This might be Australia’s most remarkable natural formation
Visit one of Australia’s most remarkable natural formations.
What is it?
Eaglehawk Neck Tessellated Pavement in Tasmania is one of the world’s most spectacular geological phenomena. A tessellated pavement is an incredibly rare rock formation that is only found in a few places on earth. Over thousands of years, a section of flat sedimentary rock that sits close to the ocean gets broken up into a series of regular blocks through cracking and erosion. There are two potential results: a series of small rectangular pools that fill and empty with the tides or rounded rocks that bulge upwards in a ‘loaf’ formation. Though it looks manmade, the formations are entirely natural. The rock comes to resemble a traditional Roman mosaic floor, which is where the name ‘tessellated pavement’ comes from.
Where is it?
Eaglehawk Neck is the thin strip of land that separated the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula, on the southeast coast of the island of Tasmania. It is around 400 metres long and 30 metres wide. The Port Arthur prison was opened on the Tasman Peninsula in the 1830s and the narrow isthmus formed a natural barrier to prevent convicts escaping to the main island. To add an extra degree of difficulty, the entrance to the peninsula was guarded by a line of fearsome dogs chained together.
How can I visit?
The Tessellated Pavement is a one-hour drive from Hobart along a pretty coastal route. You can stop at the lookout on the sea cliffs above to get a birds’ eye view of the entire formation. At low tide, you can walk across the rocks and out to Clydes Island. The rocks can be uneven and slippery, so take care and wear appropriate footwear.
Have you ever visited this incredible attraction?