Oct 24, 2021

Tasman Arch

Updated: May 3

Tasman Arch

Tasman Arch is what’s left of the roof of a giant sea cave, or tunnel, created by wave action over many thousands of years. The pressure of water, compressed air, sand, and stones acted on vertical cracks (joints) in the cliff, dislodging slabs and boulders.

When you look into Tasman Arch, it seems to be old. While it may be old, it is still changing. Is the arch growing, the roof thinning, or the walls expanding? Below this viewing point and visible from the arch (opposite) is the entrance to a new cave, initiated by wave action.

In the cliff-face opposite, you will see many weak zones similar to those that gave way to creating an arch when the cave roof collapsed. This prolonged process of erosion is continuing. This arch will eventually collapse.

A short walk from the Tasman Arch takes you over the Arch and on to a lovely lookout along the coast and then continues to Devil's Kitchen lookout.

Directions

From Hobart, head east along the Tasman Highway past the airport, then turn right onto the Arthur Highway at Sorell. Continue along the highway down through the Forester Peninsula until Eaglehawk Neck.

Eaglehawk Neck is the isthmus that connects the Tasman Peninsula near the town of Dunalley and is the gateway to the Tasman Peninsula.