The Sorell Municipality.
Community, Coast, Country.
The Sorell Municipality spans an area of 583sq km and is home to a beautiful beach-lined coast, picturesque countryside and unique forests.
One of the great assets of the Municipality is its stunning natural spaces: beaches, parks, rivers and recreation areas, all of which are highly valued by the local community.
This guide has been created to share the variety of experiences available in our Municipality for both residents and visitors alike.
2
Contents
Key to Map Symbols 7
Our Tracks Our Trails and Area Map 8
Introduction - Safety and Conditions 10
Boat Ramps 12
Bike Racks 14
Viewing Areas and Lookouts 15
Dunalley Walkway 17
Lewisham Foreshore Walkway 18
Orielton Lagoon Loop 19
Waterway Trail 20
Wielangta Forest Walk 21
3
Contents
Carlton
Carlton Beach 23
Connellys Marsh
Connellys Marsh Beach 24
Dodges Ferry
Blue Lagoon Beach 25 Our Beaches Our Okines Beach 26
Park Beach 27
Red Ochre Beach 28
Tiger Head Beach 29
Dunalley
Dunalley Beach 30
Lewisham
Lewisham Beach 31
Marion Bay
Marion Bay Beach 32
Midway Point
Penna Beach 33
Midway Point Beach 34
Primrose Sands
Primrose Sands Beach 35
Pittwater Orielton Lagoon 36
4
Contents
Dodges Ferry Boat Park 38 Dodges Ferry Recreation Reserve 39
Dog Exercise Park 39 Skate Park 40 Dunalley Denison Canal Park 41
Our Parks Our Imlay Street Park 42 Skate Park 43 Lewisham Lewis Court Park 44 Midway Point Billy Kessarios’ Memorial Park 45
Fenton Street Reserve 46
Flyway Island 47
Sweetwater Park 48
Primrose Sands Primrose Sands Park 49 Sorell Pioneers Park 50 St George’s Square 51 RV Short Stay Site 52 Dog Exercise Area 52 Pembroke Park Sporting Precinct 53 Skate Park 54
5
Public Toilets
Disabled Access
BBQ Keyto Map Symbols
Car Parking
Play or Exercise Equipment
Boat Access
Dog Access Restrictions apply - please check for signage or refer to Sorell Council‘s Dog Exercise Areas brochure.
No Dogs
Kayaking
Fishing
Swimming
Surfing
Beach users advised to avoid
swimming
6
Map of Map Area
7
Safety and Conditions
This guide has been developed to provide information about the use of particular areas within our Municipality and the various activities available.
Most Southern Beaches are not patrolled and can be dangerous in certain conditions.
The eastern end of Carlton Beach is the safest place to swim when surf lifesavers are on patrol.
Introduction Please keep the following in mind: Read and obey all warning signs. If you are unsure of the conditions look for a Life Guard or do not enter the water. Never swim alone. Protect yourself - wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, long clothes or rashies and drink plenty of water. Never swim or go boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you get into difficulty, stay calm, float and raise one arm until help arrives.
Weather and conditions are variable, therefore the information in this booklet should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your own
abilities.
For more information on beach conditions see: www.beachsafe.org.au
Tasmania's weather: The weather in Tasmania can be incredibly varied. Always check with the Bureau of Meteorology before going boating or walking. Phone: 6221 2000 Website: www.bom.gov.au.
Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
8
Rips:
Rips can be recognised by the contrast with the surrounding sea.
If the sea is calm, the rip is where there is a channel of ripples in the water.
If the sea is rough the rip may be where there is a channel of calmer looking water.
If you get caught in a rip don’t panic, float with a rip current or undertow. Do not try to swim against it.
To escape a rip, swim parallel to the beach
Introduction
Boating: For information on boating safety and licences contact MAST (Marine and Safety Tasmania) on 1300 135 513 or go to www.mast.tas.gov.au
The environment: For the safety of the environment:
Avoid sensitive environmental areas such as dunes and bird breeding
areas.
Keep to tracks where they are marked.
Always take your rubbish with you.
Always clean up after your dog - look for the red dog faeces bins.
Dog access:
Dogs are allowed off lead at some beaches at certain times of the year, but must always be under the effective control of the owner, and responsive to commands. *Please check for local signage or refer to Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure for further information.
9
Boat Ramps
There are five public boat ramps located throughout the Sorell Municipality.
