A half day paddle exploring the bush fringed rocky foreshore towards Sheepwash Bay.
Highlights
Highlights include, views of Adamsons Peak and the Southern Ranges, regular break points at the many pebble beaches along the way and healthy kelp forests near the coastline.
Nature
Natural features
The dominant plant types along the coast include casuarinas and various types of eucalyptus, grasses, and coastal scrub. Healthy patches of kelp grow close to the coastline and can be seen when paddling. Various sea birds can be seen on this paddle including white-bellied sea eagles, white-faced herons, and various...
The dominant plant types along the coast include casuarinas and various types of eucalyptus, grasses, and coastal scrub. Healthy patches of kelp grow close to the coastline and can be seen when paddling. Various sea birds can be seen on this paddle including white-bellied sea eagles, white-faced herons, and various species of cormarants and gulls.
Conservation
There has been recent and growing controversy and concern over the expansion of industrial Salmon farming near this coastline, with the heavy waste underneath salmon pens causing degradation of the underlying seabeds and a disappearance of important marine habitats. This has recently famously been exposed in Richard Flanagan's new book,'Toxic'.
Track details
Put your kayak in at the boat ramp or small pebble beach next to it. From here you can paddle your way north along the rocky and bush-fringed coastline to Sheepwash Bay. There are regular pebble beaches if you want to have a break or to explore the foreshore by...
Put your kayak in at the boat ramp or small pebble beach next to it. From here you can paddle your way north along the rocky and bush-fringed coastline to Sheepwash Bay.
There are regular pebble beaches if you want to have a break or to explore the foreshore by foot. Continue paddling along the foreshore until you reach the northern end of Sheepwash Bay, then begin making your way back to Alonnah.
To finish off your paddle, it is worthwhile continuing south along the Alonnah foreshore, before returning to the boat ramp to finish your trip. The town of Alonnah has a pub and a café, which make for good options for a feed after your journey.
From this trip you gain views across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and to the mountains of Tasmania’s South-West Wilderness World Heritage Area. The striking Adamson’s Peak is often dusted in snow in winter. White-bellied sea eagles, white-faced herons, cormorants and other seabirds are a common feature of this lovely section of coast.
History
Name history
The name "Alonnah" comes from the Nuennone Aboriginal people's name for Bruny Island, Lunawanna-alonnah.
Conditions
This paddle faces the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, and whilst protected from the open ocean can be quite exposed in windy or poor conditions. This is especially the case if there are winds with a westerly aspect. Conditions can become considerably more exposed and difficult the further you paddle off shore, making...
This paddle faces the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, and whilst protected from the open ocean can be quite exposed in windy or poor conditions. This is especially the case if there are winds with a westerly aspect. Conditions can become considerably more exposed and difficult the further you paddle off shore, making it safest to stay reasonably close to the coastline.
Safety advice
Potential hazards to be aware of when kayaking include unpredictable wind strengths and directions, capsizing, hypothermia, sunstroke, and drowning. To best prevent these incidents from occurring it is crucial that appropriate safety equipment is used, and the kayaker should have a sound understanding of the effects of wind, currents, and...
Potential hazards to be aware of when kayaking include unpredictable wind strengths and directions, capsizing, hypothermia, sunstroke, and drowning. To best prevent these incidents from occurring it is crucial that appropriate safety equipment is used, and the kayaker should have a sound understanding of the effects of wind, currents, and water temperature in the local area. Prior to undertaking this trip, kayakers should review the local safety equipment requirements and other safety information as outlined by MAST, which can be found here: https://mast.tas.gov.au/safe-b...
It is always recommended that you paddle with a friend, and if you are unsure of your kayaking skills, you should first take a course with a Paddle Australia accredited trainer. Local paddling clubs are another good option if you need other people to kayak with and are a great way to upskill.
This coastline is especially exposed to winds with a westerly aspect. While there is good protection from easterly winds close to the coast, if you paddle too far out into the channel you are at risk of being blown off shore.
Age restrictions and advice
Children should be accompanied by an adult on this paddle.
Location
4 Pontoon Road, Alonnah Tasmania 7150, Australia
From the Roberts Point ferry terminal on North Bruny, drive 35km south on Bruny Island Main Road (B66) before turning right onto Pontoon Road where you can park your car near the boat ramp and walking track.
