by Mickey Jarvis | May 5, 2024 | Low Hazard, South East, Tasman Peninsula
Hazard Rating: 1/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 87 km | Faces: North into Norfolk Bay | Length: 200 m
Original Name: Turrakana, the homeland of the Pydairrerme (Tasman Peninsula’s Aboriginal people)
Shelly Beach Koonya faces north into Norfolk Bay and is one of the few accessible beaches along this coastline (due to private ownership of beach access).
A small isolated and protected beach that is great for a private visit to a little out-of-the-way beach. Cliffs to explore, snorkeling, swimming, great views and fishing maybe?
Access via Shelly Beach Road off Nubeena Road about 4-5 km from the Taranna turnoff – you will not experience any crowds here!
by Mickey Jarvis | Dec 28, 2023 | Low Hazard, South Arm Road
SOUTH ARM | Hazard Rating: 1/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 51 km | Faces: North East into Ralphs Bay | Length: 1.5 km
One of many ‘Shelly Beaches’ in Tasmania. Shelly Beach South Arm is on the eastern side of the arm north of Opossum Bay opposite Mitchells beach on the west. Well protected and not very well known about. A tidal shallow beach with rocky outcrops, bird life and of course… lots of shells (and seaweed), interesting to explore.
Access via Driftwood and Bangor Roads, ignore sign saying no access to Arm End, this does not apply to the beach. Good parking right above beach but no facilities. Dog friendly and ideal for a long walk along a secluded beach. Also has shore based boat ramp.
by Mickey Jarvis | Apr 28, 2024 | Low Hazard, South East, Tasman Peninsula
Hazard Rating: 2/10 | Parking: Good & close | from Hobart: 105 km | Faces: West into Crooked Billet Bay | Length: 3.5 km
Original Name: Turrakana, the homeland of the Pydairrerme (Tasman Peninsula’s Aboriginal people)
A beautiful sweeping beach facing west, ideal for kids due to its protection from the weather. Several entry points along its shore.
Nearby interesting areas to explore such as the coal mines and other historical sites. To get there – turn off at Premaydena, up Saltwater River Road and turn left at Gwandalan Road (about 10 km). The last part is on a good dirt road.
Named after the island to the northwest – Sloping Island (which has a sloping profile), it is also known as Slopen – the name of a farmer Joshua Slopen who had a farm in the area – as both names sound the same in Aussie vernacular no one can tell the difference – so who cares!
Often has great sunsets and there is camping at nearby Lime Bay. Also referred to Nettie Beach on Google Maps? Toilets at the south end.
by Mickey Jarvis | Feb 27, 2025 | East Coast, Low Hazard, St Helens
Near: St Helens | from Hobart: 250 km | Launceston: 175 km
Hazard Rating: 1/10 | Parking: Good + close | Faces: into Georges Bay | Length: 4 km
Stieglitz Beach is situated in Georges Bay on St Helens Point Road. A safe beach to swim at with good parking and facilities along its length.
A playground, toilets and BBQ facilities ideal for small kids. Great bird life, including pelicans and swans.
Stieglitz Beach was named after an early pioneer family named von Stieglitz who lived in the area in 1855.
by Mickey Jarvis | Feb 23, 2025 | Bay of Fires, East Coast
Near: Bay of Fires & St Helens: |Hazard Rating: 5/10 | Parking: Okay | Faces: East into Tasman Sea | Length: 1.5 km
Swimcart Beach is a long sweeping beach north of St Helens & Binalong Bay and part of the Bay of Fires.
Pure white sand, beautiful crystal clear blue water and stunning rock formations often covered in a bright orange lichen.
Swimcart has north and south sections divided by Swimcart Lagoon which is often blocked from the sea.
- Swimcart North extends 250m South of Old Man Rocks to Swimcart Lagoon and
- Swimcart South goes south\south east for 1.2 km from Swimcart Lagoon to Round Hill Point.
A popular beach for camping, swimming, snorkeling and surf fishing. The beach sometimes has small surf with the occasional possibility of better waves. The beach can be potentially dangerous to swim at, so as usual, match you and your family’s swimming ability with the conditions.
There are great campsites for every type of vehicle – camper, caravan, motor home, tent etc… many sites are right on the beach. Camping is free with a maximum stay of 28 days. No water is available and fires are banned. The site is managed by Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.
Basic toilets including some wheelchair access. Entry is from two roads off Gardens Road, one to the south of the lagoon and the other to the north which shares its entry road with Cosy Corner.
Swimcart was named after an Aboriginal word that means ‘river with plenty of fish’.
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