Out and About:
Attractions & Activities in the Area Surrounding Saltwater
Whilst Saltwater provides a destination and escape in itself, it is also conveniently located to provide a base from which to follow the East Coast Escape Touring Route and explore the surrounding areas.
Of particular interest to most visitors are iconic Freycinet National Park to the south and pristine Bay of Fires to the north [Lonely Planet's top must-see destination].
Driving Distances:
5 mins to Four Mile Beach
10 mins to St Marys
20 mins to St Helens
30 mins to Bay of Fires
35 mins to Bicheno
55 mins to Freycinet National Park
Eating Out:
Food is such an essential part of the holiday experience and there are numerous nearby dining options available, from a la carte to pub meals. Click on to Dining on the home page for more details.
Vineyards: There are 3 readily accessible wine regions on the East Coast: Bay of Fires; Freycinet and Aspley Gorge. Tastings are often accompanied by fresh local oysters and crayfish.
Cheese tastings can be enjoyed at Pyengana, north of St Helens. Fresh local fruit, jam, chutneys and ice-cream can be sampled at Eureka Farm, less than 10 mins from Saltwater.
Beaches:
There are numerous beaches to choose from whether you are interested in beach-combing, swimming, fishing, surfing or diving. In particular, Conde Naste travel magazine declared Bay of Fires as the second best beach in the world - Lonely Planet also has named Bay of Fires as the best travel destination on earth. Nearby Four Mile beach often turns it on for surfing while fishing is usually rewarding at most of the local beaches and estuaries with boat access available from river and ocean within 10 mins of Saltwater. Other notable beaches are Friendly Beaches [near Freycinet] as well as the long sandy beaches stretching from Saltwater to Bay of Fires.
Walks/Nature Trails: 
Nature trails are scattered up and down the coastline culminating in the world renowned Freycinet National Park which includes Wineglass Bay, one hour from Saltwater. Details from National Parks or local Information centres.
Fishing charters, including game fishing in season, depart St Helens whilst nearby Binalong Bay offers sailing charters and diving.
Sea-kayaking and quad-bike tours depart from Freycinet.
Golf:
Courses are found at St Mary’s, Scamander and Bicheno and for a truly magnificent experience, take a day trip to Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course, currently listed in the top ten courses in Australia and in the top 30 in the world.
Fairy Penguin tours operate nightly from Bicheno and whilst there, why not visit the blowhole and Sealife Centre. The newly opened Motorcycle Museum in Bicheno will certainly appeal to enthusiasts.
Natureworld near Bicheno, showcasing Australian fauna including Tassie Devils, was named Tassie's Best Wildlife Park, 2008, by Lonely Planet.
Gem fossicking is a fun and quite different experience. For information, call at the Weldborough pub [north of St Helens].
Quilt-making classes provide an unusual experience at St Mary's and at Cranks & Tinkerers you can browse for hours; anyone interested in cars will certainly have a good time.