Nature
Natural features
The dominant plant types along the coast include casuarinas and various types of eucalyptus, grasses, and coastal scrub. Healthy patches of kelp grow close to the coastline and can be seen when paddling. Various sea birds can be seen on this paddle including white-bellied sea eagles, white-faced herons, and various...
The dominant plant types along the coast include casuarinas and various types of eucalyptus, grasses, and coastal scrub. Healthy patches of kelp grow close to the coastline and can be seen when paddling. Various sea birds can be seen on this paddle including white-bellied sea eagles, white-faced herons, and various species of cormarants and gulls.
Conservation
There has been recent and growing controversy and concern over the expansion of industrial Salmon farming near this coastline, with the heavy waste underneath salmon pens causing degradation of the underlying seabeds and a disappearance of important marine habitats. This has recently famously been exposed in Richard Flanagan's new book,'Toxic'.
Track details
Put your kayak in at the boat ramp or small pebble beach next to it. From here you can paddle your way north along the rocky and bush-fringed coastline to Sheepwash Bay. There are regular pebble beaches if you want to have a break or to explore the foreshore by...
Put your kayak in at the boat ramp or small pebble beach next to it. From here you can paddle your way north along the rocky and bush-fringed coastline to Sheepwash Bay.
There are regular pebble beaches if you want to have a break or to explore the foreshore by foot. Continue paddling along the foreshore until you reach the northern end of Sheepwash Bay, then begin making your way back to Alonnah.
To finish off your paddle, it is worthwhile continuing south along the Alonnah foreshore, before returning to the boat ramp to finish your trip. The town of Alonnah has a pub and a café, which make for good options for a feed after your journey.
From this trip you gain views across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and to the mountains of Tasmania’s South-West Wilderness World Heritage Area. The striking Adamson’s Peak is often dusted in snow in winter. White-bellied sea eagles, white-faced herons, cormorants and other seabirds are a common feature of this lovely section of coast.
History
Name history
The name "Alonnah" comes from the Nuennone Aboriginal people's name for Bruny Island, Lunawanna-alonnah.
Conditions
This paddle faces the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, and whilst protected from the open ocean can be quite exposed in windy or poor conditions. This is especially the case if there are winds with a westerly aspect. Conditions can become considerably more exposed and difficult the further you paddle off shore, making...
This paddle faces the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, and whilst protected from the open ocean can be quite exposed in windy or poor conditions. This is especially the case if there are winds with a westerly aspect. Conditions can become considerably more exposed and difficult the further you paddle off shore, making it safest to stay reasonably close to the coastline.
Safety advice
Potential hazards to be aware of when kayaking include unpredictable wind strengths and directions, capsizing, hypothermia, sunstroke, and drowning. To best prevent these incidents from occurring it is crucial that appropriate safety equipment is used, and the kayaker should have a sound understanding of the effects of wind, currents, and...
Potential hazards to be aware of when kayaking include unpredictable wind strengths and directions, capsizing, hypothermia, sunstroke, and drowning. To best prevent these incidents from occurring it is crucial that appropriate safety equipment is used, and the kayaker should have a sound understanding of the effects of wind, currents, and water temperature in the local area. Prior to undertaking this trip, kayakers should review the local safety equipment requirements and other safety information as outlined by MAST, which can be found here: https://mast.tas.gov.au/safe-b...
It is always recommended that you paddle with a friend, and if you are unsure of your kayaking skills, you should first take a course with a Paddle Australia accredited trainer. Local paddling clubs are another good option if you need other people to kayak with and are a great way to upskill.
This coastline is especially exposed to winds with a westerly aspect. While there is good protection from easterly winds close to the coast, if you paddle too far out into the channel you are at risk of being blown off shore.
Age restrictions and advice
Children should be accompanied by an adult on this paddle.
Location
4 Pontoon Road, Alonnah Tasmania 7150, Australia
From the Roberts Point ferry terminal on North Bruny, drive 35km south on Bruny Island Main Road (B66) before turning right onto Pontoon Road where you can park your car near the boat ramp and walking track.
Key info
2.5 hours return
9.5km return
Grade 3: Difficult
Facilities
There is a cafe and a pub a short walk from the put in point in the town of Alonnah. Be sure to check opening hours if you are planning on eating here.