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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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Fire ban: Seasonal campfire bans are in place
Applies from 20/12/2025

​As of 2:00am on Saturday the 20th of December, PWS will bring in a seasonal campfire ban for all parks and reserves in the following areas:

  • ​ ​Maria Island and Flinders Island

  • All parks and reserves in the municipalties of Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Dorset and Break O'Day

  • Narrawntapu National Park, Tooms Lake and Snakey Creek Conservation Area

This is a seasonal ban to reduce the risk of fire over summer.

​The map​ below shows all affected areas.  You can still use gas stoves and gas barbecues. ​
State Campfire Ban Map 2025-2026

Look out for these signs.

​
Stylised campfire with a red cross through it

Round pot on three legs with a flue. Red cross through it showing that these are not allowed to be used

Please note: Parts of the reserved estate including The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area and the Three Capes Track are fuel stove only areas at all times of the year.​

Last reviewed 12/1/2026 02:38 PM

Closed area: Wughalee Falls Campsite – Tasman National Park
Applies from 2/12/2022

​​​​​​​Wughalee Falls campsite within the Tasman National Park is closed until further notice. Alternative campsite Bare Knoll remains open approximately 400m beyond the Wughalee campsite turnoff. This Campsite has limited capacity and cannot be booked. 

For further enquiries please call: (03) 6250 3980​.​​​​

Last reviewed 11/10/2024 11:41 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.

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

      ​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​

      ​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 t​​ake 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.