Destination's Journey

Category: Tasmania

  • Amazing Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula

    Amazing Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula

    Amazing Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula

    The rugged Tasmanian coastline lends itself to the formation of amazing geological sites, with many grouped together on the Tasman Peninsula.

    Tessellated Pavement

    Best accessed at low tide, the tessellated pavement at Eaglehawk Neck resembles human-made pavement. During our visit it was raining, and the tide was still going out, but we were still able to walk over most of the pavement.

    A tessellated pavement is formed near the shore when fractures in the rock are eroded, forming polygons. These formations are rare, and the one at Eaglehawk Neck is one of the best examples found worldwide.

    Accessing the pavement is via a staircase which leads from a carpark via a viewing platform. When walking on the rocks, be careful because the algae that grows on them is very slippery.

    A café located above the carpark was a great place to have a coffee and something to eat to escape the rain once we had explored.

    • Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
      Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck
    • Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
      Tessellated Pavement Eaglehawk Neck

    Tasman Arch

    Once a sea cave whose roof has collapsed, Tasman Arch forms an amazing natural arch over the rocks and sea below. A large carpark provides easy access to the area and a walking track allows you to walk around both sides. Viewing is great from the safety of the surrounding fence, so don’t climb them, the cliffs are very high.

    Tasman Arch Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
    Tasman Arch

    The Blow Hole

    Only a short drive from Tasman Arch the Blow Hole is another collapsed sea cave. When the sea is rough, or the tide is high, water is sprayed high into the air. A nearby carpark provides easy access to the blowhole, which is only a short walk away.

    The Blowhole Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula
    The Blowhole

    Remarkable Cave

    A narrow sea cavern, Remarkable Cave looks spectacular at low and high tide.

    Steps lead down to the cave from the large carpark. On the way down, there are several places where you can admire the views. From the platform, the long thin cavern is amazing, and you can watch the waves wash in, while you remain safe and dry.

    A viewing platform near the carpark provides views of the rugged coastline surrounding the area.

    • Coastal View at Remarkable Cave
      Coastal View at Remarkable Cave
    • Stairs Down to Remarkable Cave
      Stairs Down to Remarkable Cave
    • Remarkable Cave
      Remarkable Cave
    • Remarkable Cave
      Remarkable Cave

    What Did We Think of the Amazing Geological Sites on the Tasman Peninsula?

    Tasmania’s natural beauty is a major drawcard for tourists and the Tasman Peninsula has some excellent examples. These amazing sites are accessible without difficult walks, enabling people to see some of nature’s wonders. All of them were great to see and highly recommended.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Cape Raoul Track Tasmania

    Cape Raoul Track Tasmania

    Cape Raoul Track Tasmania

    Getting There

    Located in the south-western section of the Tasman Peninsula, the Cape Raoul Track has a large carpark and toilet facilities at the trailhead. There are no facilities on the track, so take all of the food water and spare clothing you will need. Weather in Tasmania changes quickly, so be prepared for cold windy conditions as well as rain and possibly sunshine.

    The Track

    A disinfecting boot wash at the trail head prevents invasive bacteria infecting the national park, so ensure you use it correctly. Rising gently, the track makes its way through tall eucalypt forest before reaching a junction to Ship Stern Bluff Lookout.

    • Boardwalk At the Start of the Cape Raoul Track
      Boardwalk At the Start of the Track
    • Large Trees in the Open Forest Cape Raoul Track
      Large Trees in the Open Forest
    • Chair not far From the Start of the Track
      Chair not far From the Start of the Track

    Ship Stern Bluff Lookout

    At this point, you can either take a 30-minute return detour or continue on the main track. We chose the detour, knowing that we would be too tired to attempt it on our return. The views at the lookout are amazing, but not as spectacular as those along the main track.

    • Signpost to Shipstern Bluff
      Signpost to Shipstern Bluff
    • Shipstern Bluff Lookout
      Shipstern Bluff Lookout

    Cape Raoul Lookout

    Only ten minutes past the intersection to Ship Stern Bluff, the first lookout provides a glimpse of the amazing views on offer. From here the coastline to Cape Raoul is visible, giving you an idea of how far you have to go.

    • View From Cape Raoul Lookout
      View From Cape Raoul Lookout
    • View of Cape Raoul From the Lookout
      View of Cape Raoul From the Lookout

    Descending to the Plateau

    Descending to the plateau takes you through dense forest. Although the grade from the top to bottom is very steep, the track uses switch backs to limit the grade. This is the steepest section of the track and the one we found hardest on the return walk. We had regular stops to catch our breath, we were surprised how quickly it was to get back to the top of this section.

