Dennes Point: Coast and history

Dennes Point brings together a distinctive coastline and a tangible local history: Nebraska Beach faces North West Bay, and the Heritage Trail leads to Kelly’s Point at the northernmost tip of Bruny Island. There is also a walk along the beach, fishing from the jetty and a lookout about two kilometres to the south. These varied experiences give you several ways to shape your stay.

Walks with different destinations

The Dennes Point Heritage Trail takes visitors on a short walk from the café and gallery to Kelly’s Point. It is listed as a 1.5-kilometre loop taking 45 minutes. This gives you a clear framework for a walk. For a different coastal perspective, the Dennes Point/Nebraska Beach walk can start at Dennes Point Wharf and continue north along the beach. Nebraska Beach is the large beach at Dennes Point, facing North West Bay. You can choose between a marked loop with set time and distance details and a walk along the beach.

Local history along the Heritage Trail

The Heritage Trail introduces several historical themes from Dennes Point. These include James Kelly’s farm, which was located in Dennes Point. Kelly was one of the first white colonists on North Bruny. The Dennes Point Pilot Station is also among the historical sites covered by the trail. Other themes include the old ferry links from Tinderbox to Bruny Island via Dennes Point, and the community life of Dennes Point settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fairs and regattas illustrate this community life with concrete examples. The trail’s scope thus ranges from settlement and ferry connections to the shared activities of the residents of the time.

Coast, fishing and practical information

Squid and flathead are fished from Dennes Point Jetty; catches and conditions vary. This is a different focus from a walk along the large beach or views across North West Bay. Dennes Point also has public toilets and tables suitable for picnics. So, alongside the walks and historical themes, there are practical considerations to help you plan a visit.

Getting there and a walk south of town

The route via Bruny Island Main Rd runs 14.3 kilometres to Dennes Point. Long unsealed road sections on Bruny Island are suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles and bicycles; road conditions can change. Check conditions before you travel.

Another short walk is about two kilometres south of Dennes Point. It passes through a forest of blue and white gums to the Dennes Hill Memorial Seat. From there, there are views across Storm Bay. This walk offers a different focus: rather than the beach or local history, it centres on the track through the eucalyptus forest and the view across the bay.

Choose accommodation to suit your experiences

These different highlights give you a practical starting point for your accommodation search, without requiring you to limit your day’s plans to just one way of exploring.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lalla, Mole Creek, Ranelagh, Quamby Brook, Poatina, Cradle Mountain, Lulworth, Cygnet.

Back to the main travel overview: Tasmania.