Hiking South East Tasmania

Monday, 17 December 2012

Shipstern Bluff and Tunnel Bay

Monday 17th December 2012

Shipstern Bluff

To reach the start of the walk drive along the B37 towards Nubeena on the Tasman Peninsula and turn left into Stormlea Road and follow this to an obvious parking area at the end of the road.
I started walking at 0920 and the track went gradually uphill for about 1,5 kms. to a junction - Cape Raoul left and Shipstern Bluff right. Not long after this the track began to go downhill towards Shipstern Bluff. There were great coastal views all along here.

Looking south east from Shipstern Bluff

At 4.2 kms. from the start I came to a junction - Shipstern Bluff left and Tunnel Bay right so I turned left and walked towards the Bluff. Along the way I encountered an echidna just casually walking along the track. I reached the top of the Bluff and walked down to the rocks below. The waves crashing in were not enormous but it was enjoyable to watch them break on the rocks. I scrambled out to the point and came back for a snack.

Looking north towards Salters Point

Soon I climbed back up the cliff and walked back to the junction and down to Tunnel Bay. It is easy to understand how the Bay received its name when you check out the photos. I found this to be a beautiful spot and to top it off there was another echidna right on the beach. There were also some whale bones which were quite large.

Tunnel Bay

After enjoying the Bay I decided to explore a little further on some of the tracks in the area. I tend to be somewhat inquisitive. Anyway I walked for about 1.5 kms. along the track before deciding to turn around. I suspect that it probably links up with the road where the walks to Salters Point and Tumbledown Point start. I retraced my steps and then walked back to the car.
This was a great walk with plenty of scenery.
Distance: 14.8 kms.
Time: 4'44"
Ascent: 720 metres
Click here to download GPX track.