    • Track Descending Through Dense Growth Trees Cape Raoul Track
      Track Descending Through Dense Growth Trees
    • Steps Going Up on the Return Trip
      Steps Going Up on the Return Trip

    Cape Raoul Plateau

    Once of the plateau, the topography flattens out, making the walk much easier. On this windswept area, the vegetation is hardy coastal banksia around 2m high. The closer you get to the cape, the smaller the vegetation, until only ankle high bushes are growing.

    The trail starts as a cleared path but is replaced by boardwalk as the vegetation becomes more prone to damage by hikers. This certainly makes walking easier.

    • Track Through Low Coastal Banksia Scrub
      Track Through Low Coastal Banksia Scrub
    • Boardwalk on the Plateau Cape Raoul Track
      Boardwalk on the Plateau
    • Small Pond on the Plateau
      Small Pond on the Plateau

    Cape Raoul

    On reaching Cape Raoul, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of sheer dolerite cliffs and crashing waves. At this point, we decided to have lunch while admiring the views before walking a little further to view the seals.

    • Dolerite at Cape Raoul
      Dolerite at Cape Raoul
    • Dolerite Cliff Face
      Crashing Waves and Dolerite Cliff Face
    • Dolerite Cliff Face
      Dolerite Cliff Face

    Seal Rock Lookout

    Only a five-minute walk from the main lookout, the seal lookout not only gives even better views, but you also get to see seals. The signpost also conveniently tells you that it is a 3 hour walk back to the car park.

    From this point, the dolerite forms a narrow but high spine running into the ocean which look amazing. Looking carefully at the base of the cliff, the white section is a seal colony, but without binoculars you may not see them. The photo below was taken using a 300mm zoom lens and you can only just see them.

    • Sign Post
      Sign Post
    • Cape Raoul
      Cape Raoul
    • Dolerite at Cape Raoul
      Dolerite at Cape Raoul
    • Dolerite at Cape Raoul
      Dolerite at Cape Raoul
    • Seal Colony on the Rocks at Cape Raoul
      Seal Colony on the Rocks at Cape Raoul

    What Did We Think

    This was an amazing walk, which took us over four and a half hours to walk the 14km return track. With the track recently upgraded and more sections undergoing repairs while we were there, it was fun to walk. Remember to take plenty of water, warm clothes, high energy snacks and be prepared for a weather change. Although the weather may be pleasant when you start it may change drastically while you walk.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Coal Mines Historical Site Tasmania

    Coal Mines Historical Site Tasmania

    Coal Mines Historical Site

    The location of Tasmania’s first operational mine, the Coal Mines Historical Site, is now part of a World Heritage listed site where the ruins form a reminder of the past. Interpretive signs throughout the site not only describe the buildings use, but provide an insight into life there, by describing the lives of individual convicts.

    With the discovery of coal in the area in 1833 mining commenced, producing coal locally, rather than import it from New South Wales. Serving as a place of punishment for repeat offending convicts from Port Arthur, the mine operated for 40 years before closing.

    The Site

    Two entrances to the site allow access to either the main settlement, or the old mine shaft. Walking tracks connect the two areas, so it doesn’t matter which you go to if you intend walking. Entry to the site is free. We chose the main settlement to start at, because it has excellent introductory signs and toilet facilities. The larger ruins are also located here, so if you only want to see them and not the entire site, this is the place to start.

    As you can see from the photos, the majority of the buildings have been damaged by bushfires, the weather and vandals over the last 150 years. The remaining walls are still interesting to see, as they stand on a small rise overlooking bushland.

    Walking from the main settlement, we passed the military barracks and commanding officer’s quarters. From here, the track steepens as you walk uphill to the signal station, where we could not see any remains.

    Our last stop was the main shaft, which was surrounded by a fence. This was a large depression maybe 10m deep and 20m across, but the shaft itself it filled in, so there was nothing to see.

    • Visitor Information as You Enter the Site
      Visitor Information at the Entrance
    • Information on the Heritage Site
      Information on the Heritage Site
    • Ruins of the Main Settlement Coal Mines Historical Site
      Ruins of the Main Settlement
    • Ruins of the Main Settlement
      Ruins of the Main Settlement
    • Convict Cell
      Convict Cell
    • Ruins at the Main Settlement
      Ruins at the Main Settlement
    • Sandstone Wall and Door Coal Mines Historical Site
      Sandstone Wall and Door
    • Ruins of the Military Barracks Coal Mines Historical Site
      Ruins of the Military Barracks
    • Commandants Residence
      Commandants Residence

    What Did We Think?

    The sandstone ruins are imposing, standing as they do on a small hill. We enjoyed looking around and reading the interpretive sign, while taking photos. The walking track winds through bushland, which was enjoyable to walk through. Although the main shaft was a disappointment, the rest of the area was very good and worth seeing.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

    Our photos are available for purchase on