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A scenic view through vegetation showing the rocky shore, shallow waters and a shipwreck at Canoe Bay. A forest of eucalypt trees grows right down to the shoreline. There is an island in the distance. It is a sunny day.

Canoe Bay

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Alerts for Canoe Bay

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Planned event: Temporary restrictions - Tasman National Park
Applies from 14/7/2026

​​​​​​At the Blowhole Car Park, Pirates Bay Jetty and along Blowhole Road, access and parking will be controlled to allow maintenance of line markings.

Works will be undertaken from 14 July to 21 July between 8am and 6pm.

The jetty will remain open with restrictions and fewer parking spaces will be available. Please comply with directions and signs.

Last reviewed 6/7/2026 10:36 AM

Closed area: Tasmans Arch and Devils Kitchen – Tasman National Park
Applies from 15/4/2026

​The Tasmans Arch and Devil’s Kitchen Visitor Site is closed from 15 April to 18 September 2026 for planned infrastructure improvements.​

During this period, access to the Waterfall Bay Track from Devils Kitchen will remain closed.

The track will continue to be accessible via Waterfall Bay Road.

Last reviewed 29/6/2026 10:54 AM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Barbecues
  • Drinking water
  • Fishing
  • Fuel stove only
  • Parking
  • Picnic facilities
  • Scuba diving
  • Short walk
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming
  • Toilets

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    ContactExpand/Collapse

    2 hours return, 2km one way
    Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    Walk departs from the northern end of Fortescue Bay beach.

    About

    Begin by strolling the beautiful white sands of Fortescue Bay before rising over a rocky headland and descending into the sheltered Canoe Bay. Little Penguins burrow between boulders and amongst the tree roots of tall stringybarks. 

    In Canoe Bay you’ll see the remains of a steel-hulled barge, the William Pitt. The barge was used in the 1940s to construct Hobart’s floating pontoon bridge – the predecessor to the Tasman Bridge. In 1955 she was scuttled to become a breakwater behind which small boats could shelter. It’s wonderful snorkelling around the wreck.  

    From Canoe Bay, the track continues for another half hour around the coastline to the delightful Bivouac Bay​ campsite​. 

    Facilities and further activities are available at Fortescue Bay.

      Buy a map from TasMap

      ​Tasman National Park is located in the south-eastern corner of Tasmania. It's a 90-minute drive on sealed roads from Hobart via Sorell on the A3, and then the A9 (Arthur Highway) toward Port Arthur. The park straddles both the Tasman and Forestier peninsulas, however most of its accessible features are on the Tasman Peninsula.

      ​​​​​To reach Fortescue Bay from Eaglehawk Neck, continue along the A9 towards Port Arthur ​until you reach the junction with C344. Follow the C344 until you reach Fortescue Bay. This is a 12km drive along an unsealed road but is suitable for 2WD vehicles and mountain bikes. Beware of towing vehicles, delivery trucks and tour buses. Keep to the left of the road particularly on blind corners.

      Access to the south-western part of the park is also via the Arthur Highway (A9), then following Safety Cove Rd at Port Arthur township to access Remarkable Cave and walking tracks to Maingon Blowhole, Mount Brown and Crescent Bay. Further west, on the road to Nubeena, the access to the Cape Raoul Great Short Walk, Shipstern Bluff and Tunnel Bay leave the Arthur Highway at Highcroft Road, which turns into Stormlea Road.

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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.

      With the exception of designated sites in the Fortescue Bay camping area, Tasman National Park is a Fuel Stove Only area​ and campfires are not permitted. ​

      ​The walk departs from the northern end of Fortescue Bay Beach, near the campgrounds.

      Facilities can be found at the campgrounds, including parking, toilets, and barbeque and picnic areas.

      More information

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know Before You Go web page.

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      When you plan to walk in Tasmania, plan for the possibility of bad weather and unexpected situations. Conditions in Tasmania can change at any time of year. 

      Choose a walk that matches your group’s fitness and experience. The track classification guide​ explains walk difficulty ratings and can help you choose a suitable track. 

      Grade 4 and 5 walks can be especially challenging and may include steep climbs, rocky ground, mud, cliffs, or require navigation skills.  

      For all walks: 

      • check the weather forecast before you go
      • take a map
      • let someone know your plans. 

      If you are walking in remote areas or conditions are uncertain, carry extra food, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Consider taking an emergency shelter or tent. Learn about the dangers of cold by watching the hypothermia safety video. ​​The safety video is also available with Chinese subtitles.

      More information on planning, including recommended gear lists, is available on our Safety in Parks web page.