A Look into Freycinet National Park's Early Tourist History

Freycinet National Park, located on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia, is a popular vacation destination known for its breathtaking scenery and beautiful beaches. However, did you know that the park has a rich history of tourism dating back over 100 years?

In the early days, visitors to Freycinet National Park arrived by boat or steamer from Swansea. One of the first individuals to recognise the area's potential as a tourist destination was Harry Parsons, a retired auctioneer who settled in the Coles Bay area in the 1920s. He acquired 5 hectares of land in 1934, which marked the beginning of the town of Coles Bay. He then established shacks at The Fisheries, which later became holiday homes. His efforts helped to put the area on the map as a must-see destination.

In 1934 the very same year, Ron Richardson, a local pioneer successfully leased a small section of land from the Freycinet National Park and set about hand-building holiday units on the site with the help of his mates. It was known as the Chateau (the first holiday complex in the park) and became a hugely popular holiday retreat at the time. With a desire to fly guests directly from the airport, word has it that Ron would even land his plane on the beach adjacent (now Richardson's beach) at low tide!

Ron and his family lived on site for a number of years. However, disaster struck in 1953 when the Chateau was partly destroyed by fire. The years proceeding saw the Chateau change hands a number of times with the complex ultimately being redeveloped as the Freycinet Lodge in the 1990's.

The early days at Freycinet have been described as very different back in the above times, with no sealed roads (just sandy tracks), very few luxuries and much less populated. Today, Freycinet National Park continues to draw visitors (300,000+ per year) from all over the world, drawn by its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. However, many visitors miss out on the rich history of the park such as the stories behind the early tourism development. This is where our Freycinet Walking Tour comes in.

Our half-day tour is locally guided, taking you on a walking and boat journey through the park that allows you to discover the stories of some of the early Park pioneers & characters that made tourism at Freycinet what it is today. Our small group size ensures you have a more intimate and personalised experience. Visit www.freycinetwalkingtour.com.au to learn more and book your tour.