Boomer Bay
Access off Boomer Jetty Road Public Toilet Boating Fishing
Swimming not advised BoatRamps
Dodges Ferry
Access off Tiger Head Road
Public Toilets nearby @playground Boating Fishing
10
Dunalley Access off Arthur Highway Boating Fishing
Very tidal. Small craft only. BoatRamps Lewisham Access off Lewisham Scenic Drive Boating
Fishing
Primrose Sands Access off Linden Road Public Toilets situated up the hill Boating Fishing
11
Bike Racks There are several bike racks around the Municipality for you to use whilst you rest, shop or play.
Community Administration Centre (Council Offices), Sorell Pioneers Park, Sorell, St George’s Square, Sorell Sorell Park and Ride Facility
BikeRacks Flyway Island Park, Midway Point Sweetwater Park, Midway Point Boat Park, Dodges Ferry Shop precinct in Dodges Ferry
Primrose Sands Community Hall
12
Viewing Areas and Lookouts There are several viewing platforms and lookouts located across the Sorell Municipality.
Dodges Ferry
Viewing area at Spectacle Head in Dodges Ferry which overlooks Frederick Henry Bay. Part of the Whale Trail along Tasmania’s East Coast. There is a Whale sculpture,
interpretation boards and seating Areas Viewing onsite.
Dunalley Canal
There are two viewing platforms located along the Dunalley Canal Walkway which provide stunning views over the Canal. Great spot for photography.
Marion Bay Beach
Viewing platform at the beach in Marion Bay. Overlooks the bay
and provides a great spot for
watching wildlife and taking photographs. Beach is patrolled by Parks and Wildlife.
Marion Bay Scenic Lookout The lookout has forest views one way and ocean vistas the other. Stunning views provide an ideal position for taking photographs. The lookout is approx. 8.5 km along Wielangta Road from the Arthur Highway, via Kellevie Road.
13
Tracks and Trails
14
Dunalley Canal Walkway Access off Arthur Highway
Concrete and gravel path winds along the Canal from the bridge, through to the Tasman Monument at the junction of Imlay Street and Esplanade. Public Toilets at both ends of Walkway. Two viewing platforms off the Walkway overlooking the Canal.
Car Parking at both ends of Walkway. Dunalley Tasman Monument. Seating. Signage along Walkway.
15
Lewisham Foreshore Walkway Access off Richards Avenue
A 110 metre long track from Richards Avenue down to the foot bridge crossing China Creek.
Gravel steps and track.
Dogs allowed on lead.
Lewisham
16
Orielton Lagoon Loop A scenic walk or ride around the Orielton Lagoon through Sorell and Midway Point
Combination of gravel and concrete/asphalt pathway.
Relatively flat terrain, with some uphill section through Miena MidwayPoint Park. Suitable for a variety of users - walking, running, BMX bike riding, scooters, prams etc. Brilliant views from the Causeway across the water to Five Mile Beach area. Viewing of local bird life. Car parking available at various points along the pathway. Some seating along Loop. Map of full route is available on Council’s website - www.sorell.tas.gov.au
-
Sorell
17
Waterway Trail
Access via Pelham Street and Stores Lane
The Waterway Trail is 2.5 metre-wide trail which meanders along the Sorell Rivulet and links Pioneers Park through to Stores Lane. Car parking available. Public toilets - wheelchair access (in Pioneers Park). Access to Waterview Sanctuary (from Stores Lane end of Trail). Storyboards outlining historical and environmental areas of significance are placed
along the trail. Sorell
Dogs prohibited.
18
Wielangta Forest Walk
Wielangta Road provides a scenic drive detour from the Arthur Highway through the forests from Copping to Orford.
The Sandpit Forest Reserve picnic area provides a great stopping point for a picnic in one of the two stone shelters.
From here you can take the Wielangta Forest Walk, which is a 2 hour return walk that follows the route of an abandoned tramway to the
remnants of the old timber milling township of Wielangta. The mill Forest Wielangta operated from 1911 to 1924, with cut timber carted on trams down the coast to Rheban where it was loaded onto a jetty and shipped off. There is also another shorter walk through the rainforest (20 minutes return) at Robertson's Bridge.
Marion Bay Lookout is also off Wielangta Road and provides a lovely view over the forests and out to the ocean over Marion Bay.
