Location: Tyndall Beach
Length: 6 kilometres return
Grade: 2 (compact surfaces, boardwalks and a well-maintained trail make this walk accessible to just about everyone)
Distance from: Hobart - 15 km, Launceston - 215 km, Devonport - 296 km
There are two different Alum Cliffs on Tasmania. You'll find the towering Alum Cliffs Lookout in the northern section of the interior at the town of Mole Creek. But you'll also find the Alum Cliffs Walk just south of Hobart in the beautiful seaside suburb of Bonnet Hill. Let's take a stroll down south of Hobart.
This long-used walking trail connects Tyndall Beach with the town of Bonnet Hill. It meanders along Storm Bay and the Derwent River Estuary. The trail takes you through a few different areas of flora and fauna while giving you impressive views of the River Derwent all along the way. This near-Hobart track is commonly used by suburbanites to unwind after a long day's work in the city.
The track starts at the Tyndall Beach carpark south of the Hobart suburb of Kingston. The drive down from Hobart is a quick 15 kilometers and 20 minutes. Launceston is two hours and 40 minutes to the north while Devonport is three hours and 20 minutes away.
This six-kilometer return trail is incredibly well marked with compact surfaces, bridges and viewpoints along the way. The trail takes you through coastal blue gum forests with towering silver banksias. It then snakes through silver peppermint bushland before undulating down to a giant fern gully and up to coastal headlands. At the top of the track, you'll be able to see Storm Bay and the Derwent River Estuary for as far as the eye can see. The trail ends in the residential area of Taronga where you'll find a lookout and picnic area.
This trail is suitable for most everyone, but a new entrance has been constructed above Tyndal Beach. This all-weather accessible entryway allows those with disabilities and lower fitness levels to hook up with the main trail without any initial ascent.
This trail is suitable for most everyone, but a new entrance has been constructed above Tyndall Beach. This all-weather accessible entryway allows those with disabilities and lower fitness levels to hook up with the main trail without any initial ascent.
Facilities
Tyndall Beach, where you'll find the trailhead to this easy walk, is an incredibly popular place. Foot traffic at the beach demands cafés, toilet facilities and ample parking.
Winds can pick up off the Derwent River Estuary so pack something warm.
Always keep an eye on children as there are some cliff edges along the walk.
