Eaglehawk Neck is situated on the isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the mainland, and was nicknamed the "key to the peninsula" due to its importance as a military garrison during the years when Port Arthur was a penal settlement. The military station was established here in 1832, and was commanded by Ensign Darling.

Eaglehawk Neck was also patrolled by a pack of ferocious dogs, and the "rumours" of man eating sharks in the surrounding waters, coupled with the harsh terrain acted as major deterrents to any would-be escapee.

A convict was placed in charge of feeding and caring for these fierce beasts who would bark at the slightest rustle in the bush, thus alerting the sentries. The dogs were described thus by Melville in 1840 ;


As well as the dogline, a row of sentry huts were established on both sides of the bay, and a smaller military establishment was founded at East Bay Neck - or Dunalley as it is known today. By 1836 a sizeable settlement had developed, with a population of 27 military personnel and their families residing in the area.

A store, a jetty, officer's quarters and a barracks had been constructed. A simple hut served as a school for the children of the settlement. Eaglehawk Neck was also part of a chain of Semaphore stations which stretched from Port Arthur to Hobart, and was mainly used to alert the garrison and Hobart about escaped convicts from Port Arthur.

The success of this system was evident by there only ever being a few escapees, notably Martin Cash and his gang, in 1842. They made it past the dogline and guards at the neck, and got as far as the Derwent Valley before being recaptured and transported to Norfolk Island. This escape led to an increase in guard numbers along the Bay area.

In 1877 Port Arthur closed, and the military presence at Eaglehawk Neck was no longer required. The garrison was abandoned and private settlers bought the land and buildings. The Costello family owned a farm on the site for many years. The State Government bought the site in 1991.

Natural Attractions

The Neck is renowned for its unusual and spectacular natural formations. The Tessellated Pavement State Reserve is a volcanically produced natural formation which leads the walker along a coastal trail of about 6 kilometres, until the magnificent features of the Blowhole, Devils Kitchen and Tasman's Arch are reached.

This walk also leads to Doo Town, where all the house names commence with "Doo". Pirates Bay is an ideal surfing and beach fishing spot. The Neck marks the commencement of the Tasman Track, a full day walk to Fortescue Bay and incorporating marvellous coastal scenery. Excellent views may be had from Pirates Bay Lookout.

Historic Attractions

The remains and sites of various buildings and features of the garrison at Eaglehawk Neck may be visited and viewed by visitors to the area. The area was described by Thomas Lempriere in 1839 :

"On the hill above the guard house is placed the semaphore, below it is the store; a superb jetty three hundred yards long extends from this building over the shallows to deep water into Eaglehawk Bay, allowing cutters of fifty one tons burden to discharge their cargoes. The other buildings at this station consist of Quarters for the Commanding Officer, a subaltern, barracks for the military and rooms for the soldiers. Gardens producing in plenty potatoes and other vegetables ornament the front station. There is also a hut devoted to the young children of the soldiers who are taught the first rudiments of learning by one of the soldiers."

Today the only structure that remains in its entirety is the Officer's Quarters, which is thought to be the oldest surviving timber military building in all of Australia. The Quarters were built in 1832, with various extensions being added over the years. When the settlement was abandoned in 1877, the Quarters were acquired by private settlers, and in 1918 the Costello family bought the property and set about restoring the Quarters to their former state.

The Semaphore site, the jetty and the dog platform remnants can still be seen by visitors who care to wander around this historic site.

Other Attractions

Eaglehawk Neck provides visitors with a base from which to hire a fishing boat for deep sea angling or a simple exploratory cruise around the area. Karangi organise tuna fishing expeditions leaving from Eaglehawk Neck.

A motel and hotel in the town provide excellent cuisine, as well as high standard accommodation. The Officer's Mess, overlooking Pirates Bay, provides meals, provisions and tourist information as well as local crafts and souvenirs.

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