by Mickey Jarvis | Mar 9, 2024 | East Coast
Hazard Rating: 2-3/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 80 km | Faces: SE into Prosser Bay | Length: ~ 1km
Original people: The original inhabitants of the Orford area were the Paredarerme, also known as the Oyster Bay tribe. Historians estimate that they were the largest of the Tasmanian tribes. They tended to migrate inland during the warmer months but stayed on the coast in autumn and winter.
Raspins \ Orford Beach is just north of Orford on the east coast of Tasmania. A great beach – ideal for families, with views of Toarra-Marra-Monah (Maria Island).
It starts as ‘Raspins’ on the north end and blends into ‘Orford Beach’ to the south, ending at the Prosser Rivermouth. Toilets mid beach and good parking from several entry points along its length. Alas, although I spent many a summer camping here – that is no more – it is now only a day visit area with BBQ’s, park and walk areas. If lucky you may see a whale in Prosser Bay.
Originally named ‘North Beach’ it was renamed ‘Raspins Beach’ after a family who owned a farm opposite the beach. The farm was sold to become the golf club in 1957. Areas of the beach to the south are being regenerated and protected to encourage bird and fauna life including a bird sanctuary.
Orford comes from an English name made up of Old English – ‘ora’ (river bank) and ‘ford’ (river crossing), named after the Earl Orford.
Crossing the bridge to the south and following the Esplanade takes you to another small beach in the Prosser River – not sure what this is called but it is well protected and includes a floating pontoon to swim to.
by Mickey Jarvis | Mar 11, 2024 | East Coast
Near: Orford | Hazard Rating: 3/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 92 km | Faces: NE into Carrickfergus Bay | Length: 4 km
Original people: Paredarerme (Oyster Bay) tribe
Rheban is 12 km south of Orford on the east coast of Tasmania, the last few kilometres on a good dirt road. Named after an Irish castle.
A wonderful sweeping beach that wraps around a headland to the south. Views of Toarra-Marra-Monah (Maria Island) and a smaller island called Lachlan Island to the east. A quiet beach in a beautiful area, likely with little or no other people so you can have your very own area of beach. No amenities.
Somewhat protected by Maria Island. A wonderful beach that is little known and a bit out of the way – highly recommended for that reason.
by Mickey Jarvis | Mar 10, 2024 | East Coast, Low Hazard
East Coast | Hazard Rating: Low | Parking: Minimal | from Hobart: 82 km | Faces: North into Prosser Bay | Length: 900 m
Shelley Beach is made of West Shelley and East Shelley Beaches with a rocky outcrop in between. Entry on the west end is via Jetty Road and down a short dirt road, with limited parking and no amenities. The east end is accessed via East Shelley Road (shown as E Shelly Road on Google Maps). Again, there is limited parking and no amenities.
A nice beach but with limited access and surprisingly not many shells! Also confusion on the spelling (Shelly vs Shelley).
by Mickey Jarvis | Dec 28, 2023 | East Coast, Low Hazard
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 | Mar 11, 2024 | East Coast
Near: Orford | Hazard Rating: 4/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 85 km | Faces: NNE into Mercury Passage | Length: 1 km
Located 4 km south of Orford. This a popular beach, and rightly so – beautiful white sand and great views of Toarra-Marra-Monah (Maria Island).
A moderate gradient beach that sometimes gets small surf which can make it moderately hazardous and may also include rips.
The beach has ample parking, toilets and a BBQ area.
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.
