Shag Bay Track
Getting There
Start from carpark at Debomfords Lane off the East Derwent Highway in Geilston Bay.
A pleasant family walk that takes approximately 1 hour return.
Cross the bridge over Faggs Creek and walk along the edge of Geilston Creek Road until you reach a map board sign. A well-graded gravel track follows the water before an intersection is reached with the takara limuna / Sheoak Walk. Continue to the right, gently climbing through the open grasslands dotted with occasional eucalypts until the track starts descending towards Shag Bay. Ignore the trails under the transmission lines heading up the hill.
If you are walking with your dog you will need to turn around at this point as the last part of the walk is located in the East Risdon Nature Reserve, managed by Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, and dogs are not permitted. Please obey signs.
The track contours along the southern side of Shag Bay. A side track down a flight of stone steps takes you to a rusty old boiler is all that remains of an early 20th century fertiliser plant. In 1915 George Russell and his son were killed when the boiler exploded.
Return back up the steps to the main track and continue through a rare Eucalyptus Risdonii forest until the track comes out at a small, ephemeral rivulet at the head of the bay. From the secluded bay there are views to the western shore and kunanyi / Mt Wellington.
The Royal Navy ship HMS Nelson was broken up in Shag Bay in the 1920s but no evidence remains.
The area is rich in Aboriginal middens as it was one of the shortest crossing distances over the Derwent River.
| Activity | Suggested Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 hours | ||
| Under 2 hours | 🟢 |
Track Features
Dogs allowed under effective control on the track (Please obey signage. Effective control means your dog is in close proximity, in line of sight, immediately responds to your voice command. If not, leave your dog on lead.)
Restrictions
Dogs not permitted in East Risdon Nature Reserve
Safety Precautions
The first section of the walk requires walking along the a section of roadway near the end of Sarean Court. There is a steep descent on the gravel track to Shag Bay at the end.
Plan your visit
Leave No Trace is an internationally accepted way of minimising impacts on the places we visit. Respect wildlife, be considerate with others, dispose your waste properly.
Be prepared for the walk. Plan your trip ahead, bring enough water, check the alerts, and make sure you are comfortable with the difficulty rating.
Track contacts
If you have any questions, feedback or updates regarding this track please contact the track manager at the Clarence City Council by phone on 03 6217 9500 or by email to clarence@ccc.tas.gov.au. For urgent communications please contact us by phone.
If you have any questions, feedback or updates regarding this track please contact the track manager at the Parks and Wildlife Service by phone on 1300 135 513 or online. For urgent communications please contact us by phone.