For further information contact: Car Park Sustainable Timber Tasmania Phone: 6235 8353
Woodfired BBQs
19
Beaches
20
Carlton Beach Access via Raprinner Street
A popular and patrolled summer surfing and swimming beach, the beach is backed by a coastal reserve. Several walking tracks cross the dune to the beach.
Public car park.
Public toilet.
Swimming conditions - the beach is potentially hazardous, particularly if waves exceed 1 metre. Waves average about 1 metre but can be higher. Beware of rips.
Carlton Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club patrols (east end of beach) First weekend in December to the last weekend in March. Saturday and Sunday 11am - 4pm and Public Holidays.
Carlton usually offers beach breaks, however in a big southerly swell the Carlton River mouth bars can produce good lefts, with rights off the Spectacle Head end.
The sand flats from the river mouth are prohibited to dogs all year round. The rest of the beach is a restricted area - please check for signage or Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
21
Connellys Marsh Beach
Access via Fulham Road
Connellys Bay is a 1 kilometre wide southwest facing bay. It is an unpatrolled beach.
Connellys Marsh Connellys Swimming conditions - A family friendly beach when conditions are good.
Refer to signage before swimming - Beach users are advised to avoid swimming here after heavy rainfall.
Fishing - flathead, cod, flounder and salmon.
Dogs restrictions - please check for signage or
Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
22
Blue Lagoon Beach
(northern end of Red Ochre Beach)
Access via Kannah Street (off Tiger Head Road)
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Car parking available.
Ferry Dodges Swimming conditions - A family friendly beach when conditions are good, with fabulous views of Mount Wellington.
Refer to signage before swimming - Beach users are advised to avoid swimming here after periods of heavy rainfall.
Kayaking - excellent conditions and offshore islands.
Dog restrictions - Please check for signage or Council’s
‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
23
Okines Beach Access via Jetty Road and First Avenue
The beach has a northerly aspect and is sheltered by the entrance tidal shoals and its estuarine location, with usually calm conditions at the shore.
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow. Dodges Ferry Dodges Car parking available.
Refer to signage before swimming - Beach users are advised to avoid swimming here after heavy rainfall.
Fishing - great for fishing flathead, cod and whiting.
Year round dog exercise area - Some areas are on- lead only. Please check Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’
brochure.
24
Park Beach (Western end of Carlton Beach) Access via Park Beach Road
Park Beach is an unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Public car park.
Public toilet.
Ferry Dodges Swimming conditions - A great spot for children when conditions are good. Take the longboard and a picnic hamper.
Surf - This is a great spot for learners. It is a crumbly long peak, perfect for climbing slowly to your feet.
Dog restrictions - Please check for signage or Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
25
Red Ochre Beach
Access off Carlton Beach Road or Parnella Road
Red Ochre Beach is a protected west-facing beach located on the north side of Spectacle Head and is divided into two sections by a 50 metre long central outcrop of low rocks and boulders.
Just off shore is Spectacle Island, home and breeding ground of many endangered breeds of birds.
Dodges Ferry Dodges An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Car parking available.
Swimming conditions - mostly calm waters and family friendly beach when conditions are good.
Refer to signage before swimming - Beach users are advised to avoid swimming here after heavy rainfall.
Great for kayaking and fishing.
Dogs restrictions - please check for signage or Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
26
Tiger Head Beach
Access off Tiger Head Road
Tiger Head Beach is an unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Public car park.
Public toilet nearby at Boat Park. Ferry Dodges Boat ramp and jetty.
Swimming conditions - A great spot for children when conditions are good.
Fishing - great for fishing flathead, cod and whiting.
Dog restrictions - Please check for signage or Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
27
Dunalley Beach and Surrounds Access via Fulham Road
Car parking available.
Public toilets at Imlay Street Park and Denison Canal Park.
Seating - on the foreshore.
Boating- boat ramp nearby.
Dunalley Fishing - jetty nearby.
Dogs exercise area - restrictions apply, please check for signage or Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’
brochure.
28
Lewisham Beach
(Northern end of Okines Beach)
Access via Gary Street
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifes Saving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Swimming - family friendly in good conditions.
Lewisham Fishing - flathead, cod and salmon.
Year round dog exercise area - Restrictions apply, please check for signage or Council’s ‘Dog
Exercise Areas’ brochure.
