Adventure Bay: Coves, Nature and Maritime History

Adventure Bay combines sheltered coves and clear water with an unusually tangible maritime history. Here, you can swim in a sheltered spot, explore trails leading to traces of the former whaling industry, and learn about voyages of discovery in the South Pacific at the museum. There are several ways to plan your trip: a stay by the water, a walk with coastal views, or an outing focused on the history of the bay.

Coves, Swimming and Whale Watching

Sheltered coves and clear water define Adventure Bay. The area offers a safe, sheltered place to swim, as well as opportunities for family camping. During migration season, humpback whales or southern right whales may be spotted in the shallow, sheltered waters. If whale watching is a priority, you can take the migration season into account when planning your trip. Swimming and possible whale sightings are two different reasons to experience the bay: one brings you to the water, while the other turns your attention to the animals that may pass through during their migration.

Coastal Trail and Forest Walk

The Grass Point Walk starts in Adventure Bay. This easy trail offers spectacular coastal views and leads to the ruins of a former whaling station. You can see the remains of structures associated with the former whaling industry. The walk is therefore also an opportunity to take in both the coastal landscape and a tangible reminder of the area's history.

The Mavista Nature Walk offers a different setting. This well-formed forest trail is 800 m long and can be reached via Resolution Road and Lockleys Road in Adventure Bay. In the deep shade of a tall, wet forest, you may spot robins and scrubwrens. The two walks offer different experiences: the Grass Point Walk focuses on coastal views and whaling history, while the Mavista Nature Walk highlights the forest and its birdlife.

A Bay with a History

Adventure Bay's sheltered anchorage was later used by Tobias Furneaux, James Cook and William Bligh. Whaling took place here in the early 19th century. The privately run Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration is a history museum with a specialised collection on the exploration of the South Pacific. It displays maps, documents, paintings and other artefacts documenting visits to Adventure Bay by Captain William Bligh, Captain James Cook, Tobias Furneaux, Matthew Flinders and Admiral Joseph-Antoine Bruny D'Entrecasteaux. If you are interested in the bay's history and the exploration of the South Pacific, the museum offers a distinct cultural experience alongside the trails and activities by the water.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

From the ferry terminal at Roberts Point, it is a 30-minute drive covering 37 km to Adventure Bay and the national park. On Bruny Island, fuel is available only at the Adventure Bay General Store. If you are travelling by car, this is a useful detail to consider when planning your trip. A boat tour also departs from the town: Bruny Island Cruises is a three-hour trip that starts in Adventure Bay.

More destinations: Cradoc, Ulverstone, Rowella, Pipers River, Queenstown, Little Swanport, Devonport, Cygnet.

For the main travel guide: Tasmania.