Long overshadowed by its neighbouring icons – Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay – the sleepy seaside town of Bicheno has emerged to claim the title of Australian Traveller’s Best Town.

An island off an island at the edge of the world is certain to abound with oceanic vistas and coastal towns, but there’s something about Bicheno. It punches well above its weight as a seaside holiday destination, having drawn a new generation of locals to enrich the fabric of the town, creating a hub of bustling eateries, coffee stops, spas, perfumeries, boutiques and more.

Located on Tasmania’s East Coast, the fishing port-holiday town is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Hobart, or a two-hour drive from Launceston. Though it might still feel like a sleepy holiday destination, beach shacks are no longer all you’ll find when it comes to resting your head. A new luxury boutique resort, along with a new waterside wine bar, has upped the ante, but in no way detracted from the town’s nostalgic summer holiday charm.

Bicheno feels a world away

“I’m aware it’s a bit of a bubble," shares local, Samantha Shaw, “but with everything going on in the world right now, I don’t really want to pop it just yet!" We are standing in the sunshine out the front of the almost-open Sea Stacks Bicheno. While most parents struggle to bribe kids off their devices, even when it’s school holidays and the sun is shining, there seems to be little evidence of that problem here.

In fact, it feels a little like this is the town that time forgot. Locals stop on their morning dog walk to chat with whoever is perched out front of the coffee shop. The main strip consists of a door-to-door trio of Post-Office/Newsagent, IGA and bank. A group of pre-teens pass me on bikes, boards under arm, lazily riding for a morning surf.

On the drive to meet Samantha, I slow down to smile at the bucolic scene of two young boys trotting barefoot down the grassy verge, each hugging a chicken for dear life. “Oh, those chickens keep escaping," laughs Samantha. In a town of just over 1000 people (that figure swells during peak season), everyone knows everyone and has a role in the community.

It’s a far cry from big-city life, and that’s just how Samantha and the other young families that have moved to Bicheno over the past five to 10 years like it. “People have moved here to call it home, but what is great is that in doing so, it’s really energised the town," she adds. “We are all so supportive of one another. If someone has an idea for a new business, whether it’s a café, a bakery, a shop, a bar or whatever, we all work so hard to give it the best chance of success."

New accommodation on the horizon

On the topic of new, Sea Stacks Bicheno is due to open for bookings from June. The 12 buildings house 14 accommodation options, and beachside luxury is an understatement. Each “Stack" is timber-clad both inside and out, resulting in a deeply calm space. The subtle natural perfume of the wood feels like I’ve stepped into a Tasmanian oak-lined cocoon.

Sustainability is taken seriously, with all timbers rescued from the building industry rejection pile, re-milled, and hand-sanded.

“The brief from the owner to the original architects was: ‘a philosophy of no plastics, no paint, and no plasterboard’. Wherever possible, we’ve stayed true to that," shares Sue Gilbert the General Manager.

All textiles are natural, in collaboration with Newcastle-based Eadie Lifestyle. The buildings feature triple-glazing, harvested water from the roof, and solar panels. Additionally, all parking spots are equipped with EV charging capabilities. “Our goal is to be carbon negative, not to use any electricity from the grid," shares Sue.

The boardwalks are extensive. “Before commencing the build, we knew penguins were nesting on the site. We’ve repopulated the landscape with nesting boxes, and the elevated boardwalk will ensure the penguin colony can come back and live amongst the Stacks," adds Sue. The Stacks have been designed based on the feedback from three prototypes built in 2018 on Denison Rivulet, just a 10-minute drive away.

Wine, waves and whisky tastings

A stroll (or short drive) away, and Bicheno’s new wine bar sleeps lazily during the day, while gulls squawk overhead and fishing boats putter by. Le Gulch Wine Bar recently opened on the site of an old fishing factory, and you’d be hard pressed to find a spot closer to the sea to sip a glass of Tassie bubbles with freshly shucked oysters.

Framed by the rocky coastline, settle in by the festoon lights and terracotta-hued umbrellas for a relaxed sunset vibe as the bar wakes up from 3 pm until 6 pm in May; hours vary seasonally.

