About us
Meet the owners of Eaglehawk Pavilions, Cath and Dave.
We are only recent arrivals to Tasmania. Having lived on the South Coast of NSW, the lure of Tasmania was an easy one and when we first visited we knew this was where we wanted to be for the rest of our lives.
We first saw the Pavilions a few years ago and were captivated by their location and uniqueness. When the opportunity came up to be the new owners of the Pavilions, it was an easy decision. We enjoy spending time there but also enjoy sharing the opportunity with our guests.
We are captivated by the rugged beauty of the Tasman Peninsula, drawn by the amazing surf breaks and everything else that the Peninsula has on offer. We fell in love with the breathtaking coastline, the many walks on offer and the area’s deep and long history. We also enjoy the wineries, distilleries and the food – but hey that’s Tasmania!
Eaglehawk Neck is the small town where Eaglehawk Pavilions is situated and forms the natural gateway to the many attractions of the Tasman Peninsula, including the Port Arthur Historic Site. The Neck is also a natural geological wonder with striking rock formations like the Tessellated Pavement, and nearby Tasman Arch, Blowholes and Devil’s Kitchen. There is an abundance of wildlife and marine life living in the area and if you’re lucky, you might even spot endangered wedge-tailed eagles or migrating whales. If you’re wanting to bask in the warm Tasmanian sun, you can stroll down the hill to Pirates Bay beach where you’ll be met with stunning white sand and crisp blue water. Feeling more adventurous? There is a wide range of activities to do in the area including lot’s of short and long walking trails to explore, surfing, diving or even take a scenic flight to see the breathtaking coastline from above.
Our Pavilions are very special to us, they represent everything we love about the area and the beautiful state of Tasmania. The never ending views and only being a short stroll to the beach, the ability to do a lot or to do nothing, and the promise that no two days are ever the same.
We hope you enjoy our Pavilions as much as we do!
Location
Eaglehawk Neck
Eaglehawk Neck is the small town where Eaglehawk Pavilions is situated and forms the natural gateway to the many attractions of the Tasman Peninsula, including the Port Arthur Historic Site.
The thin strip of land known as the Neck connects the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula. It’s about 400 metres long and less than 30 metres wide at one point. This narrow entrance to the Tasman Peninsula was once guarded by the dog line, a line of dogs chained together to prevent convicts from escaping the notorious prison settlement at nearby Port Arthur. Many tried to escape, some succeeded and there’s now a sculpture to mark this once brutal barricade.
There are shipwreck sites here too, but there’s much more to this place than its dark and dangerous past. The Neck is also a natural geological wonder with striking rock formations like the Tessellated Pavement, and nearby Tasman Arch, Blowhole and Devil’s Kitchen.
Pirates Bay beach is ideal for stroll at any time of the day but is best enjoyed at sunrise when nature often puts on a spectacular show. And at the right time of year it is not unusual to spot whales on their migration from the lookouts.
Be sure to take note of the names given to all the shacks in Doo Town as you drive to the Blowhole and Tasman Arch. If you’re here during the summer daylight savings period, don’t miss the fish and chips from Doolishus in the Blowhole carpark. They have been voted some of the best in the country.
Tasman Peninsula
The Tasman Peninsula will appeal to those who like spectacular coastlines, blowholes and caves, not to mention world heritage listed convict sites.
An easy and very pretty 70 min drive from Hobart, the peninsula is best known for the famous Port Arthur Historic site, one of Tasmania’s five World Heritage listed convict sites. Nearby, though not so well known, is the Coal Mines Historic Site – also world heritage listed – with over 25 substantial buildings and the remains of coal mining activities still evident.
Tasman Island and Cape Pillar in the distance, Tasmania, Australia
Like Port Arthur, the harsh treatment of the convicts at the coal mines stands in bleak contrast with the site’s beautiful bushland setting.
Much of the peninsula is protected as national park, given its beauty and natural diversity, and is home to many animals including the brushtail possum, wallabies, wombats, bandicoots, Australian fur seals, penguins, dolphins and migrating whales as well as the endangered swift parrot and many forest-dwelling birds. You may also see endangered wedge-tailed eagles and sea eagles overhead.
Back on land, good walking trails can be found across the peninsula with some of Tasmania’s best walks ranging from short and family-friendly to overnight multi-day walks for the more adventurous.
Tasman National Park
Famous for its soaring sea cliffs and monumental rock formations, Tasman National Park is an area of dramatic beauty and natural diversity. The park is situated on the rugged Tasman Peninsula and contains a spectacular coastal environment including soaring 300 metre high dolerite sea cliffs.
The park is home to a wide range of land and marine animals, including the brushtail possum, Australian fur seals, penguins, dolphins and migrating whales. It’s also home to the endangered swift parrot and many forest-dwelling birds. Endangered wedge-tailed eagles and sea eagles can also be seen overhead.
Many striking rock formations along the coastline are easily accessed by car and within 5 minutes drive from Eaglehawk Pavilions. Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen, The Blowhole, Waterfall Bay and the Tessellated Pavement are some of Tasmania’s most visited attractions. Remarkable Cave near Port Arthur is also a must see.
The spectacular dolerite columns and cliffs at the southern end of the park are popular for climbing and abseiling. Sea stacks north of Fortescue Bay, the Candlestick and Totem Pole at Cape Hauy as well as the drops around Mount Brown are used by individual climbers and abseilers as well as tour groups.
There is also a hang gliding launch at Pirates Bay, with landing permitted in a designated area on the beach.
The crystal clear waters of Pirates Bay, Fortescue Bay, Port Arthur and the Tasman Sea are popular boating destinations with ramps, sheltered waters and good fishing.
