Eaglehawk Neck

What’s special about Eaglehawk Neck?

• It is an isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula.
• White sandy beaches, some of the best surf in Tasmania and dramatic sea cliffs.
• Spectacular dive sites including giant kelp forests and intriguing shipwreck sites.

The distinguishing feature of the landscape is its remarkable geology. At the neck itself you can visit the Tessellated Pavement, while a short drive south are the impressive coastal rock formations of the Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the Blowhole. The Totem Pole is an offshore favourite with rock climbers and kayakers. Take a cruise from Pirates Bay along some of the most dramatic coastline you’ll ever experience, through regions rich in seals, dolphins and penguins.

If diving is of interest, the towering dolerite and sandstone sea cliffs extend deep into the ocean, providing a wonderful array of caves and crevasses to explore. Tasmania’s temperate waters are renowned for their excellent visibility, adding to the magic of swimming amongst weedy sea dragons, sponges, fish, giant kelp forests and a wide variety of invertebrates. Waterfall Bay, in the Tasman National Park just south of the township, is also a dramatic place for bushwalking.

Its average maximum is 18.5 degrees Celsius (65.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 11.5 degrees Celsius (52.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.

More things to do:

Clydes Island
Pirates Bay Drive Lookout
Doo Town

The story of Eaglehawk Neck:

In colonial times the isthmus was guarded by ferocious dogs intended to ensure no convicts escaped the Port Arthur penal settlement. While little remains of the Eaglehawk Neck historic site, the infamous dogline has been marked by a bronze dog sculpture, and there’s a small museum in the former Officers Quarters.

Travel directions:

Eaglehawk Neck is approximately an hour’s drive (75 kilometres, or 46.5 miles) south-east of Hobart.