Tasman National Park

Jutting into the Tasman Sea on the southeastern tip of the Tasman Peninsula, Tasman National Park is a wild and dramatic coastline of towering sea cliffs, natural stone arches, and the iconic Tessellated Pavement. This is where the land meets the ocean with breathtaking force — a place for walkers, wildlife watchers, and anyone who wants to feel the raw power of nature. The park is easily accessible from Hobart (about a 1.5-hour drive) and makes a superb day trip or a longer exploration of the Peninsula's convict history and coastal beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Tessellated Pavement — a remarkable flat rock platform that looks like a man-made tiled floor, formed by natural fractures in the rock. Best viewed at low tide.
• Remarkable Cave — a sea cave carved through a headland, with a viewing platform that offers dramatic ocean views. The name comes from the cave's resemblance to Tasmania's shape.
• Waterfall Bay & Tatnells Lookout — a short, easy walk leads to a lookout perched above the sheer cliffs of Waterfall Bay, where a waterfall plunges directly into the sea.
• Fossil Bay & The Lanterns — a coastal walk passing through remnant forest and along clifftops to views of the Lanterns, a cluster of offshore islets that are home to fur seals and seabirds.
• Eaglehawk Neck — the narrow isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the mainland, historically guarded by a line of dogs to prevent convict escapes. Don't miss the nearby Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen.
• Wildlife spotting — keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles, peregrine falcons, and from the water, dolphins and migrating whales (May–December).

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully appreciate the park's highlights, plan for at least a full day. Start early with the Tessellated Pavement and Remarkable Cave, then tackle one of the longer coastal walks like the Cape Hauy track (4–5 hours return) for epic views of the Totem Pole and Candlestick sea stacks. If you're short on time, a half-day will cover the key lookouts and short walks, but you'll want to linger. The park is also a perfect stop on a multi-day Tasman Peninsula itinerary that includes Port Arthur Historic Site.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Arthur Historic Site — Australia's most famous convict settlement, just a 15-minute drive from the park. Combine history with nature for a rich day out.
• Eaglehawk Neck & the Dog Line — a short detour to see the natural rock formations (Tasman Arch, Blowhole, Devil's Kitchen) and learn about the convict escape route.
• Fortescue Bay — a beautiful sandy beach within the park, ideal for swimming, camping, and starting the challenging walk to Cape Hauy.
• Hobart — the vibrant capital city, 90 minutes away, with its markets, MONA museum, and Mount Wellington backdrop.
• Bruny Island — a ferry ride from Kettering (south of Hobart) offers rugged coastlines, gourmet food, and the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve.

Please check official sources for current details.