Bridport: Coastal Walks and Maritime Heritage

Bridport can be discovered on several levels: along paths through changing landscapes, on beaches and through its maritime tradition. The differences between the experiences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay – whether you enjoy longer outings, prefer different ways of getting around, or want to combine culture and coast.

Walks through varied landscapes

The 11 km Bridport Walking Track is a loop accessible from the village of Bridport. Along its route, it passes through four clearly distinct environments: river, forest, foreshore and wildflower landscape. The track brings together different landscape settings on a longer walk. By comparison, the Bridport Foreshore Walk is much shorter, at approximately 2 km. It is a route for cycling, walking, rolling or running, offering several ways to get around along the coast.

The surfaces and terrain also differ: the Foreshore Walk is a relatively flat gravel path and provides easy access to the beaches. If you are looking for a loop through four different environments, consider the Bridport Walking Track; for a shorter route with several listed ways to get around, the Foreshore Walk is an option. For people travelling together with different preferences, this difference offers a practical way to plan varied days.

A long cultural history

The Walking Track crosses land that was a significant part of life for the Coastal Plains Nation for more than 35,000 years. This long-standing cultural connection is part of the track’s story, alongside its river, forest, foreshore and wildflower landscapes. Walking here means encountering a place whose significance reaches far beyond today’s recreational activities.

Beaches and places by the water

Goftons Beach is patrolled during the summer season and offers access for people with disabilities. Seasonal patrols are an important distinction to consider when including this beach in your travel plans. Mermaid’s Pool, a sheltered swimming spot, is on the northern edge of Bridport; the town also has a footpath. Old Pier / Murphys Beach adds a boat ramp to the range of places by the water. Each place has its own features – from seasonal patrols to a footpath or boat ramp – so they cannot be described as interchangeable beach stops.

Golf and maritime tradition

Golf is another of Bridport’s distinctive attractions: The Dunes is Barnbougle’s original golf course. As a links course, it is unlike any other golf course in Australia. Alongside the walks and beaches, it offers a distinct reason to visit that can shape your stay in a different way.

Another highlight is the Tassie Scallop Fiesta. Bridport celebrates the start of scallop season each year with this event. The festival celebrates the town’s fishing and maritime heritage and features fine local food and drinks. In this way, the Fiesta connects a fishing event with local food culture and history.

Choose Bridport as your place to stay

If you choose Bridport as your destination, you can focus your hotel search on what you want from your trip. This way, planning starts with the character of your stay, rather than a general idea of what kind of accommodation you need.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: St Marys, Cranbrook, Coningham, Richmond, National Park, Chudleigh, Primrose Sands, Burnie

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.