Next door on the waterfront, Waubs Harbour Distillery is Tasmania’s true maritime distillery, crafting single malt whisky in an old oyster hatchery. The distillery was founded by ex-Lark and ex-Overeem distiller, Rob Polmear, and his brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Bec Polmear.

The brothers had fond memories growing up with seaside holidays in Bicheno, and have proven to be the perfect location to craft award-winning small-batch whisky. Take a tour of the distillery, or taste through the range in the tasting room next door – it used to be the old fish and chip shop.

Saunas and sensory journeys

If the invitation of an afternoon in a “wellness garden" in a renovated 1960’s shack by the sea doesn’t have you getting your kit off, then I don’t know what will. Selkie Wellness was founded by Sam Thorp and Jemma Hosking after they moved to Bicheno seven years ago. Dive in for a heavenly remedial massage with the soft hum of the waves crashing on the shore nearby. The wellness garden offers bliss via hot and cold therapy in the shack’s courtyard.

Continuing the sensory journey, Undersong Perfumery was founded in 2021 by writer and ex-journalist Hillary Burden, as her curiosity for perfume led her towards distilling her own scents and natural Eau de Parfums from native Australian flora for a true expression of place.

Unique Bicheno experiences

Pop Bicheno into your Google Maps, and “Bicheno Blowhole" will pop up. The natural wonder is worth a visit, and there’s no shortage of squeaky white sandy beaches to take a dip in. On the drive out of town, there are four different “watch out for wildlife" signs. Tasmanian devils, spotted quolls, wombats, wallabies and blue penguins are just a few of Bicheno’s furry and feathered inhabitants.

Rug up for a night tour with Bicheno Penguin Tours, and you’ll catch a glimpse of these cuties as they return to land after a day at sea. Formally known as fairy penguins, blue penguins are the world’s smallest penguins, and beyond their serious case of cuteness, they are fascinating little birds that spend months and even years at sea before returning to the Bicheno breeding grounds.

A trip to Tassie is for the curious, those looking to explore a little further off the beaten path, and those who dare to do things differently. You are guaranteed quirk, and here in Bicheno, there is no shortage of it. Bicheno Beams is a free winter light and sound experience, running during the Off Season from Saturday 27 June 2026 – Saturday 25 July 2026. Taste whisky from the counter of an old fish and chip shop? Tick. Explore a uniquely Australian perfumery, with scents distilled from the local flora? Tick. Gather up a few memories amongst the mementos? Tick and tick. Vintage stores to rummage through? Tick. The quirkiest find, however, has got to be “Rainy Day": an intriguing union of ice-cream parlour, puzzle shop and laundromat.

Come for the views, stay for the brunching, wine bars, beach dips, penguins, perfume…

How we chose the winners

Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit were selected by a voting panel of much-loved Australians, industry experts and category authorities from across the country. The expert panel consisting of 15 travel experts, including the likes of Accor’s Adrian Williams, Ernie Dingo and Catriona Rowntree. Bicheno was voted ‘Best Emerging Town’ and came first overall in ‘Best 100 towns’ in Australia.

Here is the shortlist of what to know about Bicheno

• Bicheno is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Hobart, or a two-hour drive from Launceston
• The town is seasonal, with summer holiday makers through until Easter school holidays. Winter is just as picturesque, and has plenty of sunshine-drenched days to enjoy without the additional crowds.
• Sea Stacks Bicheno are due to open for bookings in June 2026, while the Denison Sea Stacks are a ten-minute drive from the heart of the town.
• Bicheno Penguin Tours run year-round and offer an up-close experience with the world’s smallest penguins. East Coast Nature World also provide encounters with Tassie fauna, including the very cool Devils After Dark experience.
• There are plenty of options for eating out. Try Peggy’s, Little Bay Collective, or Governors Bicheno for daytime dining from breakfast through to lunch, fresh seafood with a view at The Lobster Shack (the lobster roll is iconic), or step dinner-time up a notch at French bistro, Le Coq.