Why Winter Is the Most Magical Time to Visit Tasmania’s East Coast
Published: July 2025
By: Saltwater Sunrise Team
Tags: Winter Getaways Tasmania, Romantic Escapes, East Coast Tasmania, Boutique Coastal Villas
When people picture Tasmania, they often think of sunny summer beaches and vibrant green hikes. But those in the know understand that winter is when Tasmania’s East Coast reveals its true magic—especially here at Saltwater Sunrise.
Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, a peaceful solo retreat, or a base for scenic exploration, Saltwater Sunrise in winter is something truly special.
1. Peace, Stillness & Soul-Stirring Views
Winter brings a calm hush to the coastline.
Gone are the crowds and traffic—replaced by misty sunrises, crisp ocean breezes, and the distant sound of waves echoing through quiet coves.
At Saltwater Sunrise, each private villa faces the ocean, so you can witness the soft golden light of morning breaking through winter clouds—all from your bed. It’s peaceful, grounding, and deeply rejuvenating.
2. Cosy Coastal Luxury at Saltwater Sunrise
Winter is when your villa truly shines:
Heated interiors and bathrooms
Plush bedding with blankets
Wide windows to stay warm while you watch the weather roll in
Kitchenettes perfect for wine and cheese platters
Optional romance packages with candles, bubbles, and treats
You can even request a firelight dinner in your room or have us arrange a Range Rover transfer to our recommended restaurant, so you can enjoy wine without worrying about driving.
3. Winter Adventures on Tasmania’s East Coast
The colder months open up a different, often more powerful side of Tasmania:
Whale Watching: Humpback and southern right whales migrate past our coast between May and July
Scenic Drives: Winding coastal roads are even more spectacular under moody skies and winter mist
Bay of Fires: Explore the iconic orange boulders with no one else around
Waterfalls at Full Flow: Halls Falls and St Columba Falls are at their peak, lush and roaring after winter rain
Hot Seafood & Chowder: Warm up with seafood chowder at Lobster Shack in Bicheno or book a Chef’s Menu at Le Coq
4. Romance & Reconnection
Winter is the season of connection and quiet. For couples, Saltwater Sunrise becomes a secluded hideaway where you can:
Soak in the views without interruption
Take long, slow breakfasts in bed
Share a bottle of Tasmanian Pinot by candlelight
Snuggle into soft throws as the sun disappears behind the cliffs
Our villas are designed for these moments. Simple, elegant, and connected to the rhythm of the sea.
5. Lower Rates, Greater Value
Winter is also the perfect time to visit if you're looking for boutique luxury at off-peak prices.
You’ll enjoy:
Better availability
Lower nightly rates
Easier bookings at top restaurants and attractions
Quieter walks, beaches, and lookouts
Book Your Winter Escape
If you've never seen the Tasman Sea glowing pink beneath a winter sunrise, this is your moment.
Escape the noise. Embrace the quiet. Discover why so many of our guests return in winter—not in spite of the cold, but because of it.
Book now at saltwatersunrise.com.au
Or contact us directly to plan your winter stay and transfers.
28th of July 2025
Good Morning from Saltwater Sunrise
Today’s sunrise greeted us at 6:43 AM over the Tasman Sea, framed by partly cloudy skies and a crisp 14 °C marine breeze. With sunset due at 5:36 PM, we can expect roughly 10 hours, 53 minutes of daylight, including the beautiful golden hours of 6:43–7:22 AM and 4:57–5:36 PM
Today’s Highlights
Bioluminescence Blooms Along the Coast
Tasmania is experiencing its most spectacular bloom of Noctiluca scintillans—bioluminescent algae that glows bright blue when disturbed after dark, and appears pinkish-red in daylight. This is the largest such event recorded since around 2015.
Communities from Eaglehawk Neck through Montagu Bay and Bruny Island to Hobart’s waterfront have reported detections and sightings of glowing waves. Experts warn it’s a striking visual phenomenon—and also a sign of imbalance in local marine ecosystems.
“It is beautiful for us, but it’s absolutely bad news for organisms that live in the water,” warns marine expert Dr. Lisa‑ann Gershwin
New Night-Tour: Sea to Sky Cruise
Launched in June 2025, the Sea to Sky Night Cruise from Hobart combines stargazing, marine life spotting, and local Tasmanian cuisine. In select cases, guests may glimpse bioluminescence or even the Aurora Australis on rare clear nights. Warm cider and scallop pies are included. This immersive experience has quickly become a local hit for its serene atmosphere and storytelling vibe.
A Stay at Saltwater Sunrise
Nestled in Falmouth along the East Coast between the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park
Saltwater Sunrise offers:
Five luxury villas, oriented toward privacy and ocean views.
