Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania

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Eaglehawk Neck from Martin Cash's Lookout

Tesselated Pavement

Eaglehawk Neck is a narrow isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula from mainland Tasmania.

Locally known as the Neck the isthmus itself is around 400m long and under 30m wide at its narrowest point. It forms a natural gateway to the peninsula that was utilized by the British in 1830s when a line of dogs was chained to posts across the neck to warn of any convicts attempting to escape the prison at Port Arthur. The area was heavily patrolled by solders, and the guards quarters still remains as a museum. Many attempts were made to escape the neck, including Martin Cash and others.

The area is has a beautiful and rugged terrain and several unusual geological formation including Tessellated Pavement, an area of flat rock that looks to be man made but is in fact formed by erosion. Also near by are Tasman's Arch, the Blowhole and the Devil's Kitchen, striking natural formations.

Eaglehawk Neck offers accommodation in the Lufra Hotel, near the Tesselated Pavement. The general store is called "The Officers' Mess". A nearby footpath leads to Martin Cash's lookout near the top of the hill at the southern end.

Eaglehawk Neck is a well known local holiday destination, on the eastern side, a beach stretches around Pirates' Bay that is a popular surfing area. In summer the population rises as people return to their holiday homes.