Eaglehawk Neck is an uncommonly beautiful place. The isthmus is flanked by the calm waters of Norfolk Bay on one side and Pirates Bay opening onto the Tasman Sea on the other. The quiet village is the gateway to the many attractions of the Tasman Peninsula, including Port Arthur Historic Site, dramatic sea cliffs, white sandy beaches and some of the best surf in the State.
The distinguishing feature of the landscape is its remarkable geology. At the neck itself is the Tessellated Pavement, while a short drive south are the impressive coastal rock formations of the Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the Blowhole. The Totem Pole is an offshore favourite with rock climbers and kayakers. Cruises from Pirates Bay take you along some of the most dramatic coastline you’ll ever experience, through regions rich in seals, dolphins and penguins.
Towering dolerite and sandstone sea cliffs extend deep into the ocean, providing a wonderful array of caves and crevasses for divers to explore. Tasmania’s temperate waters are renowned for their excellent visibility, adding to the magic of swimming amongst weedy sea dragons, sponges, fish, giant kelp forests and a wide variety of invertebrates. Waterfall Bay, in the Tasman National Park just south of the township, is considered one of the best boat diving areas in Tasmania. It is suitable for all levels of diving experience, and is also a dramatic place for bushwalking.
In colonial times the isthmus was guarded by ferocious dogs intended to ensure no convicts escaped the Port Arthur penal settlement. While little remains of the Eaglehawk Neck historic site, the infamous dogline has been marked by a bronze dog sculpture, and there’s a small museum in the former Officers Quarters.
Eaglehawk Neck is approximately an hour’s drive (75 kilometres, or 46.5 miles) south-east of Hobart. Its average maximum is 18.5 degrees Celsius (65.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 11.5 degrees Celsius (52.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.
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