Eaglehawk Neck
Town
Population 267
Present-day Eaglehawk Neck is a pleasant fishing destination, speckled with small holiday retreats and striking scenery. Situated on the narrow isthmus between the Forestier and Tasman peninsulas, Eaglehawk Neck was the perfect natural prison gate for the convict settlement at Port Arthur. Few prisoners escaped by sea, so Eaglehawk Neck was essentially the only viable way out. The isthmus was guarded by soldiers and a line of ferocious tethered dogs. Most convicts knew not to bother, but William Hunt, convict and former strolling actor, tackled the isthmus in a kangaroo skin. As two guards took aim with their muskets, their efforts were cut short by a plaintive shout coming from the kangaroo, 'Don't shoot! It's only me – Billy Hunt!'
Visitor Information
Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur; (03) 6251 2310 or 1800 659 101
Nearby national parks
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Tasman National Park
Comprising a narrow coastal strip along the east and south of Forestier and Tasman peninsulas and several offshore islands, Tasman National...more -
Maria Island National Park
With a west coast characterised by gentle sloping hills and an east coast of towering cliffs dropping dramatically to the sea, Maria Island...more -
South Bruny National Park
Created in 1997, this beautiful national park takes in the massive dolerite sea cliffs around Bruny’s southern capes, with the highest...more
Nearby towns
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Port Arthur
This historic settlement on the scenic Tasman Peninsula was one of Australia's most infamous penal settlements from the 1830s to the 1870s....more -
Dunalley
A quaint fishing village, Dunalley is on the isthmus separating the Forestier and Tasman peninsulas from the mainland. Nearby is the...more -
Sorell
The south-eastern town of Sorell was founded in 1821, and was important in early colonial times for providing most of the state's grain....more
In Town
Bronze dog sculpture: marks the infamous dogline; access by short walking track off Arthur Hwy. Scuba diving: the area has a huge diversity of dive sites including the spectacular formations of Sisters Rocks, the 25 m high giant kelp forests, the seal colony at Hippolyte Rock, the SS Nord wreck and amazing sea-cave systems; Eaglehawk Dive Centre; bookings on (03) 6250 3566. Surfing: good surf beaches at Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay.
Nearby
Tasman National Park The major part of Tasman National Park is located on the Tasman Peninsula and has some of the most striking scenery in the state. Tasman Blowhole, Tasmans Arch and Devils Kitchen are the key attractions, occurring in rocks that are Permian in age (about 250 million years old). There are numerous walks throughout the park, the full track reaching from Eaglehawk Neck to Fortescue Bay, and there are fantastic shorter walks to Tasmans Arch, Waterfall Bay and Patersons Arch. Check with visitor centre for details or contact Parks & Wildlife on 1300 135 513.
Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck is surrounded by magnificent natural formations, but the tessellated pavement is one of the more unusual spectacles; the rocks appear to have been neatly tiled, but the effect is entirely natural. Earth movements have fractured the pavement over the years. 1 km N.
Pirates Bay Lookout: views across the bay, past the eastern side of Eaglehawk Neck to the massive coastal cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula; 1.5 km N. Doo Town: holiday town in which most of the houses bear names with variations of 'doo'; 3 km S. Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park: animal-rescue centre for native fauna including Tasmanian devils, quolls, eagles, wallabies, owls and wombats. There is a 1.5 km bird trail and free flight bird show, Kings of the Wind, as well as displays on the supposedly extinct thylacine (Tasmanian tiger); Arthur Hwy, Taranna; 12 km S. Federation Chocolate: chocolate factory with free tastings and historical museum; South St, Taranna; 10 km SW.
