Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the serene beauty of Tasman National Park with a moderate, 10km return hike. Starting from the pristine sands of Fortescue Bay, immerse yourself in breathtaking coastal views, vibrant kelp forests, and potential seal or dolphin sightings. Perfect for bushwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a tranquil yet rewarding escape without steep climbs or long distances.

Length:

10km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 121m

Min elevation: 2m

Total Ascent: 452m

Start: Banksia Campground

End: Banksia Campground

Tasman National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Port Arthur

From state capital: 100km

Latitude: -43.143016

Longitude: 147.962102

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

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Region

4,851 views

Hike overview

Here in the Tasman National Park you can enjoy a coastline, remote from roads and houses without walking a long distance or climbing steep hills. The walk leaves from the squeaky white sands of Fortescue Bay and gives you close-up views of sparkling waters and large kelp forests. You might see a seal or dolphins!

Highlights

The William Pitt (43º 07' 37.54" 147º 57' 23.27")
About halfway along the track you will come to Canoe Bay, where the remains of a shipwreck can be clearly seen above the waterline. Built in the UK in 1904, the ship was a steam hopper barge named Andre Reboulas, later sold to the Dutch.

In 1907 she was renamed William Pitt and sold in Melbourne. She came to Hobart in 1940 for use in the construction of the floating Arch Bridge across the Derwent River. She was later scuttled in 1955 to act as a breakwater for small craft in Canoe Bay.

The Candle Stick and Totem Pole (43º 08' 21" 148º 00' 22")
Horizontally bedded Permian (marine) and Triassic (non-marine) sediments intruded by Jurassic dolerite dominate the Tasman peninsula. The action of the sea has produced a cliffed coastline with many erosion features noted for their grandeur. Nestled in a narrow chasm between the Lanterns at Cape Hauy, two such features, the dolerite towers of the "Candlestick" and the "Totem Pole" at Cape Hauy, are able to be seen across Fortescue Bay from the track leading to Bivouac Bay. See the Cape Hauy Great Short Walk for details.

Tips

Park entry fees apply.

Camping, boat ramp, drinking water, picnic and toilet facilities available at Fortescue Bay.

Supervise children, unpatrolled beach, unprotected track edges.

No pets, firearms or bicycles.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Bivouac Bay Walk (10km)

Total distance: 10116 m
Max elevation: 121 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 452 m
Total descent: -452 m

For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Tasman National Park.

Arthur Highway (A9) to junction with Fortescue Bay road (C344) which is 4km south of Taranna and 4km north of Port Arthur. Turn into C344 and drive 12km to Fortescue Bay. (This road is unsealed but is suitable for 2WD vehicles and mountain bikes.)

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Dunalley, Eaglehawk Neck, Nubeena, Port Arthur, Sorell, Taranna

About the region

Tasman National Park is a wild, yet accessible park of tall forests and a truly spectacular coastline. Waters from the Southern Ocean collide with the towering sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, creating spectacular rock formations, including caves and arches. The coastal vegetation grows precariously close to the edges of the cliffs, creating a blanket of green that contrasts with the surging surf below. Australia’s highest sea cliffs have walkers on the award-winning, multi-day Three Capes Track in awe. Day walkers can also discover a slice of this beauty high atop the cliffs on shorter coastal walks at Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul and the world-famous big wave mecca, Shipsterns Bluff.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Tasman National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Bivouac Bay Walk (10km)

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance