5 things to do on the Tasman Peninsula
The Tasmanian Peninsula (AKA Tasman Peninisula) offers a wonderful array of sites, beauty and tourist activities.
I would suggest staying over night as you will want to suck in the ambiance of a world almost left behind. A world in close connection with our convict roots and one where Tasmanian wild life thrives.
You actually officially arrive on the peninsular just as you pass through Eaglehawk Neck. As the name suggests it is a narrow part of land that is the only sections that connects the tail end with the main island. Only approximately 30 metres in diameter this section serves as the only way on and off the peninnsular making the place a perfect place to house convicts. The only way they could “escape” was through the neck (which was heavily guarded with snapping man traps, and savage dogs) or by taking your chances in the freezing cold oceans waters which have many sharks. Needless to say not many people escaped and made it alive from Port Arthur, the penial settlement.
Here are 5 things I would recommend doing down the Penninsular, baring in mind this is not exhaustive!
- McHenry’s Distillery
Established as a gin distillery in 2011, this craft distillery now makes some awesome gins as well as whisky.
The tastings cost $10 for 3 tastes and unfortunately unlike most wineries you still pay the $10 where you buy a bottle or not.
We were fortunate on our visiting day as Mark, the very informative, ex wine-maker took us up to the sheds to trial the newly cracked barrel of whisky. It was dam fine!
It’s not a place to hang out – no meals are served but you can head up the top of the property for some pretty special views and can take some of your own nibbles to indulge on up the top. You can find them here.
- Port Arthur
Port Arthur is the convict goal that has the added history of being the site of Australia’s biggest mass murder in 1997.
It is worthy of a few hours wandering around in the beautiful bay opening up to the memories of a bygone time when people were sentanced from the UK for stealing nothing more than a loaf of bread.
The conditions were ruthless and the men were used as slave labour to produce many of the buildings and roads around Australia.
The solitary confinement part of the goal was the area that captured my imagination most. Here men would be sentenced to 20+ days in pure darkness with one blanket and one bowl of soup a day for minimal crimes. It is truly powerful and hard to comprehend how harsh one human can treat another human. More on planning your trip here.
- Remarkable Cave and Crescent Bay
Coming back out from Port Arthur and taking the next left along Safety Beach you will find your way to Remarkable Cave. Just before you can take a turn off (best to google this one on maps) and climb some sand dunes and find yourself in a magic bay, not accessible by car, called Crescent Bay.
Both of these breath-taking areas give wonderful insights to the ruggedness and spectacular beauty found along the coast line down south. The coves and bays are gentle and soft but the cliff faces wild and strong.
- The Tassie Devil Nonzoo
Set up as a Tasmania Devil rehab and research centre this (non zoo) is worth a visit. Last time I went the entry was step but if you view it as an opportunity to help save a threatened iconic Australian species then the trip is well worth it. 20 years ago these little growling hostile bears contracted a rare form of facial cancer and since the species has been diminishing. Now they survival is dependent on centres like this where the healthy devils are quarantened from the sick ones. They have a breeding program to ensure survival of the species who are then returned to the wild when old enough.
- Blow Hole, Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen
Just near Eaglehawk Neck is a turn off to the Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and Blow Hole. On the way to these beautiful natural formations you pass through “Doo Town”. As kids we loved the fact that every house had a “doo” name. Check it out and see how many you can spot.
On the north side of Eaglehawk Neck is the Tessalated Pavements – also worthy of a stop and wander, especially if you are a photographer.
There are many many more sites to see, vineyards to visit, oysters to eat and short bushwalks. These are just five. I recommend walking along the beaches and at Fortesque Bay if you should make it there, walk in the water at night. It will illuminate with the sparkles of the stars.
Tassie is special and a hire car is the best way to explore.