Clifton Beach: Beach, Dunes and Views

Clifton Beach lies at the end of Clifton Beach Road. Rip currents occur at the beach; take this condition into account when planning time by the water. The Cape Deslacs Circuit offers a different focus: an approximately 45-minute loop walk with a lookout on a headland. Clifton Beach Reserve and Clifton Beach Park add options for a break and specific play facilities. This lets you plan your visit around the beach, the walking route or a break with different amenities.

The Cape Deslacs Circuit

The Cape Deslacs Circuit is an approximately 45-minute loop walk. It follows a closed gravel road to a memorial plaque, where two narrow paths begin. The lookout is on a headland. From there, the view stretches west along Clifton Beach, south to Bruny Island and across the dunes to Pipe Clay Lagoon. About 300 metres of the circuit follow the beach; after that, the path returns to the car park through the sand dunes. The time estimate applies to the loop as a whole, while the approximately 300 metres refers to the beach section. The route therefore offers both a specific lookout and a course with named sections.

Bicycles may use the first section of the circuit on the closed road. Dogs are prohibited in Cape Deslacs Nature Reserve, an important habitat for the short-tailed shearwater. Follow the signs for current conditions.

Picnics and play facilities

Clifton Beach Reserve on Clifton Beach Road has barbecue facilities, a picnic area and play equipment; toilets are nearby. If you are planning a meal outdoors, the picnic area and barbecue facilities are specific options. Clifton Beach Park has a basketball tower, spring riders, swings and a rebound wall. The availability of facilities and play equipment may change; check what is currently available before your visit.

The reserve and park have different focuses: at the reserve, picnic and barbecue facilities, as well as nearby toilets, complement the play equipment; the park’s offerings centre on its basketball tower, spring riders, swings and rebound wall. If you are travelling with children, you can factor the play equipment into your day’s plans. Another useful distinction when choosing is that the circuit offers an approximate walking time and views, while the reserve and park provide guidance for a break or play opportunities through their facilities. This lets you plan your outing around the focus you want, rather than treating all the options as the same kind of visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Risdon, Cambridge, Goodwood, Kingston, Lauderdale, Warrane, Pontville, New Town.

For the broader travel overview: Hobart.