Seaside spots to beat the heat
Tasmania’s pristine coastline of almost 5000km offers plenty of unspoilt spots to explore, surf or cast a line.
Lifestyle
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One of great things about living in Tasmania is the wealth of wonderful beaches. From hidden gems tucked away from the crowds to bustling dog beaches, surfing hotspots and scenic seaside walks.
BEST SURF BEACHES
Shipstern Bluff on the Tasman Peninsula is considered to be Australia’s heaviest wave and is regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous and wildest rides. But if you’re after something less risky, Tasmanian surf guru Victor Tilley suggests checking out Eaglehawk Neck, Clifton Beach, Park Beach at Dodges Ferry and the East Coast from Orford to Bicheno. Tilley also recommends the Devonport river mouth and beaches along the coast to Wynyard. Bruny Island’s Cloudy Bay is a surfing hotspot, along with Marrawah in the North-West, while King Island’s Martha Lavinia Beach boasts a unique wave that breaks both left and right, depending on the swell and wind. Tilley says wherever you choose to surf, make sure you’ve got some good tunes for the car ride and a few mates to share the fun.
More info at discovertasmania.com.au or surfingaustralia.com/states/tas
HIDDEN GEMS
Tourism campaigns centre around spectacular images of Wineglass Bay and Bay of Fires. These tourist meccas have been voted among the hottest global holiday destinations by Lonely Planet in recent years. And about 300,000 visitors flock to Freycinet National Park each year.
But Jen Fry, Director of Tourism Experience and Visitor Services for Parks and Wildlife Tasmania says there are plenty of wonderful beaches in lesser-known locations and eagle-eyed explorers can uncover secluded seaside alcoves in all parts of the state.
“One of the alluring things about Tasmanian beaches is you get to stumble upon them,” says Fry. “When you’re driving and you’re near the coast and see a little carpark, there’s probably a beach there and you can hop out and stumble on something that you’ve never experienced before and never even knew was there. That’s an important part of being in Tassie – being able to take the time to do that every now and then.”
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES
Summer is a great time to get out and about with canine companions. Seven Mile Beach is a firm favourite with Tasmanian dog owners, as well as Nutgrove Beach and Errol Flynn Reserve at Sandy Bay, Howrah Beach and Tyndall Beach at the Browns River end of Kingston Beach.
Lisa Fagg says other beaches that attract praise on her Dog Friendly Places in Tasmania Facebook page are Shelly Beach at Opossum Bay, Goats Beach at South Arm, Carlton Beach, Drip Beach near Cygnet, and Hellyer Beach/Detention River in the state’s North West.
Fagg encourages Tasmanians to get out and explore with their dog. Remember to pack a drink for your pooch, avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day, be mindful of snakes, consider some dog-friendly sunscreen and be responsible by picking up dog poo and abiding by council restrictions which often apply during summer. “Being responsible is part and parcel of continuously being allowed in these magnificent places with our dogs,” she says.
Visit facebook.com/dogfriendlytasmania, dogwalkingtas.org.au or greaterhobarttrails.com.au for inspiration.
PATROLLED BEACHES
Tasmania’s beaches may look amazing, but lifeguards warn the ocean can be unpredictable. Enjoy the peace of mind of swimming at a patrolled beach this summer, with more than 900 volunteers from Surf Life Saving Tasmania keeping a close eye on the action between the red and yellow flags on weekends and public holidays during the holiday period. Patrolled beaches in the south include Carlton Park, Clifton Beach, Sandy Bay, and Kingston Beach. Head north and Scamander, Boat Harbour and Bicheno are popular patrolled hangouts.
For a full list visit beachsafe.org.au
BEST BEACHES FOR CAMPING
According to the camping gurus behind the Camping Tasmania website and Facebook page, Swimcart Beach in the Bay of Fires is one of the state’s most popular – and most spectacular, summer camp sites.
Other East Coast recommendations include Mayfield Beach, near Swansea, Friendly Beaches in Freycinet National Park and Shelly Point at Scamander. Meanwhile on the Tasman Peninsula campers flock to Lime Bay and Fortescue Bay. On Bruny Island there are beachside campgrounds at Cloudy Bay and The Neck. Keep in mind most campsites will be packed over summer (especially the Christmas/New Year period) so plan ahead, book where possible and consider waiting until February when campsites are not so full but the weather is still good. More details at freecampingtasmania.com and facebook.com/campingtasmania
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE BEACHES
The Neck on Bruny Island is one of the most recognisable sand dune views in Tasmania. This sliver of land connects north and south Bruny, and the recently upgraded lookout offers a superb 360 degree view of surrounding beaches.
Wineglass Bay is another of our most photographed beaches and the same can be said for the crystal clear waters and bold orange rocks of Bay of Fires.
The rich hues of Maria Island’s painted cliffs at Hopground Beach are another social media showstopper. The wild waters of Strahan’s Ocean Beach attract photographers, as do beaches in Stanley where The Nut looms in the background. The row of cute, colourful boatsheds that line Coningham Beach, near Snug, offer a fun stopover for snap-happy beachgoers, and boathouses at Cornelian Bay are equally picturesque.
BEST COASTAL WALKS
If you haven’t been to Crescent Bay yet, summer is the time to go. It’s a 40-minute walk from the Remarkable Cave carpark at Port Arthur but it’s worth the effort – a stunning beach faces Tasman Island and is cradled by towering dunes at least 70m high.
The Cape Hauy Track, also on the Tasman Peninsula, is another must-do experience – 4.4km each way, the track leads to the rugged cliffs featuring dolerite pillars known as the Candlestick and the Totem Pole, which are popular with rock-climbers and abseilers. Allow four hours for the round trip.
Closer to Hobart, there’s a great coastal walk around the headland from Seven Mile Beach to Roches Beach which offers impressive views of Frederick Henry Bay and is popular with joggers, cyclists and dog walkers.
Also check out the Clarence Foreshore Trail, a 14.5km track stretching from Geilston Bay to Howrah, with playgrounds, beaches and water views along the way.
More at greaterhobarttrails.com.au, greatwalkstasmania.com or parks.tas.gov.au
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