Fishing spots near town
Twin Lakes 37 km
I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out moreThe Springs 50 km
Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out moreSalmon Ponds 83 km
Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out moreArthurs Lake 143 km
Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out moreLake River 144 km
‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out moreBronte System 149 km
Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out moreGreat Lake 154 km
A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out moreLittle Pine Lagoon 157 km
Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out moreSt Helens 190 km
Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Diving in Fortescue Bay 14 km
One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out moreSalamanca Market 50 km
With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out moreIsland Cycle Tours 51 km
This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out moreMount Wellington Walks 58 km
You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out moreLiving History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 71 km
Set in a former Methodist church that had strong ties with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this little museum near Cygnet showcases Indigenous history, artefacts, art and bush tucker. It is generally open on weekends... Find out moreTahune AirWalk 98 km
Located 29 kilometres from Geeveston, this unashamed public relations exercise for Forestry Tasmania starts on the serpentine drive out to the AirWalk, where signs clearly state when an area was last logged. There are... Find out moreFreycinet Adventures 104 km
One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out moreDiving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 131 km
Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out moreTamar Island 187 km
This important wetland habitat just 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston features a great bird-viewing hide, 3.2 kilometres of easy walking tracks and an interpretation centre.... Find out moreTrowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 205 km
One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Royal Hobart Golf Club 39 km
Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out moreTasmania Golf Club 41 km
The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out moreBarnbougle Dunes Links 227 km
Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out moreBarnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 228 km
When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
The vast proportions of this Art Deco hotel’s dining room hark back to the days of grand balls and dinner dances. The panoramic ocean view remains spectacular but the crowds are gone and the atmosphere of the hotel... Find out more
One of the best eateries in Tasmania, this cafe-restaurant makes the most of what it has – a waterfront location on tranquil Norfolk Bay – to create scintillating flavour-driven dishes using the freshest... Find out more
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 161 km
Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out moreNearby breweries
Cascade Brewery 53 km
It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out moreMoo Brew 59 km
With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out moreTwo Metre Tall Company 85 km
Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out moreIron House Brewery 164 km
When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out moreBoag's (J.Boag & Son) 188 km
With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out moreCampsites around town
Bivouac Bay campsite (walk-in camping) 12 km
This beautiful bay is a 2 hr hike north from Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Coastal Trail, following the coastline along beaches and over steep-sided headlands. The views are worth the effort and the campsite is in a very... Find out morePort Arthur Caravan And Cabin Park 14 km
Although this park is big, each spacious campsite is screened with shrubs so it feels sheltered and private. Visit Port Arthur Historic Site (1 km along the road, or take the walking track along Stewart’s Beach),... Find out moreFortescue Bay Campground 14 km
A few steps from the sun, sand and surf of lovely Fortescue Bay, this camping area is a popular summer destination and bookings are necessary for peak times. There are 2 groups of sites – 40 in all – tucked... Find out moreWhite Beach Tourist Park 18 km
If you’re travelling with the family and a boat, this park is ideal. It’s on a safe swimming beach and there’s every amenity you’ll need, from the laundry and kiosk to the playground and rec room.... Find out moreLime Bay camping area 19 km
On the secluded north-east tip of Tasman Peninsula, this peaceful campground is near the 1833 Coal Mines Historic Site, where Port Arthur’s most hardened convicts were sent for punishment. Among the still-visible... Find out moreEncampment Cove camping area 41 km
This very remote campsite overlooking Chinamans Bay and McRaes Isthmus is a 13 km 4 hr hike south of Darlington. Although there are is no jetty access, it is often used by boating parties. ... Find out moreFrenchs Farm camping area 42 km
Camping areas here are in the cleared paddocks around an old farmhouse at the northern end of remote Chinamans Bay, 11 km south of Darlington, but be prepared for a 3 hr hike to get there. If you’re on a bike, the... Find out moreDarlington Campground (walk-in camping) 50 km
Although it might be peaceful during the day, this large grassy campground between Darlington Penitentiary and Bernacchi Creek comes alive at night, when it’s a top spot for wildlife-watching. The campground is a... Find out moreBruny Island Neck camping area 57 km
The Neck is a narrow sandy isthmus joining north and south Bruny, with a great lookout, a penguin colony and a surf beach. The camping area is among trees behind the dunes at the more sheltered southern end of the beach.... Find out moreCygnet Holiday Park 71 km
Cygnet is the Huon Valley’s top foodie destination and accommodation can be hard to find at peak times. On top of that, each Jan thousands of music lovers come to town for Cygnet’s lively summer folk... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Port Arthur Holiday Park 14 km
This is a high-quality park with good facilities, close to the beach. The area is popular for surfing, fishing and bushwalking and is a good base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out moreWhite Beach Tourist Park 18 km
