Near Hobart |
Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 5 km | Faces: East into the Derwent River | Length: 1 km
Original people: The Aboriginal Mouheneenner band lived in Cornelian Bay area for 8000 years – shell middens can still be seen at the top of the low cliffs of Cornelian Point (north), as well as other interesting geological features.
Cornelian Bay is close to Hobart with many attractions. While not recommended for swimming, it has great foreshore walks, an excellent playground, BBQ facilities and good amenities. It also backs onto an open oval for other activities. Great views of the bridge and river. Many birds often use the bay, including ducks and swans.
The Boathouse Restaurant and Kiosk have great meals and takeaways. Cornelian Bay is an ideal spot for a picnic with its large open grass areas.
Cornelian Bay was named by British navigator Lieutenant John Hayes in 1793. While exploring the Derwent River, Hayes came ashore and discovered numerous reddish, semi-precious carnelian stones (a variety of silica also called cornelian) on the beach, leading him to name the area after the gemstones.
