Tinderbox: Discover the Coast, Reefs and Trails

The Tinderbox Marine Reserve, a small sandy beach and trails through open bushland give Tinderbox several distinct sides. You can explore the area with a focus on the coast and underwater world, or spend more time on the Tinderbox Hills Track and in its protected habitats.

Coast and Underwater World

The Tinderbox Marine Reserve extends about 700 metres southwest of Tinderbox Beach. From Tinderbox Beach, it stretches east around Piersons Point to 2.5 kilometres north of Passage Point. Tinderbox Beach itself has a small sandy beach and rock platforms. They offer a sheltered place to relax and explore the Channel. Swimming, snorkelling and boating are popular activities at this beach.

In Tinderbox Bay, snorkelling spots can be found at sandstone reefs, as well as at shallow reefs and channels. When diving, you can explore giant kelp forests near the northern end of the reserve. Near Piersons Point are communities of sponges, sea pens, sea fans and gorgonians. The entire Tinderbox Marine Reserve is fully protected and designated as a no-take area.

The main entrance to the Tinderbox Marine Reserve is in Tinderbox Bay. You can reach it via Fergusson Avenue, which branches off Tinderbox Road.

Trails through Bushland and Protected Areas

The Tinderbox Hills Track takes 1.5 hours to cover 4.5 kilometres to Mt Louis Road. It follows a ridge through open bushland and offers views over Storm Bay and North West Bay. The track is accessible to walkers and mountain bikers. This lets you combine a land-based outing with a different landscape experience from the activities on the water.

The Peter Murrell Reserves also include Tinderbox. They have sandy trails for walking, dog walking, cycling and horse riding; designated trails are available for horse riding. The reserves preserve forest, buttongrass and heath communities. They are also home to 37 orchid species, five of which are endemic to Tasmania.

Special Habitats

Piersons Point Reserve contains an ecological community listed nationally as critically endangered. In the wider Tinderbox region, significant white gum forests on the Tinderbox Peninsula provide critical habitat for the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote. Along with its coast and bushland, these landscapes give the region a distinct conservation dimension.

Tinderbox Foreshore Reserve has a BBQ facility. It adds another place to take a break to the options described for the water and protected areas.

Plan Your Stay

For land-based outings, you can choose between the clearly measured Tinderbox Hills Track and the trails of the Peter Murrell Reserves, which offer a range of activities. On the water, snorkelling, diving and boating each have their own setting. If you are planning with other travellers, these differences can help you match shared interests and your preferred pace for the day.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Conara, Low Head, Scottsdale, Longford, Smithton, Hobart, Austins Ferry, Queens Domain

For the overarching travel guide: Tasmania.