29
Marion Bay Beach
Access via Marion Bay Road
An extremely picturesque bay providing 10 kilometres of secluded walks, a bird habitat conservation area and Longspit Nature Reserve. Adjacent to the site of the annual Falls Festival.
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Life Saving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Public car park.
Marion Bay Marion Public toilet.
Swimming - when condition are good.
Surfing for experienced surfers only - Beware of Rips.
Lookout/Viewing Platform.
Please consult with Parks and Wildlife Service
regarding access for dogs.
30
Penna Beach
Access via Shark Point Road or Penna Road
A family friendly area providing lots of opportunities to explore.
Good walking area.
Car Parking available - off Shark Point Road. Point Midway Year round off lead, dog exercise area. Dogs must be under effective control at all times. Please check for signage or Council’s ‘Dog
Exercise Areas’ brochure.
31
Midway Point Beach
Access via Brady Street
Refer to signage before swimming - Beach users are advised to avoid swimming here after periods of heavy rainfall.
An unpatrolled beach.
Midway Point Midway Undefined access to the beach.
Yacht Club nearby.
Good swimming conditions and calm waters for children when conditions are good.
32
Primrose Sands Beach
Access via Petrel Street and Grevillea Street
There is beach access towards the Southern end at Grevillea Street where there is a small reserve, and in the more sheltered northern corner off Petrel Street, where boats are launched across the beach.
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving
Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances PrimroseSands allow. Car parking available. Public toilets - opposite shop on the Council Reserve. Swimming conditions - family friendly. The moderately exposed beach faces down Frederick Henry Bay. The waves combine with the fine sand to maintain a low gradient with rips usually absent. Dog restrictions - please check for signage or Council’s
‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure for further information.
Beach access at Grevillea Street
33
Pittwater Orielton Lagoon Ramsar Site
Ramsar wetlands are recognised as Wetlands of PittwaterOrielton Lagoon International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.
This wetland system provides habitat for migratory and resident birds and is an important estuarine ecosystem for marine life and commercial ventures such as oyster farming.
A number of threatened birds, animals and plants, including some unusual and unique species, call this area home.
It is also officially recognised as an important shark nursery for both gummy and school shark. Shark are not allowed to be fished from this area.
Pied Oystercatcher Red-necked Stint
Bar-tailed Godwit Eastern Curlew
Bird photography kindly supplied by Alan Fletcher http://www.tassiebirds.blogspot.com.au/
For further information: No dogs Parks & Wildlife Service Southern Region No swimming Phone: 6214 8100 www.parks.tas.gov.au
34
Parks
35
Boat Park
Access via Tiger Head Road
Public car park.
Public toilet - wheelchair access.
All ages play equipment - including a 300 metre junior bike track, swings, see-saw, 5.8 metre climbing maze and frames, play boards. Dodges Ferry Dodges Fully fenced.
Electric BBQs.
Sheltered picnic tables.
Large grassed area.
Adjacent to the beach.
No dogs.
36
Dodges Ferry Recreation Reserve
Access via Old Forcett Road and Rantons Road (adjacent to Dodges Ferry Primary School) Nature Reserve. Natural bush setting. Good for photography. Cat Prohibited Area.
Dog on lead area. Dodges Ferry Dodges
Dog Exercise Park
Dodges Ferry Recreation Reserve - Access via Rantons Road
Fully fenced. Seating. Two areas which are separated by a fence.
37
Dodges Ferry Skate Park
Access via Old Forcett Drive (adjacent to Dodges Ferry Football Club)
Recently upgraded - includes quarter pipes, tabletops, rails and bowl.
Dodges Ferry Dodges Suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards.
Suitable for all skill levels.
Car parking available.
Natural setting.
Sheltered seating area.
No dogs.
38
Denison Canal Park
Access via the Arthur Highway
Public car park. Public toilet with wheelchair access. Electric BBQ’s. Visitor Information Boards. Beautiful canal views. Sheltered picnic seating. Rain garden feature.
Feature mosaic work including giant chessboard Dunalley (pieces available from the store). Shop and cafe across the road. Foreshore Walkway and Viewing Platforms -
links through to Imlay Street Park.
39
Imlay Street Park
Access via Imlay Street, just off the Arthur Highway
Fabulous waterfront position.
Public car park.
Public toilet (up the hill adjacent to play area).
Updated play equipment including nest swing, water pump, boat, sand digger and double slide.
