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Bush walkers with backpacks are heading back down the Archers Knob Track with views of the bushland below.
Archers Knob, Narawntapu National Park (photograph: Natalie Mendham)
60 Great Short Walks

Archers Knob

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Barbecues
  • Park ranger
  • Parking
  • Picnic facilities
  • Short walk
  • Toilets
  • Visitor centre

    ContactExpand/Collapse

    • Mersey Field Centre
      1349 Bakers Beach Road, Bakers Beach TAS 7307
      Postal: PO Box 153
      Devonport TAS 7310
      Phone: 03 6428 6277
      Email: Narawntapu.Parks@parks.tas.gov.au

      ​Visitor centre opening hours
      Open 7 days - (closed between 12.30pm and 1pm daily) ​
      9am-  4pm– December to April 
      9.30am to 3.30pm April to December* 
      *dates vary depending on school holidays

    3-3.5 hours circuit (9km) via Bakers Beach, or 2–2.5 hours return.
    Grade 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    A half hour drive from Devonport (ferry terminal). Take Frankford Road (B71) to the junction of Bakers Beach Rd (C740) and follow to the Narawntapu National Park.

    About

    This walk not only has birds and a beach, but a superb lookout, with some of the best views in the Park. From the visitor centre meander through a paperbark swamp, on raised boardwalk, to the Springlawn bird hide. As well as birds, you may see wallabies and pademelons amongst the trees. Then it’s on to 114 m high Archers Knob, which is reached via a well-constructed zigzag track. There are wonderful panoramic views of the beach, Springlawn and beyond. You can retrace your steps back to the visitor centre, or for a longer circuit walk, divert via the signposted track to the pristine sands of Bakers Beach. Exit the beach at access track No. 3 along the road or track 1 back through the bird hide. Both tracks will bring you back to the visitor centre.​​


      Buy a map from TasMap
      ​

      Narawntapu National Park is located on the central north coast of Tasmania.

      The main section of the park, Springlawn and Bakers Beach, is accessible from B71, 30 minutes east of Devonport and the ferry terminal, B72 north of Westbury or north west from Launceston following the Tamar Highway (A7) and turning left at Exeter on to the B71. Watch for the marked turnoff to the park, Bakers Beach Road (C740), and follow all the way in to the Park.​

      From Launceston, you can access West Head or Badger Beach at the eastern end of the park in under an hour by driving up the West Tamar Highway (A7) and turning left into C721 for Badger Head Settlement, or continue on the A7 to access West Head via Greens Beach.​

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      Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

      The Visitor Centre at Springlawns' friendly staff offer guidance on the local birds and animals, hiking, camping, fishing, beach use or other questions to help make the most of your experience in the Park. There is also a small souvenir shop with a selection of books. Snacks and drinks, bait and ice are also available for purchase. The nearest supermarket and petrol station is a 25 minute drive away.

      Toilets and Visitor Centre are located a short drive through the main Park entrance, near the Springlawn campsite. There are no other toilet facilities along the walking tracks.

      Park passes and camping fees can be paid at the Springlawn Visitor Centre. For after-hours campers, self-registration facilities are avaiable at the Visitor Centre and West Head, however cash is required. 

      Water is available from tanks and bores at various locations around the park, including Springlawn, the Horse Yards, Bakers Point and Koybaa campsites. The water is untreated and should be boiled for several minutes before drinking. We recommend bringing your own drinking water. Bring a container for carrying water. Visitors should note that there is no drinking water at either Badger Beach or West Head. There is no permanent, fresh water source along the hikes.

      Consider tides and coastal conditions when planning beach activities and walks, there are significant sections of beach restricted in high tides and large swell conditions.

      Bakers beach within Narawntapu is popular for swimming and fishing however none are patrolled and ocean conditions can be variable, caution should be used at all times.

      Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

      When planning your walk, consider avoiding high tide if walking along Bakers Beach.

      Walker safety - day walks

      Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal take it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.