Approximately 75 kilometres (47 miles) along the Arthur Highway to the southeast of Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, is the outstanding Tasman Peninsula region. Famous for its rugged eastern coastline, the scenic Tasman National Park can be found here with monumental rock formations and the highest sea cliffs in Australia. To admire the spectacular coastal scenery the Tasman Peninsula offers, get on your feet and join one of the many bushwalks in the park and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. There are varying levels of bushwalks catering to visitors of all fitness levels so fret not if you aren’t a natural hiker! For beginners, read on to discover how you can enjoy a free gentle stroll by joining one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks along Waterfall Bay!
A picturesque welcome at the Tasman National Park
Just a short drive from a small fishing village called Dunalley, on Tasmania’s east coast, you will arrive at the amazing Tasman National Park. As you enter the picturesque park from Pirates Bay for a great walk, stop for a few moments to extend your arms out and embrace the welcoming fresh air. After breathing in the refreshing air in this lush forest, you should be very energised to embark on the easy 1.7 kilometre (1.05 miles) bushwalk for the next one hour or so!
Home to impressive coastal rock formations
As you walk along the gentle hill slopes, take your time to read the informative signboards giving detailed information on how the striking rock formations come about through wonderful works of Mother Nature. This way, you will appreciate the natural beauty of these incredible rock formations even better. Tasmans Arch, like what you see in the picture above, is what is left of the roof of a large sea cave or tunnel that was created by wave action over several thousands of years. Eventually, this arch will collapse due to the continual but slow process of erosion and form a Devil’s Kitchen, which you will get to view up close towards the end of the short walk.
Breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea
There are several lookouts from which you may marvel at the picturesque views looking out to the Tasman Sea while enjoying the cool stroll along Waterfall Bay. The beautiful sights of the coastline are bound to take your breath away! It doesn’t matter whether you are using the most sophisticated camera available in the market to take pictures here, because any random shot along the coast would look perfect. Feel reinvigorated while you immerse yourself in one of Tasmania’s most visited natural attractions!
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Check out the soaring sea cliffs
Over at Waterfall Bay, check out the soaring 300-metre-high (984 feet) dolerite sea cliffs offering spectacular views. The sea cliffs here are the highest in Australia. If you aren’t afraid of heights, try looking down to see if you can spot the bottom of the steep cliffs. A safety fence is installed at the edge of the walking trail so rest assured it is safe to look down. You may also check out the tumbling waterfall that plunges down the steep cliffs into the sea from the lookouts at this bay.
Walk along this scenic trail with your loved ones
As you can see from the picture above, the bushwalking trail in Tasman National Park is well-maintained yet does not disturb its natural landscape. No wonder the bushwalk at Waterfall Bay is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. Although you will be able to enjoy the splendid walk if you visit the park on your own, lovely activities like this will become much more memorable if you do it together with your significant other or buddies, won’t they? The thought of being able to share memories of the lovely walk together, later on, just makes this a lot more delightful!
A bushwalking experience you won't forget
It is little wonder why the Tasman Peninsula and its National Park are amongst the most popular natural tourist attractions in Tasmania. With a spectacular coastal environment located on Tasman Island, just 90 minutes’ drive away from Hobart, this is one destination you should not miss in Tasmania, especially if you are staying in the state’s capital for a few days. It will definitely be a convenient and unforgettable day trip out of the urban city for a free Tasmanian wilderness experience. Go experience a healthy and scenic tour by the wonderful bay soon!
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