Tucked within the sheltered waters of Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, Stewart's Bay offers a serene snorkeling experience in the calm, crystal-clear shallows of a World Heritage-listed landscape. Surrounded by stringybark forest and sandy beaches, this tranquil bay is renowned for its easy shore access and consistently peaceful conditions. Snorkelers can drift over sandy patches and seagrass beds, sharing the water with small fish, crabs, and the occasional curious seal. With the historic Port Arthur site just moments away, it's the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Stewart's Bay
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Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.6 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 0.9 knPrecipitation 1.8 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
Low risk: Cool water temperatures
Water temperatures in Tasmania are cold year-round (12-18°C), posing a risk of cold shock and hypothermia for unprepared swimmers.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
A moderate outgoing tide can develop through the bay, potentially pulling snorkelers away from the shoreline.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Tasmanian waters remain cold year-round; water temperatures can drop below 12°C even in summer, requiring a wetsuit.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The bay is adjacent to Port Arthur harbour, which can have occasional boat and kayak traffic near the swimming area.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Stewart's Bay is located just off Arthur Highway near Stewarts Bay Lodge, approximately 1.5 km south of the Port Arthur Historic Site entrance. Follow Arthur Highway (A9) south from Eaglehawk Neck through the Tasman Peninsula; turn into the Stewarts Bay Lodge driveway and park in the public area near the beach.
Parking & facilities
Public parking available at Stewarts Bay Lodge area. Limited spaces — arrive early in peak season.
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Free public beach access. No entry fee for the bay.
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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