by Mickey Jarvis | Mar 7, 2026 | East Coast
Maria Island is accessed by ferry from Triabunna. The ferry lands at Hopground Beach on the northern end of Maria Island.
A picturesque beach with white sand and views of Mt Bishop & Clerk. The beach was named after the hop fields cultivated there during the first convict settlement period in the early 19th century.
A place of great beauty with no hotels, shops, or internet access. The whole of Maria Island is steeped in history and remains largely unchanged. Interesting bird life and fauna exist all over the island.
Not far from the jetty is penitentiary accommodation and a campground. Basic bunk accommodation is available in the old penitentiary at Darlington, as well as free camping at several sites around the island.
Maria Island has a long and rich history, going back well before the colonial era. Remnants from the Aboriginal people of the Tyreddeme clan of the Oyster Bay tribe can still be seen today. In 1642, the island was named by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman after Maria van Diemen (née van Aelst), wife of Anthony van Diemen, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies in Batavia.
by Mickey Jarvis | Mar 18, 2023 | East Coast, Surf
Marion Bay past Sorell |
Hazard Rating: 5/10 | Parking: OK | from Hobart: 52 km | Length: 8 km | Faces: East into Marion Bay / Tasman Sea
Original People: Pydarerme / Paredarerme
A long secluded beach in a beautiful area on the east coast of Tasmania.
The beach is accessed via Marion Bay Road. Access to the beach is a 100 – 200 m walk from the car park. Basic amenities include toilets.
The north end has 5 more beaches – Woody, Eagles, Shelly, Pine Creek and Bluff beaches – all have limited access mainly from tracks.
Bream Creek is parallel to the beach, which sometimes joins up with the sea. Fishing is good from the beach or creek behind.
Named after a French explorer Marion du Fresne, a ship captain who explored in 1772. Views of Maria Island to the northeast and a small island called Visscher Island to the southeast.
The beach sometimes has minor surf but a well-known surf break on the southern end called ‘Boneyard’ is considered one of Australia’s best right-handers when working.
by Mickey Jarvis | Jan 17, 2024 | Channel, Low Hazard, South
Hazard Rating: 1/10 | Parking: Yes | from Hobart: 70 km | Faces: South into Randalls Bay | Length: 250 m
My very own beach! … Mickeys Beach is a hidden gem of a beach at the bottom of the Channel Highway between Randalls Beach and Eggs & Bacon beach.
Down a dirt road off Randalls Road easily accessible by all vehicles, about 300m. A short walk down to the beach.
If you wanted to find a small, well protected and secluded beach hidden away – this would be it. Beautiful sand and backed by a wonderful forest. No amenities, but hey, you cannot have everything. Definitely worth a visit.
by Mickey Jarvis | Jan 14, 2024 | Channel, Low Hazard, South
Hazard Rating: 1/10 | Parking: Good + close | Faces: East into D’Entrecasteaux Channel | Length: 400m
Original people: | Nuenonne
An unknown beach off the Channel Highway, Middleton. Secluded with a gradual foreshore.
Located down Beach Road and Esplanade Road it has small playground. Views of Bruny Island.
The name Middleton is believed to be derived from the wife of an early settler.
by Mickey Jarvis | Mar 10, 2024 | East Coast
Orford on the East Coast |
Hazard Rating: 2-3/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 80 km | Faces: East into Prosser Bay | Length: 1km
Milligtons Beach is on the south side of the bridge in Orford and is effectively a continuation of Raspins\Orford Beach after you cross the Prosser Rivermouth.
A quiet, somewhat unknown beach to visit with a park called ‘Our Park‘ close to the beach with toilets and BBQs.
You can access the beach via the playground or further south via Rudd Avenue.
Named after Harold Millington, who built a house near the beach in 1925 – currently available for overnight stays at Millingtons House.
