Some walks take a while to suck you in; others win you over almost immediately. The Bivouac Bay walk sits firmly in the second camp.

This walk is ideal if:

Enjoy coastal walks with frequent visual rewards

Like stopping often to look, sit, or explore

Want a half-day walk that feels varied and interesting throughout

Appreciate good lunch spots at the destination

Are curious about marine life and coastal history

I’d heard a lot about this track long before setting foot on the Tasman Peninsula, not necessarily because it is a dramatic or overly challenging walk, but because the name “bivouac” set my imagination ablaze after spending my youth reading every mountaineering novel under the sun.

And while this is a beautiful and very interesting walk, there is no mountaineering required — but you can bivouac at the bay… or maybe just bring a tent and spend the night in comfort.

What to Expect on the Bivouac Bay Walk

This walk offers constant change, including shifting views of the deep blue Fortescue Bay and out through the heads into the Tasman Sea.

Expect:

Beach walking at Fortescue Bay

Narrow coastal track with short steep climbs

Expansive views across Fortescue Bay and the Tasman Sea

A sheltered bay with kelp forests visible from the shoreline

Frequent shorebird and marine wildlife sightings

Rather than one standout feature, the appeal comes from how often the scenery shifts. You’re rarely walking through the same environment for long, which makes the kilometres pass quickly.

Best Time to Walk to Bivouac Bay

Bivouac Bay is accessible year-round; however, being a coastal track, this route is much busier in summer.

Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and reliable conditions for walking. Summer brings warmer water and longer days, making it easier to justify spending extra time at the bay or swimming if conditions allow. However, expect a lot more people — this track is popular, and so are the nearby campgrounds.

Winter walks are still great, but the wind can become unpleasant on particularly blowy days. On the upside, there’s a good chance of spotting whales coming into the bay to rest and shelter.

Whatever the season, keep an eye on wind forecasts. This track follows the curve of the bay, and strong winds can change how exposed some sections feel.

Whatever the season, check the forecast carefully. Wind direction and strength play a major role in how this walk feels. If the forecast calls for strong winds from the west, they will feel particularly icy blowing off the peaks of Hartz Mountain National Park.

Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of

The track is well-defined for the duration of the walk, but quite narrow, with a number of obstacles.

From Fortescue Bay onwards — after starting on the beach — the path narrows and climbs in short, steep bursts. These sections aren’t long, but they do require care, especially after rain.

Footwear with good grip is recommended. There are no technical sections, but attention is needed throughout.

Water is not available along the track, so carry enough for the return journey, particularly if you plan to explore the bay or extend your walk.

Starting at Fortescue Bay

The walk begins at the northern end of Fortescue Bay, opposite the barbecue and day-use car park. Here you’ll find water taps to fill your pack before departing.

Before you even reach the track, you’ll cross Agnes Creek as it seeps out through the sand dunes and into the bay. This shallow creek is popular with paddleboarders exploring the calmer edges of the bay.

From here, the track heads into the hillside and immediately begins tracing the curve of Fortescue Bay.

Following the Curve of the Bay

As the track climbs, views open up across Fortescue Bay, stretching toward the Tasman Sea. The track is narrow and enjoyable, guiding you through lush forest with ever-changing viewpoints out over the bay.

The path rises and falls in short sections but always stays close to the coastline.

Despite the climbing, this section feels engaging rather than punishing, largely thanks to the constantly shifting outlook.

Canoe Bay

Roughly halfway along, the track drops down to Canoe Bay, which makes for a great place to stop for a snack.

This small bay is home to the partially sunken wreck of the William Pitt, and it’s common to see little pied cormorants perched on the exposed metal, wings outstretched to dry. Black-faced cormorants also frequent the area, and white-bellied sea eagles are often seen overhead.

The Wreck of the William Pitt

The twisted metal in Canoe Bay is the wreck of the William Pitt dredge.

Named after William Pitt (1855–1918), a Melbourne architect turned politician, the dredge was used in the construction of the Hobart Bridge in Devonport. On 1 July 1953, it was towed from Hobart to Fortescue Bay and deliberately sunk — a process known as scuttling.

Its purpose was to act as a breakwater for fishing vessels, and today it serves as both a landmark and a haven for seabirds.

Canoe Bay is also a good place to take stock before the final climb toward Bivouac Bay.

Extending the Walk Beyond Bivouac Bay

For those wanting more, the Tasman Coastal Trail continues beyond the campsite.

The track begins just over the river that runs alongside the camping area. We followed it briefly, hoping for views of Cape Hauy and The Moai, but thick forest blocked the outlook at this early point. Reports suggest that views further along are well worth the effort if you’re prepared to keep going.

This extension suits walkers with extra time and energy rather than those aiming for a straightforward return.

This is not a walk I have completed, but you can read more about it on the Parks Tasmania website.