Parks & Beaches Guide
Community Coast Country
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Sorell…. Our Community
Sorell is one of Tasmania’s oldest towns and has become a popular service centre for the local farming community, light industry and its growing suburbs. One of the great assets of the Sorell Municipality is its stunning natural spaces, beaches, parks, rivers and recrea on areas, all are highly valued by the local community. This guide has been created to share the variety of experiences available for both residents and visitors alike.
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Contents
Area map 6
Key to map symbols 7
Introduction safety & conditions 8-9
Beaches 10 Carlton Carlton Beach 11 Park Beach 12
Our Beaches Connellys Marsh Connellys Marsh Beach 13
Dodges Ferry Blue Lagoon Beach 14 Okines Beach 15 Red Ochre Beach 16
Dunalley Dunalley Beach 17
Lewisham Boat Ramp 18 Lewisham Beach 19
Marion Bay Marion Bay Beach 20
Midway Point Penna Beach 21 Midway Point Beach 22
Primrose Sands Primrose Sands Beach 23 4
Contents
Pittwater Orielton Lagoon Ramsar Site 24
Parks 25
Dodges Ferry Boat Park 26 Recreation Park 27
Our Parks
Dunalley Denison Canal Park 28 Imlay Street Reserve 29
Lewisham Lewis Court 30
Midway Point Billy Kessarios’ Memorial Park 31 Vancouver Street Reserve 32 Fenton Street Reserve 33
Sorell Pioneers Park & Weir 34 Waterway Trail & Grassy Hill Conservation Area 35 St Georges Square 36 Pembroke Park 37-38
Walk & Cycle Track Sorell to Midway Point 39 Primrose Sands Primrose Sands 40
Wielangta Forest Walk 41
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Map of Area
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Public toilets
Disabled access
BBQ
Key to Map Symbols Car parking
Play or exercise equipment
Boat access
Dog access - restrictions apply, please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
No Dogs
Kayaking
Fishing
Swimming
Surfing
Beach users advised to avoid swimming
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Introduction– safety & conditons This guide has been developed to help you enjoy Sorell’s beaches, parks and recreational spaces safely, to provide information about the use of particular areas 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. Please keep the following in mind :
Read and obey all warning signs.
If you are unsure of the conditions, ask a local person or look for Life Guards.
Never swim alone.
Use 30+ sunscreen, wear a long sleeved shirt and a broad brimmed hat.
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. ph. 1196 or visit the website www.bom.gov.au
Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
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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 6233 8801 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. *Please check for signage or the Sorell Council’s ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure for further information.
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Beaches
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Carlton Beach Raprinner Street, Carlton 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,
Carlton Beach particularly if waves exceed 1metre. Waves average about 1metre but can be higher. Beware of rips spaced about every 200metres along the beach. In addition there is a permanent rip against Spectacle Head, & strong tidal currents flowing off the eastern end of the beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club patrols (east end of h Beach) First weekend in December to the last weekend in March. Saturday & 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.
Parts of the beach are year round dog exercise areas - please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Park Beach (Western end of Carlton Beach)
Park Beach Road, Dodges Ferry
Park Beach is an unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Public car park
Public toilet
Park Beach 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 the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Connellys Marsh Beach
(access via Fulham Road)
Connelly’s Marsh Connellys Bay is a 1km wide southwest facing bay. It is not a patrolled beach.
Swimming conditions - A family friendly beach when conditions are good.
Fishing - flathead, cod, flounder and salmon.
Dogs restrictions - please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Blue Lagoon Beach (northern end of Red Ochre Beach)
access via Carlton Beach Road off Kannah Street
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club conduct roving patrols when
Dodges Ferry circumstances allow.
Car parking available
Swimming conditions - A family friendly beach when conditions are good, with fabulous views of Mt. Wellington.
Beach users are advised to avoid swimming here after periods of heavy rainfall.
Kayaking - excellent conditions and offshore islands.
