Coles Bay

TAS 7215 • Tasmania

515
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
93.29 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteTourist HubBushlandPeaceful

About Coles Bay

Coles Bay is a small coastal town and locality on the east coast of Tasmania, approximately 192 kilometres north-east of Hobart and 173 kilometres south-east of Launceston. It falls within the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council area and serves as the primary gateway to the world-famous Freycinet National Park. Despite a 2021 Census population of just 515 residents in the broader locality, Coles Bay hosts significantly more visitors year-round, drawn by its spectacular natural setting on the northern shore of Great Oyster Bay.

The town sits beneath the dramatic pink and red granite peaks of The Hazards, a defining feature of the Freycinet Peninsula landscape, and offers access to Wineglass Bay — consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches. Coles Bay has a general store, café, and accommodation options catering to tourists and hikers. Activities including sea kayaking, bushwalking, rock climbing, fishing, and boating make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Permanent residents tend to be drawn by the remote coastal lifestyle, while holiday homes and short-stay accommodation feature prominently in the local property mix.

Coles Bay falls under postcode 7215 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Prosser) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
7215
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-42.31°, 148.28°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
93.29 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Tassielink Coach (seasonal) — Bicheno / Hobart 3–4 hrs to Hobart

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
192 km
By Train
No train service available
By Car (Peak)
2.5–3 hrs via Tasman Highway and Coles Bay Road
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hrs

🛣️ Very remote location; a private vehicle is essential. Seasonal Tassielink coaches serve the area for visitors without cars

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Coles Bay is a remote coastal locality; a car is essential for accessing most services outside of the immediate village area

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
515
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coles Bay known for? +

Coles Bay is best known as the gateway town to Freycinet National Park and the iconic Wineglass Bay, consistently rated among the world's most beautiful beaches. It is also renowned for its views of The Hazards, dramatic pink and red granite mountains on the Freycinet Peninsula.

How far is Coles Bay from Hobart? +

Coles Bay is approximately 192 kilometres north-east of Hobart, roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive via the Tasman Highway and Coles Bay Road.

Does Coles Bay have public transport? +

Public transport to Coles Bay is very limited. Tassielink runs seasonal coach services from Hobart, but there is no rail connection and services are infrequent. A private vehicle is strongly recommended for visiting or living in the area.

What is the population of Coles Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Coles Bay and its surrounding locality have a permanent population of approximately 515 residents. However, the area hosts many more visitors, particularly during summer, due to its proximity to Freycinet National Park.

Is Coles Bay a good place to live? +

Coles Bay offers an extraordinary natural lifestyle for those who value remoteness, coastal beauty, and outdoor adventure. It suits nature lovers, retirees, and those working in tourism, though the limited services and distance from larger centres require self-sufficiency.

What is the postcode for Coles Bay? +

The postcode for Coles Bay is 7215, covering the town and surrounding area on Tasmania's east coast.