Fortescue Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fortescue Bay |
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Fortescue Bay at midday
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 Fortescue Bay
Location in Tasmania
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| Location | Tasmania, Australia |
| Coordinates | 43°07′50.5194″S 147°58′13.029″E / 43.130699833°S 147.97028583°E |
| Type | Bay |
| Part of | Tasman National Park |
| Ocean/sea sources | South Pacific Ocean / Tasman Sea |
| Average depth | 30 m (98 ft) |
Fortescue Bay, also known as Baje Dolomien, is a beautiful bay in southeast Tasmania, Australia. It's about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Port Arthur, Tasmania. This bay is a special part of the amazing Tasman National Park. Inside Fortescue Bay, you'll find two smaller bays: Canoe Bay and Bivouac Bay.
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History of Fortescue Bay
Fortescue Bay has an interesting past, from busy timber mills to a unique shipwreck.
Timber Mills in the Early 1900s
In the early 1900s, a timber mill started operating at Fortescue Bay. It was set up by G. Albury and Turner Brothers. Later, in the 1920s, a company called Gathercole Brothers began looking for workers for their mill. It's possible they took over the mill from Albury and Turner Brothers, as they owned several mills around the Port Arthur area.
Fish Works at Canoe Bay
Until the early 1970s, Canoe Bay was home to a fish works. This was a place where fish were processed, likely for food or other products.
The William Pitt Shipwreck
On July 1, 1953, a special ship called a dredge was brought to Fortescue Bay. This dredge was named William Pitt. It was towed all the way from Hobart and then sunk on purpose at the entrance of Canoe Bay.
Why was it sunk? The government asked for it to be placed there to act as a breakwater. A breakwater helps protect boats from strong waves, making the area safer for fishing vessels to shelter.
Before it became a breakwater, the William Pitt dredge had an exciting life. It helped build the Hobart Bridge and worked in Devonport, Tasmania. It was owned by a company called Netherlands Harbour Works. The William Pitt spent 14 years in Tasmania, and before it came to Australia in 1907, it was known as the Andre Reboucas. It's believed the dredge also worked in Portugal after it was first built in Bristol in 1904.
Popular Walks and Hikes
Fortescue Bay is a very popular spot for people who love bush walking (hiking). There are several great trails you can explore:
- Canoe Bay: This walk starts at the northern end of the main beach.
- Bivouac Bay: You can continue this walk from Canoe Bay.
- Tasman Coastal Trail: This trail also begins at the northern end of the beach.
- Cape Hauy: The starting point for this walk is near the boat ramp.
- Cape Pillar: This longer walk begins on Fortescue Road, just outside the camp entrance.
- Three Capes Track: This famous multi-day hike starts at the Port Arthur Historic Site.
