Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore Tasmania's rich history on the Shag Bay Heritage Trail, a 5.5km, Grade 2 easy hike located in Geilston Bay. Expect a scenic journey along the waterside, through open grasslands and eucalyptus trees, leading to the secluded Shag Bay. Don't miss the stunning views of kunanyi/Mt Wellington and the remains of a 20th-century fertilizer plant. The trail is abundant with Aboriginal middens, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Length:

5.5km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 96m

Min elevation: 6m

Total Ascent: 153m

Start: Debomfords Lane Carpark

End: Debomfords Lane Carpark

Geilston Bay

Tasmania

Nearby town: Geilston Bay

From state capital: 9.4km

Latitude: -42.83740666928849

Longitude: 147.346156974422

Overview

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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.

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.

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Shag Bay Heritage Trail (5.5km)

Total distance: 5534 m
Max elevation: 96 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 153 m
Total descent: -149 m

For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Geilston Bay.

Start from carpark at DeBomfords Lane off the East Derwent Hwy in Geilston Bay.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

Public Toilets

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Bellerive, Clarence, Howrah, Lauderdale, Lindisfarne, Montagu Bay, Rokeby, Seven Mile Beach, Tranmere

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Geilston Bay? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

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Shag Bay Heritage Trail (5.5km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Shag Bay Heritage Trail (5.5km)