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Rate birdingplace Shipstern Bluff
Description
Shipstern Bluff, in Tasman National Park, lies at the end of a ('not too difficult' four hours return) stunning coastal walk with exhilarating sea-cliff views. A good range of Tasmania's birds is likely such as: Crescent Honeyeater, Tasmanian Scrubwren, Pink Robin, Beautiful Firetail and Green Rosella.
Details
Access
From Hobart head down toward Port Arthur to take a right on to B37. Turn left onto Stormlea Road before reaching Nubeena. Follow Stormlea Road 10 kilometres to its end where there is carpark and the trailhead. The 115 kilometres drive from Hobart takes a little less than 2 hours. (Press P on the map to access Google mapping).
The very first bit of the track might be muddy, but, before long, you'll be gently ascending on a dry track through bushland. You'll then cross a trickling creek and ascend into heathland forest. At the 1.5 km mark, you'll run into a junction with a sign. Turning left will take you to Cape Raoul, while turning right will take you to Shipstern Bluff.
Just a few hundred meters after the junction, the track will leave the heathland forest and you'll be greeted with stunning views of the rugged southern coast and Shipstern Bluff. You'll begin to descend for another couple of kilometres. You'll then reach another signed junction. Turning right will take you to Tunnel Bay, while left continues on to Shipstern Bluff.
Once you reach the bluff, you have a choice of climbing the rocks to get a better view of the coast or descending to the beach. The climb up onto the bluff allows you to scan the entire coastline to see Raoul Bay and other bluffs jutting out into the ocean.
Terrain and Habitat
Sea , Moors/heathland , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
HillyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , Summer , AutumnBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Shipstern Bluff (or colloquially, Shippies) is one of the world's premier big break surfing locations.
Links
- The trail is encompassed by eBird Hotspot - Tasman National Park, Cape Raoul.
- Tasman National Park.
- Tourist information.
- Tourist information.
- Surfing at Shippies - YouTube.
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