Discover Dodges Ferry: Local History and Nature

Dodges Ferry offers more than one way to experience the Southern Beaches: local history, a wetland, water-based recreation and a nearby beach appeal to different travel interests. The town is part of the Southern Beaches, a coastal region with golden sandy beaches along the shore of Frederick Henry Bay. With cultural history, nature and activities on the water, you can plan a varied stay.

History in plaques and mosaics

A memorial plaque near Ferry Farm on First Avenue is dedicated to Dodge’s Ferry. At the Southern Beaches Info Hut near the fire station on Old Forcett Road, there are mosaic panels and a sign. At Blue Lagoon, a Mumirimina sign shares information about the Aboriginal heritage of the Southern Beaches.

On the shore of Okines Beach, near Dodges Ferry Primary School, there is a Lagoon Farm sign. A mosaic at the shelter in the school’s Lagoon Park features Dodge’s Ferry and Lagoon Farm. Lagoon Farm is thus represented both on a sign by the shore and in the mosaic; the mosaic also features Dodge’s Ferry. The different themes make the historical side of a stay more varied than a single dedication: alongside local history, there is Lagoon Farm and the Aboriginal heritage of the Southern Beaches. For those interested in culture, this offers both a local perspective and a broader regional one.

Wetland, recreation and foreshore trail

Blue Lagoon is a wetland right next to Dodges Ferry Boat Park. A natural area and a recreation area sit side by side: Blue Lagoon is the wetland, while the park combines water-based recreation with experiencing nature.

The 2020 municipal open space strategy classifies Dodges Ferry Boat Park as a district-wide family recreation area. It lists facilities for children ranging from young children to older primary school students, including toilets, barbecue areas and seating. Check the current condition of the facilities before your visit.

Dodges Ferry also has skate parks and cycling paths. The Lewisham–Carlton Beach Foreshore Trail runs along the shore from Lewisham Boat Ramp through Dodges Ferry to Carlton Beach. The 2020 municipal open space strategy describes the trail as having sections in different states of construction; check current route conditions before planning your trip.

Park Beach as a nearby surf beach

Near Dodges Ferry is Park Beach, a popular surf beach visited by locals and people from outside the municipality. On summer days, it is also considered a popular beach for families. These two descriptions emphasise different things: surfing, and the beach’s particular popularity with families on summer days.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to distinguish between attractions in town and those at the nearby beach. Local history and Blue Lagoon are among the experiences in Dodges Ferry; Park Beach offers a different focus as a nearby surf beach. The Boat Park adds water-based recreation and an opportunity to experience nature. This can help you decide whether local history, nature, or the beach and surfing best suit your planned stay.

Discover more destinations: Kellevie.

For the broader travel overview: Sorell Council.