The historic township of Swansea is ideal for fishing, swimming and diving, or relaxing on the beach overlooking Great Oyster Bay and the beautiful Freycinet National Park.

Swansea has a population of 530, housed in colonial buildings, contemporary homes and classic beachside shacks.

Self-guided historic walks of Swansea pass Schouten House, Meredith House and Morriss General Store. You can learn about leather staining at the Swansea Bark Mill and Tavern. Look out for the bizarre profile of Spiky Bridge, just outside town.

Swanseas exquisite fresh harvests from land and sea are a part of the east coast experience. Enjoy wine tasting at the Wine and Wool Centre, then sample some of the areas other local produce walnuts, oysters, olives and, of course, fish.

There are many beaches and bays in and around Swansea, and lookouts over picturesque coastline. Shearwater (mutton bird) colonies are also common in the area.

Swansea was first explored by Captain Cox in 1798 and was settled as a military post in 1827. Local Aboriginal people moved further inland as European whalers explored the coast.

Swansea enjoys temperate weather all year round, with an average maximum of 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.

Swansea is 134 kilometres (83.2 miles) from Hobart, along the A3.