East Coast Tasmania Tasmania | |
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Postcode(s) | 7215–7216, 7190, 7214, 7173 (approx.) |
Location |
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LGA(s) | Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, Break O'Day Council, Sorell Council, parts of Huon Valley Council and Tasman Council |
Region | Mainland Tasmania, Tasman Sea |
State electorate(s) | Lyons |
Federal division(s) | Lyons |
East Coast Tasmania is a loosely defined geographic region on the eastern seaboard of the island state of Tasmania, Australia. Stretching from the southern approaches of Cockle Creek and Bruny Island in the south to the remote Bay of Fires in the northeast, the region is known for its coastal beauty, national parks, and historic settlements. [1] It is one of Tasmania’s most visited areas, popular for its mild climate, beaches, fishing, wineries, and bushwalking. [1]
The East Coast follows the Tasman Sea from the Huon River and D'Entrecasteaux Channel estuary in the south through to Eddystone Point and the Mount William National Park in the northeast. It includes both rugged coastlines and wide sandy beaches, with prominent geological features such as the pink granite peaks of Freycinet Peninsula, dolerite cliffs near Maria Island, and layered sedimentary rock formations at Tessellated Pavement near Eaglehawk Neck. Recherche Bay is located on the extreme south-eastern corner of the East Coast.
Several islands lie off the east coast, including:
Major bays, channels and coastal inlets include:
Significant rivers that drain into the east coast or nearby water bodies include:
There is no singular population figure for the East Coast, as it is a geographic and cultural region rather than an administrative unit. The combined population of its major towns, including St Helens, Swansea, Bicheno, and Triabunna, totals several thousand residents.
Major settlements include:
The East Coast is traversed primarily by the Tasman Highway (A3), which runs from Hobart to St Helens via Sorell, Orford, Swansea, Bicheno, and Scamander. Ferry services operate:
Tourism is one of the East Coast’s main economic drivers. Notable destinations and activities include:
The East Coast contains several conservation areas, including national parks, marine reserves, and Ramsar wetlands. The region is home to diverse ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to dry coastal heathlands. Important bird habitats include the Moulting Lagoon Important Bird Area [4] and Pitt Water–Orielton Lagoon.