Chic amenities: a king‑size bed, stocked kitchenette, indoor mood fireplace, outdoor fire pit, sound system, and clay‑pot water filter in your villa.
Guests arriving via Launceston often stop by Alps & Amici Foodstore for gourmet pre‑cooked meals—from lasagne to seasonal Tasmanian produce—that pair perfectly with evening relaxation on your villa deck, BBQ‑style
What to Expect Tonight
If night remains clear, be sure to explore the shoreline after dusk once the sky is fully dark. Gently stirring the seawater can reveal the glowing plankton shimmering along the waves. Bring minimal light and avoid strong moonlight for the best viewing.
Feel free to stroll quietly along your private beach access—East Coast tides and solitude create perfect conditions to witness this natural wonder.
Plan Your Day
Morning: Rise early to catch a tranquil sunrise over the Tasman Sea.
Day: Wander nearby beaches, stretch at Binalong Bay or Cape Tourville, and perhaps sip local wine at Priory Ridge or Milton Estate.
Evening: Settle in with gourmet meals at your villa and enjoy a twilight moment by the fire pit.
Night: Head to the shoreline when it's dark and quiet—this could be your night to witness Tasmanian sea sparkle at its best.
Final Thoughts
The combination of today’s atmospheric cloudy and chilly weather, the peak bioluminescence bloom, and Tasmania’s dark coastal skies make this a unique moment worth experiencing. Whether you’re at Saltwater Sunrise or exploring the coast, nature is giving its own nightly show.
20 July 2025
No compromise on warmth or ambiance
Why We Don’t Offer Real Fireplaces but Only Electric Mood Fireplaces IN ALL Our Open-Plan Villas:
At Saltwater Sunrise, we have chosen electric mood fireplaces over traditional wood or gas fires for a few key reasons:
Better Air Quality: No smoke, carbon monoxide, or oxygen depletion—just clean air for a restful night.
Consistent Comfort: Control the temperature easily without the hot-cold fluctuations of real fires.
Safety: No open flames, sparks, or fire hazards—just cozy, worry-free warmth.
Eco-Friendly: Zero emissions, reducing our environmental footprint.
Low Maintenance: Enjoy ambiance without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning ashes.
Year-Round Comfort: Perfect for any season, offering warmth in winter and ambiance in summer.
We believe electric fireplaces offer the ideal balance of comfort, safety, and sustainability, enhancing your experience at Saltwater Sunrise
Farewell to a Favourite: The Closing of Furneaux Restaurant in St Helens
Date: July 21, 2025
By: Saltwater Sunrise Team
Tags: St Helens Tasmania, Furneaux Restaurant, East Coast Dining, Saltwater Sunrise
It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a true gem on Tasmania’s East Coast — the beloved Furneaux Restaurant in St Helens has officially closed its doors.
At Saltwater Sunrise, we’ve always felt deeply connected to our surrounding community — and Furneaux wasn’t just a restaurant. It was part of our story. It was our “go-to” place for special occasions, memorable evenings, and those relaxed, wine-filled dinners that lingered long into the night.
A True Taste of the East Coast
From its beautifully curated local seafood to its dedication to seasonal Tasmanian produce and exceptional wine pairings, Furneaux embodied everything we love about East Coast dining. The team’s warmth, knowledge, and creativity made every visit an experience — whether you were celebrating an anniversary or simply craving perfectly seared scallops and a view.
Many of our guests staying at Saltwater Sunrise would ask, “Where’s the best place to eat nearby?” And we always felt confident sending them to Furneaux. It was more than a recommendation — it was a part of the experience of visiting St Helens.
Our Guests Felt the Same
We’ve heard so many stories from couples and families who dined there after a day exploring Binalong Bay or the Bay of Fires, and returned to us with glowing reviews.
“We didn’t expect such fine dining on the coast — that seafood was unforgettable!”
“It was the perfect end to our romantic day on the East Coast.”
What’s Next?
While we’re truly sad to see Furneaux close, we also remain hopeful and excited to see what comes next for the St Helens dining scene. Tasmania’s East Coast is full of passionate producers, creative chefs, and unforgettable food experiences — and we’re confident that new stories will emerge.
If you’re visiting Saltwater Sunrise soon and wondering where to eat in St Helens or nearby, we’re working on an updated local dining guide — featuring hidden gems, new openings, and some of our personal favourites.
Stay tuned here on the blog for that post
Our New Dining Address: Le Coq in Bicheno – With Range Rover Transfers from Saltwater Sunrise
We’re delighted to share that Saltwater Sunrise now proudly recommends Le Coq in Bicheno as our go-to dining destination for guests seeking a truly exceptional culinary experience on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Why Le Coq?
