South Arm

Friday, 31 August 2012

South Arm

Friday 31st August 2012

Near start of walk

Drive down South Arm Road through Opossum Bay to the end of the road where there is a small parking area. The walk is basically around the coastline to Gellibrand Point and back via the opposite coastline. The walk can be done in either direction. I chose to walk clockwise and set out on a clearly define track.

Start of the track

I aimed for the TV tower that I could see in the distance and once I had reached that I just followed the coastline around before descending to Mary Ann Bay and walking along the beach. At the end I climbed back up and continued on to Gellibrand Vault which is the burial site of William Gellibrand who was the original grantee at South Arm. The area has been rehabilitated. Along this section of coastline are good views of Mount Wellington and Taroona where the shot tower is visible.

TV Tower

Gellibrand Vault

I continued on around Gellibrand Point where I stopped for lunch at a good viewing spot. After lunch I kept walking, past a small lagoon and on to The Spit. I walked out to the end of The Spit, but have since found out that walking out there is discouraged as it is a sensitive bird breeding area, so should be avoided. Onward I went and found an old vehicle track which I walked to Shelly Beach. I walked along the beach to an obvious exit on to a track and walked back to the car.
This is a good short walk that is close to Hobart and is quite flat and easy.
Distance: 7.0 kms.
Time: 2'00"
Ascent: 155 metres
Click here to download GPX track.