Dogs restrictions - please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Okines Beach access via Jetty Road and First Avenue
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow. The beach has a northerly aspect and is sheltered by the entrance Dodges Ferry tidal shoals and its estuarine location with usually calm conditions at the shore.
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 the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Red Ochre Beach
access off Carlton Beach Road or Parnella Road
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow. Red Ochre Beach is a protected west-facing beach located on the Dodges Ferry north side of Spectacle Head and is divided into two sections by a 50metre long central outcrop of low rocks and boulders.
Spectacle Island just offshore is the home and breeding ground of many endangered breeds of birds.
Car parking available
Swimming conditions - mostly calm waters and family friendly beach when conditions are good. Avoid swimming after heavy rain
Great for kayaking and fishing .
Dogs restrictions - please check for signage or Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Dunalley Beach & Surrounds
Car parking available
Public toilet at Imlay Reserve
Dunalley Boating
Fishing - jetty nearby
Dogs exercise area - restrictions apply, please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Lewisham Jetty Boat Ramp
access via Lewisham Scenic Drive
Boating
Lewisham
Fishing - flathead, cod and salmon
Swimming not advised
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Lewisham Beach Northern end of Okines Beach access via Gary Street
An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving 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 the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Marion Bay Beach access via Marion Bay Road
A very picturesque bay providing 10 km of secluded walks, bird habitat conservation area and Longspit Nature Reserve. Adjacent to the site of the annual Falls Festival. An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Marion Bay
Public car park
Public toilet
Swimming - when condition are good
Surfing for experienced surfers only - Beware of Rips
Small area for dog exercise - please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Penna Beach
access via Shark Point Road or Penna Road
A family friendly area providing lots of opportunities to explore.
Midway Point
Good walking area
Year round off lead, dog exercise area. Dogs must be under effective control. Please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Midway Point Beach
access via Brady Street
An unpatrolled beach.
Midway Point Yacht club nearby
Good swimming conditions and calm waters for children when conditions are good.
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Primrose Sands Beach
There is beach access towards the southern end where there is a small reserve and in the more sheltered northern corner where boats are launched across the beach.
Primrose Sands An unpatrolled beach. Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club conduct roving patrols when circumstances allow.
Car parking available
Public toilets - opposite shop on 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 the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure for further information.
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Pittwater Orielton Lagoon Ramsar Site Ramsar wetlands are recognised as Wetlands of 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
Ramsar Site unusual and unique species call this 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 S nt
Bar‐tailed Godwit Eastern Curlew
Bird photography kindly supplied by Alan Fletcher h p://www.tassiebirds.blogspot.com.au/
For further information: Parks & Wildlife Service No dogs Southern Region Ph. 6214 8100 No swimming www.parks.tas.gov.au 24
Parks
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Dodges Ferry
Boat Park access via Tiger Head Road
Dodges Ferry Public car park
Public toilet - wheelchair access
All ages and abilities play equipment - 300metre junior bike track, swings, see-saw,
5.8metre climbing maze & frames, play boards, 3.5metre high swings Fenced and dogs prohibited
Electric BBQs
Sheltered picnic tables
Large grassed area
Walking distance to the beach
Boat ramp on foreshore nearby
All Abili es Play Ground
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Dodges Ferry
Recreation Park Access via Old Forcett Drive (adjacent to Football Club)
Car parking available
No dogs
Dodges Ferry
Skate/bike ramps & rail
Climbing frame
Natural setting with shade
Fenced
Sheltered seating area
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Dunalley
Denison Canal Park access via Arthur Highway
Public car park
Public toilet with wheelchair access
No dogs
Visitor Information Board Dunalley Canal and beach views Sheltered picnic seating
Feature mosaic work including giant chess- board (pieces available from the store)
Sculpture
Shop & cafe across the road
Sculpture Giant
Chessboard
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Dunalley
Imlay Street Reserve access via Imlay Street just off Arthur Highway
Fabulous waterfront position
Public car park
Public toilet (up the hill adjacent to play area)
Play equipment, swings and basketball hoop
Dunalley Exercise equipment
No dogs
Play Equipment
Exercise Equipment
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Lewisham
Lewis Court access via Lewisham Scenic Drive (corner of Lewis Court)
Car parking available
Play equipment, swings and basketball hoop.
