Sandford: Coastal Trails, Bushland and Eucalypts

Sandford can be explored through three distinct trail experiences: a 250 km recreational trail network through bushland, coastal reserves and rural areas; an uphill track among Silver Peppermint eucalypts; and a hilly coastal route overlooking Mortimer Bay towards Arm End. These contrasts can help you plan your trip: would you like to explore a variety of landscapes, experience a climb at the foot of Mt Augustus, or make views across a bay the focus of your outing? Whichever type of trail you prefer can also guide what you look for in accommodation in Sandford.

A trail network through varied landscapes

The Tangara Trail is a network of recreational trails with a total length of 250 km. It passes through bushland, coastal reserves and rural areas, with individual routes and access points connected to Sandford. The trail therefore represents a wider choice of landscapes, rather than a single hike with just one type of scenery. When you include it in your plans, consider the 250 km as the length of the network as a whole, while also focusing on the routes and access points connected to Sandford.

This makes the Tangara Trail a different kind of guide from the two individually named trails. The network’s landscapes offer a broad overview, while the Silver Peppermint Track and Mortimer Bay Circuit each have a distinct character. So your choice depends not only on which names you recognise, but also on the landscape you would like to experience on an outing.

From a eucalypt track to coastal views

The Silver Peppermint Track climbs through Silver Peppermint eucalypts at the foot of Mt Augustus. The climb and the named tree species define the trail’s character. The Mortimer Bay Circuit has a different focus: it is hilly, follows the coast of Mortimer Bay and offers views across the bay towards Arm End. These are two distinct perspectives—the eucalypts and uphill track on one hand, and the coastal route and bay views on the other.

If you are travelling with children, you can make your choice based on the landscape you would most like to experience: eucalypts and a climb, a hilly coastline with views across the bay, or the varied landscapes of the trail network. This makes planning an outing more concrete without treating the trails as interchangeable. If several age groups are planning together, you can first discuss which of these experiences sounds most appealing for your stay.

Planning your start on the Mortimer Bay Circuit

If you are using public transport, you can start the Mortimer Bay Circuit at a Metro bus stop at the southern end of Gellibrand Drive on South Arm Hwy. Check current services before travelling to make sure this starting point suits your day’s plans. The stop provides a specific reference point for planning a trip by public transport; on its own, it does not indicate a timetable or journey duration.

Finding your way at Mortimer Bay Beach

On Rifle Range Road at Mortimer Bay Beach in Sandford, there is a northern car park with a designated area beside the grounds of the Clifton Riding Club. These location details can help you find the car park in the area. Check facility information locally before travelling, as it may change. The designated area is not further classified here as a specific type of parking facility.

Align your accommodation search with your trip

If the trails are an important part of your stay, first decide which of the landscapes described is your priority. Views across Mortimer Bay, the Silver Peppermint Track at the foot of Mt Augustus and the greater variety of the Tangara Trail each offer a different starting point for planning. Then search specifically for hotels in Sandford and check their locations against the routes and access points you plan to use.

Discover more destinations: Randalls Bay, Westerway, Longford, Low Head, Deloraine, Ouse, Waratah, Glengarry

For the main travel guide: Tasmania.