Trail Fast Facts
Shag Bay Heritage Trail is a 5.5km, grade 2 hike in Geilston Bay, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Shag Bay Heritage Trail is a 5.5 km, grade 2 hike in Geilston Bay, Tasmania, typically taking about 2 hours to complete.
This pleasant family walk begins by crossing the bridge over Faggs Creek. Follow the edge of Geilston Creek Road until you reach a map board sign. From there, a well-graded gravel track follows the water, leading to an intersection with the takara limuna / Sheoak Walk. Continue to the right, gently climbing through open grasslands dotted with occasional eucalypts, before descending towards Shag Bay.
At the end of the trail, a short but steep section leads into Shag Bay. From this secluded bay, you can enjoy views of the western shore and kunanyi / Mt Wellington. A rusty old boiler, the remnants of an early 20th-century fertilizer plant and large wooden wharf, serves as a historical marker. In 1915, George Russell and his son tragically died when the boiler exploded. The Royal Navy ship HMS Nelson was also dismantled in Shag Bay in the 1920s.
Continue for about 700 meters past Shag Bay to the lookout and junction of an access track, which serves as your turnaround point. Retrace your steps back, with a slight variation around Bedlam Point.
The area is rich in Aboriginal middens, marking one of the shortest crossing points over the Derwent River.
Track Grade
Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Tips
- Steep descent on the gravel track to Shag Bay at the end.
- The final part of the walk is in the East Risdon Nature Reserve, where dogs are not permitted.
- Please obey all signs.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 96 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 153 m
Total descent: -149 m
For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Photo gallery
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About the region
Geilston Bay is a suburb of Hobart between Risdon Vale, Shag Bay, and Lindisfarne, in the City of Clarence located on the Eastern Shore of the Derwent River.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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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.