Middle Bay and Whalebone Point to Cloudy Bay Lagoon

From the Cloudy Bay carpark, follow the walking trail westward over a wild headland and then down to ‘middle bay’ a section of the Cloudy Bay beaches in between two headlands. This is a favourite beach for surfers, with rolling surf from the Great Southern Ocean, along with some strong rips to be wary of too. Follow Middle Bay to its Western End and Whalebone point, where [a rough track can be followed rock-hopping your way along and over the point and then down to another long, superb stretch of Cloudy Bay beach. ‘From the far end of this [middle] beach there is a small path which contours just above the shoreline rocks. At first the slopes above are covered with dense vegetation but once out near the muttonbird rookery, access can be gained to the hill above, which is covered with grasslands and is easy walking. Cross the headland (Whalebone Point) and descend to the next beach at the fence line. Watch out for burrows! It takes about 30 minutes to reach this beach and the walk along the beach to the lagoon inlet takes another 30 minutes. At the inlet watch for the rare and endangered Forty-Spotted Pardalote]. From here, continue westward to the end of the Cloudy Bay beach and out to the inlet of the Cloudy Bay lagoon. You have the option here of rock-hopping and following the Lagoon outlet north to the opening of the broad expanse of the Lagoon proper. This is an area rich in fish, sea and birdlife. White-breasted Sea Eagles, Egrets, Hooded Plovers and Oystercatchers abound in this magnificent part of Bruny. Retrace your steps for the return journey.