This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out moreBarilla Holiday Park 44 km
This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... Find out moreSnug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park 54 km
A quality seaside park south of Hobart, this place is tourist oriented and has good facilities at a good price. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreTreasure Island Caravan Park 59 km
Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out moreNew Norfolk Caravan Park 75 km
Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreRoss Caravan Park 115 km
Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBicheno East Coast Holiday Park 131 km
This is a good quality tourist park with a larger number of sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over public holidays.... Find out moreWayatinah Lakeside Caravan Park 136 km
This is a neat lakeside park with basic facilities at a budget price and suitable for a night or two. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
This iconic 1948 Art Deco hotel in one of Tasmania’s most popular holiday destinations has been a favourite for generations, and with wild ocean coastlines, tall forests and Tasmania’s fascinating history all... Find out more
This group of modern A-frame cabins is in a lovely spot looking out over Norfolk Bay, with views of an island where semaphore messages used to be bounced between Hobart and Port Arthur in convict times. Each cabin has... Find out more
Before this waterfront homestead became the first inn in the district it was the loading station for Port Arthur’s convict-powered railway supply line, which used to run goods and people over five hilly miles to... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 61 km
Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out moreCurringa Farm 106 km
Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out moreRainbow Retreat 163 km
The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out moreWaldheim Cabins 224 km
You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out moreCradle Mountain Lodge 228 km
Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out moreMountain Valley, Loongana 240 km
Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out moreRest areas around town
Murdunna Park Area 9 km
Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out moreFortescue Bay Camp Area 14 km
T/O 15 km S of Eaglehawk Neck (L) or 4 km N of Port Arthur (R) Large campground located 12 kilometres east of the highway in a natural bush setting near the foreshore in Tasman National Park. Good facilities and shade.... Find out moreDunalley Park Area 17 km
South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out moreRaspins Beach Park Area 52 km
1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out moreNew Norfolk Park Area 75 km
Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 46.653 E147 04.256... Find out moreLittle Swanport Rest Area 76 km
21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out moreKempton Camp Area 80 km
South end of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 31.940 E147 12.112... Find out moreMayfield Bay Camp Area 87 km
34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out moreGretna Park Area 89 km
Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway next to the sports oval and fire station. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 40.711 E146 56.161 ... Find out moreOatlands Rest Area 92 km
North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out moreSpikey Beach Park Area 93 km
42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000 ... Find out moreCressy Beach Park Area 95 km
44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out moreSt Peters Pass Rest Area 96 km
8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317 ... Find out moreSwansea Park Area 99 km
South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out morePub with no Beer Rest Area 101 km
3 km SE of Bothwell (R) or 18 km NW of Midland Hwy (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 23.293 E147 02.645 ... Find out moreHamilton Rest Area 103 km
Middle of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the Clyde River. Good facilities including laundry (key from council offices with deposit). Limited shade. GPS: S42 33.571 E146 49.859... Find out moreColes Bay Camp Area 104 km
T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 29 kilometres south of highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available. GPS: S42 07.435 E148 17.810 ... Find out moreMoulting Lagoon Camp Area 107 km
T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 22 kilometres south of highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.213 E148 13.986... Find out moreBethune Camp Area 111 km
T/O 7 km SE of Ouse (R) or 7 km NW of Hamilton (L) Large grassed area 2.3 kilometres south-west of the highway via Dawson Road. NOTE: Self-contained vehicles only. GPS: S42 32.135 E146 43.837... Find out moreOuse Rest Area 115 km
East side of town Large grassed area adjacent to the highway at Grace Nicholson Apex Park. Limited shade and facilities. GPS: S42 29.125 E146 42.859... Find out moreRoss Park Area 115 km
South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out moreFriendly Beach Camp Area 118 km
T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Small camp area located 14 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.533 E148 17.096 ... Find out moreBlackburn Creek Rest Area 126 km
29 km SE of Miena (R) or 27 km NW of Bothwell (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 10.356 E146 54.285... Find out moreCampbell Town Rest Area 126 km
South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out moreLagoon of Islands Rest Area 129 km
T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out moreBicheno Park Area 131 km
North side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. GPS: S41 52.265 E148 17.742... Find out moreDenison Beach Rest Area 135 km
6 km N of Bicheno (R) or 51 km S of Scamander (L) Very small secluded area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub near the foreshore. GPS: S41 49.639 E148 15.901... Find out moreConara Rest Area 138 km
11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out morePumphouse Bay Camp Area 143 km
T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out moreNive River Rest Area 144 km
44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more