Step off almost anywhere along the Great Eastern Drive, from Orford to Anson's Bay, and you can take your pick of uncrowded breaks to suit surfers of every stripe-whether you ride a shortboard, longboard, stand up paddleboard or bodyboard.

When you've caught enough waves, recharge your batteries with beach walks, estuary fishing, whale watching or sampling the local produce with a meal in a local restaurant, pub or café.

Take some time to stroll through coastal towns, like Bicheno and Scamander, and browse in local shops and galleries, or join a wildlife or sightseeing tour.

Friendly beaches

Forming part of the Freycinet National Park, Friendly Beaches Reserve is a great place to surf away from the usual crowds.

The beach is very popular with surfers thanks to the large swell and solid waves on offer if the weather conditions are right.

The beach is known for strong rips and tidal movements, so if you are looking for a place to swim, perhaps go a little bit further along the coast.

Kelvedon Beach

A little way south of Swansea, just south of the Spiky Bridge where the highway hugs the coast, is Kelvedon Beach.

The weathered old boatshed is a famous landmark on this exposed strip of beach, which is also known for its cobbled rock patches and sands littered with beautiful shells. Facing southeast, it is prone to rips, so take care if venturing out too far.

Four Mile Creek

Hugging the North-East coast of Tasmania, the white sands of Four Mile Creek look out over the Tasman Sea between the penguin town of Bicheno and fascinating St Helens. Here you will find reliable swells and a mild climate, even in winter.

Shelly Point

Another rewarding area with a fairly exposed point break that can boast big swells. Offshore winds are from the west southwest.

Waves just as likely from local wind swells as from distant groundswells and the ideal swell direction is from the east southeast. Prevailing left breaking waves at the beach break.

A fairly popular wave that can sometimes get crowded. Watch out for rips and rocks.

Beer Barrel Beach

Beer Barrel Beach can be accessed easily via a short walk from the car park. A track leads the way through vegetation-covered dunes.

Popular with surfers, but don't expect a crowd.

It is an exposed reef break that offers good consistent waves for surfers.