Words and pictures: Elizabeth Osborne

Suncoast Headlands Track, at Blackmans Bay, offers spec­tacular views over the mouth of the Derwent River from Taroona down to the Iron Pot, and over Blackmans Bay.

Blackmans Bay is approximately thirty minutes south from Hobart, using the Southern Outlet. We parked on Ocean Esplanade, at Blackmans Bay, then walked south along the beach to the Suncoast Headlands Track, which starts at the turning circle of Ocean Esplanade.

The beach curves between two headlands, with expansive riv­er views. Located in the dunes is a large steel sculpture titled Seed by Dean Chatwin. The sculpture captures the delicate beauty of seedheads.

Flocks of seabirds crowd around fresh water streaming across the sand from storm water drains. Colourful kayaks are stacked on the grassy bank at the far end of the beach, where a sealed path leads from the beach to Ocean Esplanade turning circle, where the clearly signed Suncoast Headlands Track begins.

The track has a level, well maintained surface with a gradual elevation. It is classed as a moderately difficult walk.

The track passes between houses and the cliff top. The culti­vated gardens of the houses contrast with the rugged beauty of the cliffs and the panoramic ocean views. Safety fences separate the track from the edge of the thirty-metre-high cliffs. Far below the cliffs lie the two small islands of Soldiers Rocks, their tall sandstone columns standing like soldiers on parade.

Colourful kayaksThe track continues uphill to loop into open grassland and bush, a haven for birds and wildlife. The nearby water treatment plant is discretely located below the ridge line.

After a morning tea break, we reversed direction to retrace our steps down the Suncoast Headlands Track, with more spectacular views over the river, Blackmans Bay and surrounding country, as far as Kunanyi/Mount Wellington on the horizon