There’s something about the combination of sweat, steep climbs, and sweeping views that makes a hike unforgettable—and our day in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park was exactly that.

We started early(ish), parking at the Freycinet Bay car park just as the heat of the day began to build. Even from the trailhead, the area’s raw beauty was obvious—dusty paths winding through dry bushland, granite boulders scattered like ancient relics, and the ever-present smell of eucalyptus in the warm air.

The trail to the Wineglass Bay Lookout is well-trodden and well-marked, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a proper workout, especially under the strong Tasmanian sun. The climb starts gradually, then kicks up with a series of rocky switchbacks that’ll get your heart pumping and legs burning. We stopped often, partly for photos, partly for air and water.

The higher we got, the more rewarding the glimpses through the trees became. And then—finally—we crested the saddle, and there it was: Wineglass Bay, in all its postcard-perfect glory. Even though we’d seen photos before, nothing compares to standing at that vantage point and seeing it with your own eyes.

The turquoise curve of the bay was bordered by white sand and hemmed in by rugged peaks—it looked impossibly pristine. The view was worth every drop of sweat and sunburn risk. A light breeze stirred the air, offering brief, glorious relief from the heat.

We lingered for a while, refueling with snacks and cold water, soaking in the view and chatting with other hikers from around the world who had all made the same journey. There’s something quietly communal about sharing a stunning vista with strangers.

We debated going all the way down to the beach, but with the midday sun at full blast, we decided to save our legs and knees. If you make it a full day hike, the thousands of steps down and back up from the beach surely must be worth it! The descent back to the car park was easier on the legs but still dusty and hot. By the time we reached the bottom, we were more than ready for cold drinks, shady trees, and a dip in the cool water back at the spectacular Honeymoon Bay.

Tips if you’re planning this walk:

• Bring plenty of water—you’ll need it, especially in summer.

• Wear a hat and sunscreen; shade is patchy on the trail.

• Sturdy shoes are a must—the granite steps and uneven terrain demand good grip.

• The lookout is spectacular, but if the temperature allows, continue on to the beach itself for a full day’s adventure.

This walk is one of Tasmania’s gems—not because it’s the most difficult or remote, but because the reward is so immediate and so spectacular. Hot, happy, and slightly sunburnt, we left Freycinet with a new favorite hike and a renewed appreciation for nature’s drama.