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Eaglehawk Neck

Eaglehawk Neck, Melissa Krafchek

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

  • 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

  • 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 more


The 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 more


Salmon 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 more


Arthurs 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 more


Lake 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 more


Bronte 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 more


Great 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 more


Little 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 more


St 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 more


Eco-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 more


Salamanca 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 more


Island 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 more


Mount 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 more


Living 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 more


Tahune 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 more


Freycinet 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 more


Diving 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 more


Tamar 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 more


Trowunna 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 more


Golf 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 more


Tasmania 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 more


Barnbougle 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 more


Barnbougle 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 more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Eaglehawk Cafe & Guesthouse

The country-style cafe in this two-storey weatherboard guesthouse has all the seasons covered, with a sunny atrium dining area as well as cosy wood fires perfect for Tasmania’s chilly winter. Their food is inspired... Find out more


The Lufra Hotel

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


The Mussel Boys

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 more


Nearby 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 more


Moo 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 more


Two 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 more


Iron 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 more


Boag'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 more


Campsites 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 more


Port 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 more


Fortescue 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 more


White 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 more


Lime 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 more


Encampment 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 more


Frenchs 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 more


Darlington 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 more


Bruny 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 more


Cygnet 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 more


Caravan 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 more


White 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 more


Barilla 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 more


Snug 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 more


Treasure 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 more


New 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 more


Ross 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 more


Bicheno 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 more


Wayatinah 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 more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Eaglehawk Cafe & Guesthouse

Facing the sheltered bay on the inside of ‘the neck’, the two-storey 1929 Shipwrights House is in the centre of the Tasman Peninsula’s scenic action. Travel east to vertigo-inducing cliff-top lookouts,... Find out more


Lufra Hotel

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


Four Seasons Holiday Cottages

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


Norfolk Bay Convict Station

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 more


Curringa 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 more


Rainbow 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 more


Waldheim 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 more


Cradle 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 more


Mountain 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 more


Rest 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 more


Fortescue 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 more


Dunalley 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 more


Raspins 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 more


New 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 more


Little 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 more


Kempton 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 more


Mayfield 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 more


Gretna 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 more


Oatlands 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 more


Spikey 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 more


Cressy 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 more


St 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 more


Swansea 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 more


Pub 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 more


Hamilton 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 more


Coles 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 more


Moulting 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 more


Bethune 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 more


Ouse 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 more


Ross 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 more


Friendly 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 more


Blackburn 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 more


Campbell 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 more


Lagoon 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 more


Bicheno Park Area 131 km

North side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. GPS: S41 52.265 E148 17.742... Find out more


Denison 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 more


Conara 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 more


Pumphouse 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 more


Nive 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


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