Eaglehawk Neck

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tourism Tasmania
Photo provided by Tourism Tasmania
Photo provided by Tourism Tasmania
Eaglehawk Neck
Photo provided by Tourism Tasmania
Investigate the dramatic coastline of this narrow isthmus, which is known as much for its geological wonders as it is for its convict heritage.

Eaglehawk Neck is a narrow strip of land that connects mainland Tasmania with the Tasman Peninsula. The isthmus and the nearby coastline feature some of the island state’s most bizarre and beautiful geological formations. It was also once a natural prison gate preventing convicts from escaping the penal settlement at Port Arthur. Learn about this fascinating chapter in Australia’s history and go rock climbing, hiking and wildlife spotting.

The first history lesson at Eaglehawk Neck is the bronze sculpture of a chained dog. It is a reminder of the line of ferocious dogs and guards that used to be stationed here. They were on the lookout for escaped convicts fromPort Arthur. Move onto theOfficers’ Quarters, now a museum covering the history of Eaglehawk Neck. It lays claim to being the oldest wooden military building in Australia.

Everywhere you look at Eaglehawk Neck there is fantastic scenery. Take in gorgeous views of the area by hiking up Tatnells Hill toMartin Cash’s Lookout. This vantage point is named after a notorious bushranger who escaped from Port Arthur, but was later recaptured.

Drive to theTessellated Pavement, a natural wonder where the rocks have been broken into blocks that resemble large tiles. Nearby isTasman Arch, a natural arch formed by wave action on sandstone cliffs and the deep crevasse known asDevil’s Kitchen.

These geological wonders are part ofTasman National Park, a wilderness area of dramatic and beautiful landscapes. Go on bush and coastal walks, try abseiling and rock climbing and look for local land and marine animals. You might spot dolphins, seals and Tasmanian devils. Another great way to experience some of the spectacular scenery is via a kayaking expedition or boat trip along the coastline.

Eaglehawk Neck’s awesome scenery and captivating convict heritage are about a 1-hour drive south of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. Stay in the holiday village of Doo Town and read the amusing house plaques, which contain the word “Doo”. Other types of accommodation in the area include cottages and apartments.

Lufra Hotel
Lufra Hotel
3 out of 5
380 Pirates Bay Dr, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS
The price is €68 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€68
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Eaglehawk Neck. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tessellated Pavement and Tessellated ...
7.2/10 Good! (8 reviews)
"The staff were wonderful- in all depts. The property is obviously going through some upgrades and renovations, as it is an older facility. But to be fair the price was very reasonable and reflected those challenging conditions. The location is excellent and very much served our purposes for an overnight ..."

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025

Lufra Hotel
Osprey Lodge - Bungalow & House
Osprey Lodge - Bungalow & House
Eaglehawk Neck
Stay at this vacation home in Eaglehawk Neck. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Tessellated Pavement State Reserve and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Perfect getaway
"Really loved the location, serenity and amenities at this property. Every bedroom had its own private bathroom & views over spectacular Pirates Bay - which was a real plus for our group of four couples. The lounge area was large and welcoming and the kitchen was well facilitated for self-catering. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Osprey Lodge - Bungalow & House
Pirates Retreat by Tiny Away
Pirates Retreat by Tiny Away
Eaglehawk Neck
The price is €180 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€180
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this vacation home in Eaglehawk Neck. Enjoy a garden, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pirates Bay Nature Recreation Area and Tasman ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Tiny is the word
"A very nice area and the position of the tiny house was excellent. Everything was in its place but when you have to use something it becomes even smaller, so we struggled a bit, especially having a medium size dog there as well. Glad we gave it a go, but I’m not a composttoilet kind of girl!"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Pirates Retreat by Tiny Away
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pirates Retreat by Tiny Away
Pirates Retreat by Tiny Away
Eaglehawk Neck
Stay at this vacation home in Eaglehawk Neck. Enjoy a garden, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pirates Bay Nature Recreation Area and Tasman ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Tiny is the word
"A very nice area and the position of the tiny house was excellent. Everything was in its place but when you have to use something it becomes even smaller, so we struggled a bit, especially having a medium size dog there as well. Glad we gave it a go, but I’m not a composttoilet kind of girl!"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Pirates Retreat by Tiny Away
Osprey Lodge - Bungalow & House
Osprey Lodge - Bungalow & House
Eaglehawk Neck
Stay at this vacation home in Eaglehawk Neck. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Tessellated Pavement State Reserve and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Perfect getaway
"Really loved the location, serenity and amenities at this property. Every bedroom had its own private bathroom & views over spectacular Pirates Bay - which was a real plus for our group of four couples. The lounge area was large and welcoming and the kitchen was well facilitated for self-catering. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Osprey Lodge - Bungalow & House
The Lookout at Pirate's Bay. 3BR, 2BA, ocean views, pool table, arcade machine
The Lookout at Pirate's Bay. 3BR, 2BA, ocean views, pool table, arcade machine
Eaglehawk Neck
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Eaglehawk Neck. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Eaglehawk Neck and Tessellated ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Great Views
"Great views and plenty of space with games for kids and big kids"

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2025

The Lookout at Pirate's Bay. 3BR, 2BA, ocean views, pool table, arcade machine
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do