacular sunset.
Beachfront At Bicheno
According to TripAdvisor there are only 11 restaurants in Bicheno Tasmania according to Trip Advisor. We chose the onsite restaurant Beachfront At Bicheno which is rated number 4. I had a quick squiz at the menu shortly after check in when I popped into the bar to order a glass of wine to take away with a promise to bring the glass back when we returned for dinner. What can I say, road tripping is thirsty work and the bottles I had in the car were too warm to consume on arrival. I guess I’m just fussy like that! The casual restaurant is light, bright and airy and we were glad we booked a table as it was near capacity. We chose to eat inside, but the deck has magnificent views over Waub’s Bay and would have been perfect for a lazy lunch. We ordered a simple (but delicious) cob loaf while we checked out the rest of the menu.
I’m a sucker for a snitz and ordered my go-to meal while The Hubs had the Waub’s Bay Chicken. The Beachfront At Bicheno prides itself on using fresh Tasmanian produce and the meals were very reasonably pried. As we always do, we shared a bite or two from each others plate and I had serious envy after the very first forkful of The Hubs’ chicken. It was sensational. The chicken breast was perfectly cooked, the creamy sauce was divine and the crispy prosciutto added the perfect crunch. I would order again in a heart beat but sadly it looks to have been removed from the menu.
Nearby
The Freycinet Peninsula attracts approx. 280,000 visitors per year who are all here to experience the unique pristine environment. The jewel in the Freycinet crown is Wineglass Bay, a slither of perfect pure white sand that regularly features in the ‘world’s best beach’ lists. There is no better way to see this natural wonder than with Wineglass Bay cruises. Take it to the next level and book the sky lounge like we did. The area also features a number of wineries and we made pit stops at both Devil’s Corner and Freycinet Vineyard. Of course I picked up a bottle or two while I was there. While you are in the area why not check out Bicheno Penguin Tours and see these little cuties up close and personal.
So what do you think of Bicheno Tasmania? Would you blow a bomb or opt for budget friendly like I did? I would love to hear you thoughts in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. We paid for our stay at Best Western Beachfront At Bicheno in full and as always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links which will earn me a few cents to contribute to the running of this blog if you make a qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you.
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neha says
The town is indeed very beautiful. I am not surprised that as an Aussie you find South east Asia so much more affordable when it comes to travel. If I were to give my view, being from Asia, I have been planning trip to Australia but have been put off by the price factor. Maybe you can give me some tips on visiting Australia on a budget?
Allison Smith says
It’s not easy Neha. Flights are not to bad and you can usually get a bargain but accomodation and the general cost of living make it a generally expensive option, especially if you don’t want to rough it!
Carmen Edelson says
Saffire Freycinet honestly looks like a dream. It has my name written all over it! It’s 100% going on my bucket list, thank you for putting it on my radar 🙂
Samantha Sparrow says
Such a super helpful post for those that want paradise on a budget – you definitely made the right decision changing up your accommodation. This area looks so beautiful, one for the bucket list I think!
Allison Smith says
I think so! We would have loved to splurge but it just wasn’t on the cards for this trip!
Sandy N Vyjay says
Bicheno is really charming. The fact that it looks so pristine and untouched makes it all the more alluring. Happy to see that you had a great time without busting the bank. Smart travellers like you show how to get the best value for money. BTW, the pictures are stunning.
Allison Smith says
It really is Sandy! I’m always looking for a bargain!
Barb says
These pictures are incredible. The food looks really amazing too. I have never been to Australia, but I feel like I need to go!
Allison Smith says
You really should head down under soon Barb! So many wonderful things to see and do!
Siddhartha Joshi says
We were just making plans for Tasmania over the last weekend and your post it right here 🙂
Bicheno does seem like an incredibly beautiful and quaint town – just what one needs on a vacation. The beaches are simply gorgeous…congratulations for the lovely pictures: )
Allison Smith says
Oh that’s such good timing Siddhartha! You’ll have to let me know how you went. ?
Veronika Tomanova says
Freycinet looks so perfect! I love do do coastal walks, and it is a great setting for a photography. You experienced quite some luxury there, but holidays is holidays.
Allison Smith says
So many lovely coastal walk in Tassie Veronica. I’m sure you would love it!
Mike Cotton says
Wow, that is some serious luxury. And some serious moolah to experience it. I’d go for the YHA, after experiencing many winter seasons with multiple roommates, I’ve learnt the key to getting some sleep? Ear plugs!
Allison Smith says
Hahaha Mike! I’m a bit (OK a lot lol) over hostels. The Beachfront was perfect for us.
Vicki Louise says
Bicheno looks like such the picture perfect place! I have only been to Hobart so far in Tassie and am looking forward to exploring more and getting up the Freycinet – and I’ll definitely consider staying at the Best Western when I’m there!
Allison Smith says
We loved Hobart Vicki but Freycinet is just out of this world! Do check it out and I hope it works out for you!
Gokul Raj says
I am a budget traveler but I love this place. The pics are really stunning. Won’t mind splurging a bit here.
Allison Smith says
Me too Gokul but I’m more about the value than the cheapest price. Beachfront Bicheno was somewhere in the middle and worked well with our budget.
Danik says
I am totally loving the looks of the area and the rugged coastline. So want to go here for some RnR right now. Great post 🙂
Allison Smith says
It is a spectacular part of the world Danik. Hope you make it to Tassie soon!
Brigitta says
So THIS is how paradise looks like. I get it 😀
I love discovering places that I’ve never heard of- thank you for sharing the article!
Allison Smith says
Freycinet Peninsula is stunning! Some of the best beaches and whitest sand anywhere!
Bhusha says
The hotel looks decent & chic! At its price, its the best bet for crashing overnight! With its pristine white sand and blue water and skies, Bicheno looks absolutely gorgeous!
OMG! The Wineglass Bay Cruise boat is definitely a must opt for, I believe!
Allison Smith says
It was simple and clean. And kind to the wallet. Wineglass Bay is spectacular!
rosie says
Ugh love all your travels!
Life is just Rosie
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Allison Smith says
Thanks so much Rosie. Tassie is such a beautiful part of the world.