Dunalley Exercise equipment (up the hill adjacent to play area).
Fully fenced with shade sail over some equipment.
Dunalley Foreshore Walkway - links to Denison Canal Park.
No dogs.
40
Dunalley Skate Park
Access via Church Street, just off the Arthur Highway
Recently constructed - includes tabletop, half pipe and rails. Suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards. Suitable for all skill levels. Natural setting. Fully Fenced. Picnic table seating and bench seats. Bike rack on site. Dunalley
No dogs.
41
Lewis Court
Access via Lewisham Scenic Drive (corner of Lewis Court)
Car parking available. Play equipment, swings and basketball hoop. Seating. Fenced.
Lewisham Shaded areas.
No dogs.
42
Billy Kessarios’ Memorial Park
Access via Penna Road and Brady Street
Play area with swings. Picnic table seating. Great views across Pittwater and
the Causeway. Midway Point Midway
No dogs.
Walking access from Penna Road to Brady Street.
43
Fenton Street Reserve
Access via Fenton Street
Public car park. Play equipment. Fully Fenced.
BBQ area. Midway Point Midway Seating - bench seat and picnic tables. Grassed areas and water views. Basketball slab and hoop. No dogs.
44
Flyway Island
Access via Vancouver Street, Bay Road, San Francisco Street, Midway Street and Honolulu Street
Car parking available. Nature-based playground. Play equipment - including flying fox, adventure net and nest swing.
Public toilets with wheelchair access and baby Point Midway change facilities. Timber exercise equipment. Bike/walking path. Large grassed area. BBQ and picnic tables. No dogs.
Bike and walking paths
Exercise equipment
45
Sweetwater Park
Access via Sweetwater Road and Sandpiper Drive
Car parking available. Fenced playground. Play equipment - including flying fox, swings, slides, climbing nets and nest swing.
Bike rack. Midway Point Midway Bench seating. No dogs.
46
Primrose Sands Park
Opposite the General Store on Primrose Sands Road, adjacent to the Primrose Sands Community Hall Car parking available. Public toilets including disabled toilet. Free public BBQ.
Fenced play equipment and quarter court PrimroseSands basketball. Skate ramp and BMX track. Exercise equipment. Public phone at General Store. Seating in shade. Primrose Sands Community Hall on site.
No Dogs.
47
Pioneers Park Access via Pelham Street
Car park on site.
Public toilets with wheelchair access.
Play equipment including swings, slides and train.
Large grassed area.
BBQ and sheltered picnic area.
Bike racks.
Storyboards outlining local history.
Sorell Sorell Rivulet and old weir are behind the park.
Access to the Sorell Rivulet and Waterway Trail.
No Dogs.
Tree Sculpture
48
St George’s Square
Access via Gordon, Somerville or Fitzroy Streets Car parking available. Public toilet with wheelchair access. Play equipment. Visitor Information Boards on site. Beautiful rose garden and gazebo feature. Grassed areas and picnic tables. St George's Church and Cemetery nearby. Close to shops and cafés. Free public WIFI. No Dogs. Sorell
49
RV Short Stay Site
At Pembroke Park - access via Montagu Street
Recreational Vehicles Short Stay Area for fully self- contained vehicles. No camping allowed. Dump point, Potable water, Undercover BBQ, picnic tables and solar lighting. Permits are available from the Council offices between 8:00am and 4.45pm Monday to Friday, or onsite. If purchasing onsite, put correct money in envelope
provided and place in safe deposit box near BBQ.
Sorell
Dog Exercise Park
At Pembroke Park - access via Arthur Street
Car parking available off Arthur Street. Fully fenced. Seating. Two areas which are separated by a fence.
50
Pembroke Park Sporting Precinct
Access via Arthur Street
Car parking available. Two football/cricket fields. Little Athletics facilities. Four netball courts. Soccer fields - junior and senior. Cricket nets. Amenities building.
Football clubrooms.
No dogs allowed. Sorell
51
Sorell Skate Park
At Pembroke Park - Access via Arthur and Montagu Streets
Table top, quarter pipe, half pipe section, box and spine. Suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards. Suitable for all skill levels. Sheltered huts.
BMX Jumps.
No dogs.
Sorell
52
For further information please contact:
Sorell Council Phone: 03 6269 0000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sorell.tas.gov.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorellcouncil/
Sorell Council/Recreation Guide - May 2020
53