Ansons Bay is a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania's Bay of Fires coastline, offering calm, shallow inshore waters perfect for snorkeling. The bay is a large, protected inlet fed by the Ansons River, with sandy patches and rocky reefs where kelp forests sway just metres from shore. The surrounding coastline dazzles with white-sand beaches, orange-lichen-covered granite boulders, and crystal-clear azure water. The nearby channel at Policemans Point connects the lagoon to the ocean, creating a dynamic tidal environment. This secluded spot feels frozen in time — fibro shacks, tinnies, and a peaceful seaside ambience make it a true hidden gem.
Ansons Bay
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 7.8 sWind Speed 8.3 knPrecipitation 3.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Graeme BartlettThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Shallow sandbar and channel
The outlet channel and sandbar at Policemans Point are very shallow at low tide, with shifting sands that can change depth rapidly.
Low risk: Tidal currents in channel
Strong tidal flow can develop in the narrow channel connecting the lagoon to the open ocean, especially during ebb and flood tides.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian waters are temperate and can be cold year-round, increasing the risk of cold shock or hypothermia for unprepared snorkelers.
Low risk: Kelp entanglement
Large kelp beds are present in shallow areas, which can entangle limbs or fins if snorkelers venture too close.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From the Tasman Highway (A3), turn off at the Gladstone/Ansons Bay road and follow signs approximately 30 km east to the small fishing village of Ansons Bay. The bay and shoreline are accessible from several informal beach access points near the township and at Policemans Point camping area.
Parking & facilities
Limited gravel parking is available near the boat ramp and at Policemans Point camping area. Spaces fill quickly during summer and holiday periods.
toilets
No entry fees; camping at Policemans Point may have small fees via the local council or Parks Tasmania.
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Gallery ┬╖ 1 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports