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. 

Lewisham - Tiger Head - 26 May 2026

Our walk today is from the boat ramp at Lewisham to Tiger Head and return.

The boat ramp and threatening rain clouds in the distance . 

Heading along the foreshore track.

Admiring the views across to Seven Mile beach area.

New fencing to protect the sand dune against further erosion.

While we have walked along parts of the beach today the tide is so low that we will be walking the whole way on the beach itself.

Doing a bit of exploring the nature.

The view back to some of the boatsheds.

Walking in a bit of light drizzle.

Some of the local shorebirds feeding.

 

The clouds still look fairly ominous.

Then the sun started to break through while we stopped for morning tea.

Some of the group thought this old stump looked like a horse head.

A white faced Heron searching the shoreline for a feed.

Looking towards Tiger Head.

And the sun continues to shine.

Heading towards the track behind the Tiger Head boat sheds.

Looking down from the Tiger Head track onto a colorful jetty decking. 

Looking back towards the Dodges Ferry boat ramp.

Some of the rock formations from the track.

Spectacle and Little Spectacle Island although the largest island is Little Spectacle Island according to Google.

After walking around Tiger Head and having lunch in the well equipped Boat Park we head back to the beach in the sun and start back to the cars.

This crab posed quietly for the photo just a pity it was deceased.

The tide has come in quite a distance and we are hoping that we can complete the return journey along the beach without any rain.

There have been some busy critters leaving trails in the bottom small pools.

Coral like features cover the rocks in this area of the beach.

 

 

 A close up of the structures.

 

A dessicated large moth found on the track.

 

We had 10 walkers who covered just under 10kms in just under 4 hours with negligible climbing.

The weather forecast of up to 30 mls of rain probably accounts for a smaller than usual group, however we were extremely lucky that with the exception of the first hour having a little drizzle we were dry until we returned to the cars.

Thanks to Mendelt and Chris for their photos.