Simpsons Bay to Simpsons Point - Kayak

433 Simpsons Bay Road, Simpsons Bay Tasmania 7150, Australia
Simpsons Point
Looking north along the coastline towards Simpsons Point
Looking East across Isthmus Bay towards The Neck and Fluted Cape
Landed at Simpsons Point
Paddling along the tip of Simpsons Point

A lovely return paddle along a rocky and sheltered shoreline in Simpsons Bay and out to the bushy finger-like projection of Simpsons Point.

Highlights

A reasonably sheltered paddle where a wide range of sea birds are regularly sighted, including white-bellied sea eagles, cormorants, oystercatches, black swans and gulls. The rocky foreshore of Simpsons Point makes for a good picnic spot on a sunny day.

Nature

Nature

Natural features

The dominant coastal plant species include eucalyptus and a range of coastal shrubs and grasses. A variety of sea birds are often in the area, including white-bellied sea eagles, oystercatchers, cormorants, gulls and black swans.

Natural values

On the channel side of Simpsons Point is The Simpsons Point Marine Conservation Area. Due to the especially dark and cold waters that the currents create here, these waters are home to a unique array of species including the spiny pipehorse, Tasmanian numbfish, seawhips, sponges, ringed puffer fish and the endemic seastar.

Track details

Track details

Put your kayak in at the Simpsons Bay Boat Ramp, then hug the coastline as you paddle your way north along the bush-fringed rocky shoreline of the finger-like projection of Simpsons Point. This is a relatively sheltered paddle, with protection from southerly and westerly winds, however, winds with a northerly or easterly aspect may still affect you.

The coastline along here is a mixture of bushland and farmland, with a few pebble beaches along the way if you need a break or a leg stretch. You will have expansive views out over Isthmus Bay and Simpsons Bay back towards the neck, and, when looking south-east, of Fluted Cape.

Once you reach Simpsons Point, there is a decent pebble beach at the point where you can land and take in the views. From this point you will be able to look northward up the D’entrecasteaux Channel, and, on a clear day have views of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington in the distance. Facing Westward you will be looking out towards Middleton which is directly across the channel from Simpsons Point.

If you choose to explore around the corner of Simpsons Point in the Channel, keep in mind that you will now be exposed to winds from the south and the west as well as the north, and that these winds can funnel through the channel increasing their strength and speed. Once you have finished at Simpsons Point, begin paddling back the way you came south along the coastline and back to the boat ramp.

If you feel like paddling further, you can continue heading south-east through Simpsons bay toward the Neck. These broad, shallow coastal flats are host to a myriad of birdlife including black swans, pied and sooty oystercatchers and white-bellied sea eagles.

Conditions

Conditions

While in Simpsons bay, these coastal waters are relatively sheltered if you keep close to the shoreline. You are, however, somewhat exposed to northerly and easterly winds. It becomes more exposed, especially to the south, if you go round the corner of Simpsons Point into the Channel. There are also fast-flowing currents if you paddle into the channel, which are often visible from Simpsons Point.

Safety advice

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 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...

Age restrictions and advice

Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Location & map

Location

433 Simpsons Bay Road, Simpsons Bay Tasmania 7150, Australia

From Roberts Point Ferry Terminal on Bruny Island, follow B66 (Bruny Island Main Road) for 32km before turning right onto Simpsons Bay Road (C628). Follow Simpsons Bay Road north for [4.2km] before turning right onto Boat Ramp Road. Follow the dirt road down to a turning circle and a boat ramp. You can either put your kayak in at the boat ramp or from the pebble beach to the right of the ramp. There is space to park your car here, however, ensure you leave enough space for cars with boat trailers to turn around.

Key info

2-3 hours return

10km return

Grade 2: Moderate

There are no toilets or other facilities on this paddle.

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