Tasman Peninsula

Port Arthur from the summit of Mt Brown. Crescent...

Description 

Located 50 miles from Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula is the main attraction of Tasmanian climbing, home to the world-famous Totem Pole, and other gravity-defying dolerite sea-stacks.

This area was first used by Westerners as a penal colony in the mid 1800's, centered around the historic Port Arthur fort. Its proximity to Hobart, combined with its geographic isolation, created the perfect natural prison. The peninsula is only connected to the main island by a thin strip of land, called "Eaglehawk Neck", which was rigidly guarded by ruthless dogs during the colony's heyday.

Today the peninsula is exploited for it's scenic values, particularly it's miles of wild coastline. The climber will be intersted in it's amazing sea stacks, which offer exciting adventures, and Tasmania's best know sport crag, the Paradiso.

Getting There 

Get a map, and drive from Hobart.

Featured Route For Tasman Peninsula

The Free Route 5.12b PG13  International : Australia : The Totem Pole

The original Free Route to the summit offers thrilling climbing and generally good protection on solid stone. P1, 80 feet, 5.12b. Begin on the belay rock, and ascend the left arete for several feet past two carrot bolts. The crux follows with a difficult, crimpy traverse to the right arete, passing two more carrots and an old aid bolt. Once on the right arete, things ease a bit. Continue the right-ward traverse past another carrot, then head...[more]