Our story…

Overlooking Waubs Bay sits Sealife Restaurant, Bicheno. An iconic East Coast Tasmanian venue, Sealife (as the locals call it) sits on the immediate foreshore with uninterrupted coastal views and turquoise blue water so close, you feel you can touch it.

With one of the best coastal restaurant views in Australia, Sealife is a destination for travellers from every part of the world who come to enjoy the view and beautifully prepared local seafood and other delicacies.

No matter where you sit, enjoy views of Waub’s Bay and Beach with its pristine white sands, the architecturally designed Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club, the surrounding mountains of Douglas Apsley National Park that cradle Bicheno or just enjoy the ocean and hope to see a passing pod of dolphins, migrating whales, diving seabirds or one of our local Australian fur seals.

Visit Sealife Bicheno for breakfast, lunch, dinner or morning and afternoon tea. We are fully licensed and dinner reservations are highly recommended.

How it all began…

First established in 1978 as an aquarium for local fish species such as crayfish, octopus, sharks and even an eel, the original marine species were all housed in a collection of 24 tanks and a large central tank.

The early ‘90s brought growth for the Sealife Centre with the addition of the gift shop (pictured), shell display and glass fronted restaurant area, new kitchen and outdoor dining area.

Due to licencing and regulations the aquarium came to a close in 2009 however the restaurant continued to flourish.

The next chapter…

Moving forward to 2016, the restaurant was purchased by Peter and Narelle who made the move to Bicheno one year later. Growing up on rural farms in the Northern Tablelands of NSW, Peter and Narelle have owned and operated a butchers shop and several restaurants over a 30-year career dedicated to food and hospitality. There is a wealth of knowledge between them with Peter being a chef and butcher and Narelle an expert at running the busy restaurant floor.

“Coming from country NSW, fresh seafood was rarely available so moving to Tasmania opened many doors for us to explore the fresh seafood and produce right at our door step.

At the modern day Sealife, we pride ourselves on using the freshest and highest standard of local seafood, beef, lamb, pork, chicken and game available.

Our menu changes with the seasons with vegan and vegetarian options available. We hope you enjoy your meal which has been prepared for you with care and respect”.

—Peter & Narelle

  • Yes we do. We highly recommend making a reservation, especially for dinner service and all services during the peak Summer and holiday periods. We also welcome walk-ins and will do our very best to accommodate everyone. Please book by phoning the restaurant: (03) 6375 1121.

  • Yes, we are fully licensed and have a large list of Tasmanian, Australian and international wines, beers and other beverages for you to enjoy with your meal.

  • We do not have a separate children’s menu but children are very welcome to dine with us and enjoy choosing from our extensive menu.

  • Yes, we do! Please contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements as we would be delighted to host your next event.

  • We have a vegetarian and vegan chef’s choice available and our menus change with the seasons. Please inform the wait staff of any allergies or dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please be advised that select meals are cooked with peanut oil.

  • Free parking is available adjacent to the restaurant. We are located within the Bicheno township and are walking distance to many accommodation providers.

  • Sealife is located in Bicheno, on the beautiful east coast of Tasmania. We are approximately 2-hours drive from either Launceston or Hobart airports and 3-hours drive from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport. Bicheno is an ideal destination to explore the whole East Coast including Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay) to the south, Bay of Fires to the north and the Douglas Apsley National Park surrounding Bicheno.

  • Bicheno is surrounded by national parks, beaches, surf breaks, wineries and wildlife experiences. While you are in Bicheno we recommend activities such as:

    • Bicheno Penguin Tours

    • Bicheno Glass Bottom Boat

    • East Coast Natureworld

    • Redbill beach and Diamond Island

    • Bicheno Blowhole, Whalers Lookout and The Gulch.