No dogs Lewisham
Seating
Fenced
Shaded areas
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Midway Point
Billy Kessarios’ Memorial Park access via Penna Road & Brady Street
Play area with swings
Seating
Great views
Midway Point
Great Views of Pi water Walking
access
from
Penna
Road
to
Brady
Street
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Midway Point
Vancouver Street Reserve Midway Point access via Vancouver Street
Car parking available
Play equipment
No dogs
Exercise equipment
Seating
Large grassed area in a natural setting
Play Equipment
Exercise Equipment
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Midway Point
Fenton Street Reserve access via Fenton Street
Public car park
Play equipment
Fenced
BBQ area Midway Point
Seating
Grassed areas and water views
Nearby is Midway Basketball Court (off Raynors Road)
BBQ area
Play equipment
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Sorell
Pioneers Park & Weir access via Pelham Street
Car parking available
Public toilets - wheelchair access
Play equipment including swings, slides and train.
Sorell BBQ and sheltered picnic area
Tree Sculpture
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Sorell
Waterway Trail and Grassy Hill Conservation Area access via Pelham Street Ramsar Site Sorell
Car parking available
Public toilets - wheelchair access
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Sorell
St Georges Square access via Gordon or Fitzroy Street, Sorell
Car parking available
Public toilet with wheelchair access
Play equipment
Visitor Information Centre on site. Beautiful rose garden and gazebo features Grassed areas and picnic tables Church and old cemetery nearby
Sorell Close to shops and cafes
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Sorell
Pembroke Park - access via Arthur & Montgue Street’s
Public car park
Recreational Vehicles Short Stay and Dump site (register at the Visitor Information Centre, Gordon Street)
Dogs on lead
RV Short Stay Dump Site Sorell
Skate Park
Bike Ramps
BMX Track
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Sorell
Pembroke Park - access via Arthur & Montague Street's Dog exercise area please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure
Fenced dog exercise area divided into two separate areas for safety
Dogs must always be on
Sorell lead outside dog
exercise areas
Pembroke Park Sports Oval - Access via Arthur Street
Sports Ovals are home to various spor ng groups
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Walk and Cycle Track
A scenic walk or ride from Sorell to Midway Point
Brilliant views across the water to Five Mile Beach area
Local bird life
Car parking available at Sorell end of the track Sorell - Midway Point
Popular fishing spot
Dog restrictions apply, dogs allowed but must be on lead. Please check for signage or the Sorell Council ‘Dog Exercise Areas’ brochure.
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Primrose Sands
Access via the Esplanade opposite the General Store
Car parking available
Public toilets
Primrose Sands Play equipment & basketball hoop Skate ramp and BMX track
Exercise equipment
No Dogs
Public phone at General Store
Seating in shade
Primrose Sands Community Hall
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Wielangta Forest Walk
A scenic drive detour from the Arthur Highway through the forests from Copping to Orford.
There is also a 3 hour return walk that passes remnants of Wielangta, a once thriving sawmill town.
The track follows the route of an abandoned tramway to the site of an old township known as Wielangta settlement. Wielangta Forest Walk
On the way is Marion Bay Lookout, which provides a lovely view over the forests and out to the ocean over Marion Bay.
There is a perfect spot for a picnic with some sheltered areas.
For further information contact: Forestry Tasmania Ph.6233 8140 www.forestrytas.com.au
Car Park Woodfired BBQ’s
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St. Georges Anglican Church in St. Georges Square
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For further information please contact :
Sorell Council Ph. 03 6269 0000 www.sorell.tas.gov.au
Sorell Council/Parks and Beaches guide/Dec 2012 44