Introduction
Leaving from Fortescue Bay, the Bivouac Bay trail hugs the beautiful rocky coastline of the Tasman National Park. Heading in the opposite direction from Cape Hauy, this lesser walked trail dodges a lot of the crowds and offers up a more relaxed walking experience. In summer, fantastic swimming and snorkeling is offered in each of the three bays passed throughout this walk, including a wreck dive at Canoe Bay.
This easy 10km return trail is a fantastic option for overnight beginners with toilet and camping facilities at Bivouac Bay. Alternatively it can be done as a 4 hour day walk. Take your time and enjoy the beautiful tranquility of this remarkable area.
Getting There
View Google Map Directions |
From Hobart head over the Tasman Bridge and continue on the Arthurs Highway (A9), turning right at the main intersection in Sorell (sign for Tasmanian Peninsula). Continue towards Port Arthur taking the first left after the Tasmanian Devil Park onto Fortescue Bay Road. This 12km gravel road leads to the Fortescue Bay camping area. The Bivouac Bay trail begins from Fortescue Bay day use area. |
The Trail
The trail begins at the visitor’s picnic area on the edge of Fortescue Bay Beach. From here we head north and traverse the full length of the stunning white beach. Once at the other end of the beach, the trail gently climbs through eucalyptus forest and skirts the coastline from above. For the next kilometre, the trail descends and climbs between the rocky coast and small coastal clifftops before reaching Canoe Bay.
At one hour in, Canoe Bay is a suitable spot to a short rest or long explore. Towards the middle of the bay the wreck of The William Pitt sunken in 1970, can be seen rusting upon the rocks. When visibility permits, this wreck is a remarkable snorkeling spot. Continuing on, the trail crosses Walker Creek via a suspension bridge and skirts the coast shortly before climbing inland towards Bivouac Bay. The trail here is lush with thick Blue Gum canopies and huge Tree ferns.
After some short and steep climbs the trail soon descends to the rocky inlet of Bivouac Bay. The bay is sheltered and ideal for camping with log seating, toilets and freshwater available via Bivouac Creek. Return to Fortescue Bay via the same track.
For those wishing to continue further, a trail continues from Bivouac Bay towards Waterfall Bay and after walking for 700m a lookout offering views across Fortescue Bay to Cape Hauy is reached on the high sea cliffs of Dolomieu Point.
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Basemap supplied by Land Information System Tasmania
Photos