Le Coq is a French-Australian bistro nestled in the heart of Bicheno, just 30 minutes from Saltwater Sunrise. Known for its elegant, seasonal menu and warm, intimate setting, Le Coq has quickly become a favourite among locals and travellers alike. The kitchen is led by a talented team with a focus on premium Tasmanian produce, offering vibrant flavours and a curated Chef’s menu that evolves with the seasons.
From house-made sourdough and whipped sesame butter, to Cape Grim beef, fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts, this is a dining experience worth planning around.
Range Rover Pick-Up & Drop-Off Service
To make your evening seamless, safe, and indulgent, we now offer private Range Rover transfers to and from Le Coq Bicheno exclusively for Saltwater Sunrise guests.
✔️ Pick-up at your villa
✔️ Drop-off at Le Coq’s front door
✔️ Return trip after dinner, no need to drive
✔️ Total price: $150 return
This service allows you to fully enjoy your evening—including a glass of wine or two—without worrying about transport on winding East Coast roads at night.
Perfect for...
Romantic dinners
Celebrating a special occasion
Food lovers wanting the best of Tasmania’s local produce
Guests who prefer not to drive after dining
How to Book
Let us know at the time of your villa reservation, or simply mention it during check-in. We recommend booking your transfer and dinner at least 72 hours in advance to ensure availability.
Saltwater Sunrise is more than just luxury coastal accommodation—it’s an experience. And with Le Coq Bicheno and our Range Rover transfer, your Tasmanian escape just got even more delicious.
Visit lecoqbicheno.com to view menus
Contact us to book your dinner transfer today on +61 499 333 629
4th of October 2023
.......one of our staff has a birthday today.........
Happy days as we decided to go to Furneaux at St. Helens for lunch. The only restaurant on the East Coast of Tasmania really worthwhile going to - in fact - one must go there and experience the two chefs who know how to cook. Best to book!
Sitting down on a table with white table cloths made us feel special. We started off with Mornay oysters, crab tortellini and scallops accompanied by a bottle of Tasmanian Sparkling Rose "The Ridge" from Lilydale Vineyard!
By the time our mains arrived we had our glasses filled with a nice drop of Lilydale Pinot, which somewhat matched our duck and salmon....
Suzette crepes, a Coupe Romanoff and a Chocolate from heaven rounded this lunch nicely.
Staff was attentive and professional, and the two chefs joined us later for a glass of dessert wine. This was an opportunity to chat about Tourism in Tasmania, Luxury accommodation and French cuisine.
Perfect match.
Cheers
3rd of October 2023
Another fabulous lunch at White Sands!
Mornay scallops and a bottle of Apsley Gorge wine made this lunch extraordinary, add great company of a really special guest - this luncheon turned into an unsurpassed experience....
Thanks A.!
Update 1st of June 2025
Slightly Salty Cafe & Bar has now officially closed its doors at White Sands. We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team for being valued members of our community; we wish them all the very best in their next chapter.
The restaurant space will remain closed for now as we explore future opportunities. We'll be sure to keep you updated with any new developments.
Our IronHouse Tasting Room will remain open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where you can enjoy our full range of beer, wine, and spirits.
For any event enquiries, please send us an email or call us on 6372 2228.
1st of October 2024
The water is warming (a little) - ventured our yesterday for the first Spring surf.... directly down in front of the Villas.... no one out ..... never is!
September 27, 2024
Tonight we are going to White Sands Restaurant for dinner.
Although we feel like entering a sports hall, perfect moment to take the racket out and play a game of squash, we realise entering the Ironhouse Distillery's restaurant is bigger than its architectural mind.
The skies outside present a surreal rainbow - perfect in colours and some heavily pregnant clouds make it picture perfect.
We order our favourite wine 'Freycinet Cabernet Merlot' and the moment we indulge on the first sip, Bruce and I feel we are in heaven.
Food we think was secondary but order a Porterhouse steak, cooked with steamed vegetables for myself .....Bruce likes the sound of the 'market fish of the day'.
Whilst gazing at the stunning evening sky - becoming slightly sedated with the richness of the perfect Tasmanian wine, or two, to our surprise two absolutely enticing dishes are placed in front of us.
We look at each other ....and instantaneously know there must be change of chefs in the kitchen.
The plates are artistically decorated on black oval dinner plates.
It is a somewhat silent dinner for obvious reasons.
The fish is fresh, really fresh - mixed in with al-dente and yummy vegetables and roasted potatoes. A feast for the eyes and stomach!
The Porterhouse Steak presented as a classic dish, like in France - but no - the meat must be Tasmanian.... much more flavour than what we eat in the Mediterranean.
We love it.
Just wanted to share this with you!
