Trail Fast Facts

Shag Bay Heritage Trail is a 5.5km, grade 2 hike in Geilston Bay, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.

Length: 5.5km

Duration: 2 hrs

Grade 2 (Easy)

Style: Return

Start: Debomfords Lane Carpark

End: Debomfords Lane Carpark

Location: Geilston Bay

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: Geilston Bay

From state capital: 9.4km

Latitude: -42.83740666928849

Longitude: 147.346156974422

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

Shag Bay Heritage Trail is a 5.5 km, grade 2 hike in Geilston Bay, Tasmania, typically taking about 2 hours to complete.

This pleasant family walk begins by crossing the bridge over Faggs Creek. Follow the edge of Geilston Creek Road until you reach a map board sign. From there, a well-graded gravel track follows the water, leading to an intersection with the takara limuna / Sheoak Walk. Continue to the right, gently climbing through open grasslands dotted with occasional eucalypts, before descending towards Shag Bay.

At the end of the trail, a short but steep section leads into Shag Bay. From this secluded bay, you can enjoy views of the western shore and kunanyi / Mt Wellington. A rusty old boiler, the remnants of an early 20th-century fertilizer plant and large wooden wharf, serves as a historical marker. In 1915, George Russell and his son tragically died when the boiler exploded. The Royal Navy ship HMS Nelson was also dismantled in Shag Bay in the 1920s.

Continue for about 700 meters past Shag Bay to the lookout and junction of an access track, which serves as your turnaround point. Retrace your steps back, with a slight variation around Bedlam Point.

The area is rich in Aboriginal middens, marking one of the shortest crossing points over the Derwent River.

Track Grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Tips

Steep descent on the gravel track to Shag Bay at the end.
The final part of the walk is in the East Risdon Nature Reserve, where dogs are not permitted.
Please obey all signs.

Map and GPX file

Shag Bay Heritage Trail (5.5km)

Total distance: 5534 m
Max elevation: 96 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 153 m
Total descent: -149 m

Download

For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails

Trailhead

Getting there

Shag Bay Heritage Trail (5.5km)

Start from carpark at DeBomfords Lane off the East Derwent Hwy in Geilston Bay.

Get directions

Access conditions

Public Toilets

Photo gallery

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If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

Geilston Bay is a suburb of Hobart between Risdon Vale, Shag Bay, and Lindisfarne, in the City of Clarence located on the Eastern Shore of the Derwent River.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Shag Bay Heritage Trail (5.5km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.