Norfolk Bay & Tasman Peninsula
by John Quinn on 16 Nov 2005
About two hours’ south from Hobart, yachts can veer east at the well known landmark, the Iron Pot, passing between the mainland and Betsey Island and across Storm Bay into the relatively sheltered waters of Norfolk Bay. There are many distinct anchorages that provide a haven from prevailing winds and sea breeze.
Lime Bay and Monk Bay give shelter from westerly weather, Lagoon Beach in a southerly blow, while King George Sound offers an excellent anchorage if the winds blow hard from the southeast. Perhaps one of the more attractive anchorages is at Taranna where the visiting yacht can pick up a mooring for the day.
An interesting cruising ground in its own right, Norfolk Bay is home to the Denison Canal that provides a ‘short cut’ to Marion Bay and the east coast. However, navigating the channel across Blackman Bay can be challenging, especially when motoring through the Marion Narrows into the deeper waters of Marion Bay.
In favourable weather conditions, larger yachts will head from the Iron Pot, across Storm Bay and around Cape Raoul and the Tasman Peninsula. Tasman Island, Cape Pillar, the Lanterns and the Hippolyte Rocks provide spectacular scenery. Delightful anchorages at Stewarts Bay, Carnarvon Bay and Safety Cove enable the cruising sailor to experience the haunting history of Port Arthur. Rounding the Tasman Peninsula you can sail inside Tasman Island in good weather and see the how supplies were lifted to the lighthouse – beware the downdrafts that can crash down the magnificent fluted cliffs. Fortescue Bay offers good anchorages, Canoe Bay is particularly beautiful but watch the Kelp on entry.
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