Nestled on the rugged Tasman Peninsula just a few kilometres past Port Arthur, Crescent Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped beach of soft, rich sand with dazzling turquoise waters. Backed by towering dunes and coastal vegetation, the beach opens onto the wild Southern Ocean. Protected by the bay's gentle curve, the water beyond the shorebreak offers clear conditions for snorkelers to explore. The area is also home to Remarkable Cave, a dramatic sea-carved tunnel visible from the lookout above. A walk through coastal heath and dunes leads to the sand, making this a full nature experience.
Crescent Bay
IntermediateGO
GO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 10 sWind Speed 1.0 knPrecipitation 2.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Crescent Bay has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Maingon Blowhole danger
Unstable, fragile edges surround the Maingon Blowhole cavity near the start of the walk.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Maingon Blowhole
Unstable, fragile edges surround the Maingon Blowhole cavity near the start of the walk.
Moderate risk: Strong shore break and swell
Crescent Bay faces the Southern Ocean and can experience powerful waves and a strong shore break, particularly during southerly swells.
Moderate risk: Rip currents
As with many exposed Tasmanian beaches, rip currents can develop, especially when swell is running.
Moderate risk: Steep cliff edges
Unfenced steep cliffs along the Mount Brown coastline and summit track present fall risks.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Southern Ocean waters are cold year-round, rarely exceeding 16°C even in summer, posing a cold shock/ Hypothermia risk without appropriate wetsuit.
Low risk: Remote location with limited facilities
Limited phone reception and no lifeguard patrol; emergency services access can be delayed.
Low risk: Loose scree on ascent
The Mount Brown summit trail passes over sections of small, loose shards of rock that can be slippery.
Low risk: Remote beach access
Crescent Bay is only reachable by foot or boat with no lifeguard patrol or immediate emergency services.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Hobart, take the Arthur Highway (A9) south to Port Arthur. Continue past the Port Arthur Historic Site for approximately 2 km to the Crescent Bay car park on the left. A 500 m walking track through coastal dunes leads down to the beach.
Parking & facilities
Small unpaved car park just off Arthur Highway (C347) near the entrance to Crescent Bay walking track.
parking
Free
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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