Every year, thousands of visitors flock to one of Tasmania’s most popular coastal destinations, only to face the ongoing challenge of securing a parking spot.

Coles Bay Road, the one and only entrance road to Freycinet National Park, has often been choked by cars queuing to park and badly-parked vehicles on the narrow verges.

Now, a solution is on the horizon.

A new concept design for a visitor gateway to Freycinet National Park has been revealed, aiming to ease the long-standing traffic congestion that has plagued the iconic peninsula during peak periods.

Situated just outside the park’s boundaries along Coles Bay Road, the gateway will serve as a modern entrance, streamlining visitor management and enhancing accessibility.

The design includes expanded parking facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, a visitor centre, public amenities and infrastructure for a shuttle bus system to transport guests into the park.

It will augment recent upgrades to walking and cycling access into Freycinet.

“The preliminary site plan has been shaped by extensive input from specialist consultants, backed by site surveys and investigations conducted over several years,” Parks Minister Nick Duigan stated.

“Every effort has been made to position the infrastructure in a way that avoids or minimises impacts on the site’s natural, cultural, and social values.”

Community members will have the opportunity to review the plans at upcoming information sessions at the Coles Bay Community Hall at the end of this month.

Date: Friday 30 May 2025
Time: 12 – 14 and 16 – 19

Date: Saturday 31 May 2025
Time: 9 – 12

Parks and Wildlife staff will be present to discuss the proposal and collect feedback. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, with the facility set to open in 2027, followed by the introduction of a shuttle service to further reduce vehicle congestion within the national park.

For further information and to view the site concept plan visit here.

The Visitor Gateway concept design will be further developed incorporating feedback received from the public, with more detailed plans to be released for public consultation as part of the Reserve Activity Assessment process.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the facility scheduled to open in 2027, followed by the implementation of a shuttle service to further reduce vehicle congestion within the national park.

The $19.7 million project is primarily funded by a $14 million state government commitment, with an additional $5.7 million from the federal government.

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