Nestled within Tasman National Park on the rugged Tasman Peninsula, Bivouac Bay is a sheltered, secluded cove fringed by white sand and framed by towering eucalyptus forest. Reached via a scenic 10 km return coastal walk from Fortescue Bay, the bay offers calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. En route you'll pass Canoe Bay, where the sunken wreck of the William Pitt dredge rests just offshore — a fascinating underwater relic to explore. Bivouac Creek provides fresh water at the bay, and the peaceful, off-the-beaten-path setting makes it a favourite for campers and day-trippers alike.
Bivouac Bay
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 11 knPrecipitation 1.3 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Southern Ocean swells
The Tasman Peninsula coast can experience sudden southerly swells that increase wave action and create hazardous conditions for swimmers and snorkelers in exposed areas.
Low risk: Rocky and uneven trail sections
The walking track between Fortescue Bay and Bivouac Bay has steep, rocky climbs and descents with uneven ground, requiring care when carrying snorkel gear.
Low risk: Slippery creek crossing rocks
Rocks at creek crossings (Fortescue Bay beach creek and Walker Creek) can be very slippery, especially after rain.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian waters are cool year-round (10-17°C). Extended snorkeling requires a wetsuit to prevent hypothermia risk.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Hobart, take the Tasman Highway to Sorell, then the Arthur Highway to Taranna. Continue ~5 km past Taranna, turn left onto Fortescue Road (unsealed, suitable for 2WD) and follow for 12 km to Fortescue Bay within Tasman National Park. Park at the Fortescue Bay day-use/picnic area. From here, walk the 5 km (one-way) Bivouac Bay Track north along the coast, passing Canoe Bay, to reach Bivouac Bay.
Parking & facilities
Park at Fortescue Bay day-use area (gravel carpark near the beach). The road is unsealed but accessible for 2WD in dry conditions.
toiletsparkingpicnic_tables
A valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass is required for vehicle entry. Passes can be purchased at the Fortescue Bay day-use area or online.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Tasmania
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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