Narrow gateway to the Tasman Peninsula

Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania

A practical guide to Eaglehawk Neck’s convict site, tessellated pavement and exposed coastal lookouts.

By Our Tasmania Editorial

Officers’ Quarters at Eaglehawk Neck Historic Site — The 1832 building survives from the military settlement at the neck.Debra Widdicombe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eaglehawk Neck is the narrow land connection between the Forestier and Tasman peninsulas. Convict-era surveillance and powerful coastal geology occupy the same small district.

The military barrier

The Officers’ Quarters, built in 1832, survives from a settlement intended to stop convicts escaping by land. The site interprets the barracks, semaphore and dog line without requiring a national parks pass.

Tessellated Pavement at Eaglehawk Neck — Natural jointing creates the pavement pattern on an exposed shore platform.Gary Houston, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Coastal geology

Tessellated Pavement is reached by a short track, but its rock platform is exposed to waves. Tasmans Arch, Devils Kitchen and Waterfall Bay use separate roads and parking areas.

Close view of the tessellated rock pattern — Wet rock and waves make close viewing hazardous.Gary Houston, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Slow the itinerary

Allow at least half a day and check weather, track and road notices. Combine the neck with Tasman National Park or Port Arthur, rather than treating every lookout as one quick stop.

Sources and further reading

Archived topic reference: Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania · Internet Archive
Eaglehawk Neck Historic Site · Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Tasman National Park · Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Tasman Council · Tasman Council

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