Taroona - Porters Hill - 16 Jun 2026

We were going to climb Platform Peak today but with a forecast for more rain we opted to walk from Taroona Beach to Porters Hill which would allow  a number of escape routes should the weather deteriorate.

4 happy walkers now a decision has been made. 

 

The view from Taroona Beach.

A recent sculpture addition to the beachfront.

A happy group leaving the carpark.

 

 

After a short walk we come across a remnant Tasmanian Blackwood forest. Acacia melanoxylon 

A close up of the bark.

Along the foreshore in front of Taroona High School.

The view along the coast towards The Grange.

 

 

 

After leaving the beach we cross the Highway and head up past the start to the Trugannini Track and then climb the Porters Hill Track.

 

Leaving a mark.

 

 The view in front of Porters Hill over the city. 

After having lunch we return via the same route and came across a number of Fungi before heading back to the beachfront.

Back on the beach in front of The Grange as the tide is relatively low we decide to rock hop along the coast until the next steps up to the track.

Although some of the group cannot go past a pile of rocks without building a tower.

Waiting for the construction to be completed.

 

 

 

The steps at last. 

 

 Up we go.

 

 

A colorful sponge washed up on the rocks.

Eight walkers covered 10.5 kms in 5 hours climbing 260 meters.

 

Thanks to Mendelt and Chris for their photos. 

 

Geilston Bay to East Risdon - 9 Jun 2026.

The weather today is  fine and sunny which has encouraged  a lager group than normal to make up for last weeks non walk due to rain.

 We are walking along the side of the River Derwent between Geilston Bay to East Risdon and returning via the Government Hills.

Getting away to a fairly fast start. 

with a small circle around the park while our leader locates the bridge across Faggs Gully Creek.

A peaceful view across the boats in Geilston Bay.

Heading along the Shag Bay Track.

A very short walk before morning tea around the indigenous communities fire circle.

Entrance to Shag Bay.

Following the track down.

The remains of the boiler from the Tasmanian Fertiliser Factory that operated in the bay from the late 1800's until 1915 when the boiler exploded killing two people and led to the closure of the factory.

Looks like the graffiti artists have been around since our last visit.

Looking out Shag Bay.

Starting the climb out of Shag Bay.

The group spread out climbing the track.

Until someone organised the group for a photo.

A view across the Derwent towards the Nystar plant.

Descending to the edge of the river again.

A white faced Heron fishing in the bay.

This part of the walk is very close to the river.

A raft of mussel and oyster shell washed up against the track.

Looking back towards the Tasman Bridge.

While passing the Nystar facility one of the large ships was leaving

which resulted in quite a delay to the walk while a number of the group decided to watch to see what might happen. Always looking for some excitement.

 

 Incat's large all electric ferry waiting for its ride to South America.

 

  

The Church at the cemetery at East Risdon.

The border of the cemetry provided seating for the group while they ate their lunch.

 

Climbing out of East Risdon on the way to the Government Hills.

Descending back to Shag Bay on the return.

 

 

 

We had 21 walkers who covered the 11.4km in nearly 5 hours climbing and descending 290 meters.

Thanks to Chris and Mendelt for their photos.