Bridport: Coastal Walks, Swimming Spots and Maritime Heritage

Bridport combines walks through varied landscapes with beaches, golf and a rich maritime history. This means you can choose between longer hikes, a shorter foreshore route, swimming spots and local traditions during your stay. This mix is also a good starting point when choosing holiday accommodation in Bridport: consider which experiences you want to be the focus of your trip.

On foot or along a shorter foreshore route

The Bridport Walking Track is an 11 km loop accessible from the village of Bridport. It includes four clearly distinct walking environments: river, forest, foreshore and wildflower landscape. The route therefore passes through different types of landscape rather than focusing on just one environment. If you enjoy experiencing several such environments on a trip, this longer walk is a good option.

The Bridport Foreshore Walk offers a different route option: it is approximately 2 km long and described as a relatively flat gravel path. You can use it for cycling, walking, rolling or running; it also provides easy access to the beaches. Its approximate length and flat terrain clearly distinguish it from the 11 km loop. Which route better suits your plans therefore also depends on whether you prefer a longer hike or a shorter foreshore route.

Beaches and swimming spots

Goftons Beach is patrolled during the summer season and provides access for people with disabilities. Both features may be important when choosing a beach destination. The patrols are specifically limited to the summer season. Mermaid’s Pool is another swimming spot in Bridport: it is located on the northern edge of town, is sheltered and has a walking path.

Old Pier / Murphys Beach is another place with a specific feature to help you find your way around: it has a boat ramp. Bridport therefore offers a range of waterside options, from beaches and a sheltered swimming spot to a place with a boat ramp. If water-based experiences are to shape your trip, you can take these differences into account when planning, without treating the places as a single destination.

Golf and local history

The Dunes adds golf as a distinct activity. It is Barnbougle’s original golf course and a links course unlike any other golf course in Australia. This offers a different focus for planning your trip than the walks and beach locations: you can discover Bridport not only on foot or by the water, but also through its links course.

The Bridport Walking Track also crosses land that was a significant part of life for the Coastal Plains Nation for more than 35,000 years, according to Aboriginal history. This connection is part of the history of the land the track passes through. A walk along the track therefore takes you through the landscapes described above and across a place of longstanding significance to the Coastal Plains Nation.

Maritime heritage and local food

The Tassie Scallop Fiesta celebrates the start of scallop season in Bridport each year. It also honours the town’s fishing and maritime heritage. The fiesta features fine local food and drinks.

For a shorter, relatively flat route, the approximately 2 km Foreshore Walk is a good option. Beaches, swimming spots, a boat ramp, golf and the Tassie Scallop Fiesta add further reasons to discover Bridport.

More places to discover: Lake St Clair, Triabunna, Geeveston, Dunalley, Moorina, Lalla, Windermere and Sisters Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.