Hazard Rating: 2/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 116 km | Faces: Southeast | Length: 2 km
Recherche Bay includes Gillams, Finns and Lancasters beaches, a group of beaches on the way to Cockle Creekâall great beaches in a serene area with campgrounds on the nonbeach side of the road.
Recherche Bay (pronounced ‘research’) was named after one of Bruni d’Entrecasteaux’s ships which explored the area in 1792. More fascinating information can be found here. Turn right before Southport towards Hastings. At the end, you travel about 20 km on a good dirt road of no concern for any vehicle.
Congratulations to Parks and Wildlife for a soft touch on the area that has kept its beauty and still allows camping.
Hazard Rating: 7/10 | Parking: 400 m | from Hobart: 106 km | Faces: South West | Length: 900 m
Original Name: Turrakana, the homeland of the Pydairrerme (Tasman Peninsula’s Aboriginal people)
A spectacular beach not far from Nubeena known for its surf breaks and sand dunes.
A 400 m walk from the car park to the beach, you will find an outstanding beach with beautiful sand surrounded by sand dunes.
Often having great surf, it is an isolated beach that even non-surfers would love to visit. Swimming is not recommended for kids or poor swimmers because of surf, rips and its extreme location.
Views of Wedge Island. Several beaches in Tasmania are called ‘Roaring’ but this is the most well-known.
South of Port Arthur | Hazard Rating: 2-3/10 | Parking: Limited | from Hobart: 96 km | Faces: East | Length: 1.6 km
Original Name: Turrakana, the homeland of the Pydairrerme (Tasman Peninsula’s Aboriginal people)
Safety Cove Beach is about 4 km south of Port Arthur – down Safety Cove Road (on the way to Remarkable Cave).
A stunning long beach with usually calm waters ideal for families and kids (but it can depend on the wind, weather and swells on the day). Secluded, generally unknown (except to the locals), a great beach for swimming, fishing or a walk. Oh, and don’t forget the spectacular views of the west coast of Cape Pillar and glimpses of Tasman Island and the southern ocean.
Mainly accessed from the north end but access is also available at the south end down Dog Bark Road. This will take you past the most fantastic display of old tractors I have ever seen – worth a look!.
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!
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.
Hazard Rating: 1/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 90 km | Faces: Southeast-ish into Ladies Bay | Length: 500 m
Original Name: Turrakana, the homeland of the Pydairrerme (Tasman Peninsula’s Aboriginal people)
Stewarts Bay is located near Port Arthur between Garden and Fryingpan points. Well-protected, the beach is ideal for families and kids.
A must-visit if you are in the area, not usually too busy with great views. My friend Christine grew up here and describes it as a positive and pivotal part of growing up in the area. Alberry Creek enters into the bay for a safe paddling area. Access to the beach to launch small boats and kayaks, etc.
There is a park area for a picnic with nearby toilets.