Secluded inlets, wild rocky outcrops and a lagoon are just some of the features you will encounter on this short trek along the white-sandy beaches of Little Musselroe, Tasmania.
Where is Little Musselroe Bay, North East Tasmania?
It takes about one hour from Tin Dragon Cottages to drive to Little Musselroe in Tasmania. There is sealed road to Gladstone, then a well-maintained gravel road to Little Musselroe. It is an easy drive that is suitable for all makes of cars.
When you leave your cottage drive along the A3 towards Derby. After Derby you continue on the A3 then turn left onto Gladstone Road (B82). Now keep driving till you reach Gladstone. Of course you may be tempted to stop for a quick look at Little Blue Lake on the way!
In Gladstone you turn right past the General Store, then just through Gladstone, turn slightly left onto Cape Portland Road(C844).
Visitor Warning
Ahead of the anticipated increase in tourist visitation, Gladstone is trialing a new strategy to slow down the traffic. Remember to look out for these workers on your next trip to Mt William National Park or Musselroe Wind Farm.
Continuing on the C844 you will drive through the (very) small hamlet of Rushy Lagoon. Next you will come to the entrance to Cape Portland Rd – don’t continue straight ahead – take a sharp right-hand-turn. This is Little Musselroe Road. There will be a few more twists and a sharp turn to the left. Again don’t drive into the Road entrance to Cape Portland–I think it is a locked gate. If you are observant you should see the gate to the Tebrakunna Visitor Centre on your right. The visitor centre is open March to October (inclusive). So, if it is open, I recommend you take a detour. As well as an informative display and grand views out to the Bass Straight islands, toilets are available here.
Tebrakunna Visitor Centre 
The view out to Cape Barron and Flinders Islands from the Tebrakunna Visitor Centre
You are close now! Keep driving on Little Musselroe Rd till you see the beach at the end of the road. Don’t turn off to the right down any of the other tracks, or off to the left to Petal Point.
Beach Walk along Little Musselroe Bay, Tasmania
Little Musselroe Bay – First Beach Inlet
After walking down the steps under the shade of the she-oaks you will be confronted with dazzling white sand and sparkling blue ocean. It’s time for you to go exploring! This short walk will take you about 45 minutes (one-way).
With your sunglasses firmly secured, walk left toward the rocky point. Then find your way across the rocks to the next inlet.
Second Beach Inlet and a Lagoon, Little Musselroe Bay
I wouldn’t recommend walking over the next rocky outcrop. So you should be looking for walking tracks through the low scrub behind the beach. When we were there last year (November) there were several tracks. I guess some of these are animal trails. However if you head inland you will see a lagoon. I imagine the lagoon would be wet in the winter months, but it was dry in November.
Walk inland before this rocky point 
Graham crossing the dry lagoon, wind turbines in the background.
Third Beach Inlet, Little Musselroe Bay
After walking over the sand dune at the far end of the lagoon you will come out onto another beach. This sweeping beach is stunning! I think it is unlikely that you would need to share the scene with other people, because the beach was deserted when we were there in November. Just soak in the vastness of the white sand and the clear waters of the Bass Straight. We didn’t go swimming, although the water looked calm and inviting. Remember that this location is isolated if you get into trouble. So please be cautious if you choose to have a swim here.
Graham dwarfed by the white-sand beach and vast ocean 
Cape Portland beach with wind turbines in the background
Mysterious Stone House Behind the Sand Dunes
Your attention will be drawn to a stone building behind the dunes at the far end of this beach. As you get closer you will see signs with strong warnings about surveillance cameras!
We don’t know who owns this intriguing house. But we believe it may now be owned by the Musselroe Wind Farm.
Just off the low sand dunes we found some burrows. Perhaps these are penguin burrows?
Fourth Secret Beach Inlet, Little Musselroe Bay, Tasmania
Walk to the next rocky outcrop. You will see some remnant fencing and a track. In front of you is a small but impossibly beautiful bay. This beach is so intimate, it felt like my own secret beach. Here you can sit on the rocks and just day dream out to islands in front of you! Swan Island is the closest, then Clark Island. The mountains on Cape Barron are visible on clear days, too!
A ‘secret’ inlet 
The end of the day
After exploring the shoreline around Little Musselroe, it’s time to retrace your steps and return home to Tin Dragon Cottages in Branxholm.
What better than—on a lazy hot summer’s day—to immerse yourself in the pristine clear waters of a secluded beach or waterfall? And where better to do this than in Tasmania—in fact North East Tasmania? Wild freedom with the exhilarating rush of silken pure water… While there are some (unofficial) designated skinny dipping locations in Tasmania, you may be like me and prefer individual privacy. Total seclusion with no prying eyes. A beach to yourself. A waterfall just for you.
In the summer of 2016-17 Graham and I took on a dare—to find secluded skinny dipping locations within a one-hour drive from Tin Dragon Trail Cottages. So next time you visit, why not experience the carefree freedom of leaving it all off?
Our selection does come with a small warning. While these locations are secluded most times of the year. To avoid embarrassment, it is a good idea to check thoroughly before peeling off!
Skinny Dipping Location#1 Mathinna Falls
An oasis in a working forest…
At times the falls are surrounded by clear-fell landscapes; but on the day we visited the half-grown plantation trees hid the scars of previous earth-moving activities. The cool clear waters were an invitation too good to refuse. After the first shock of an icy chill and a deep breath, the swim was relaxing and refreshing
#2 Meadstone Falls
Worth the effort…
Also surrounded by working forest and plantation, Meadstone Falls in the Mount Puzzler Forest Reserve is on of our top skinny dipping locations. It is located between Fingal and St Marys was a cool respite on a hot dry day. A warning—the road is closed and walking track is no longer maintained. A short-wheel base 4WD is needed. But what an amazing rock pool. Very deep with cool water in the depths and warm surface currents. Picnic on the rocks. Fabulous!
#3 Bay of Fires
Always a favourite…at any time of year
Touted as the hottest travel destination in the world by Lonely Planet—I am inclined to agree! But you may need to pick your time and rock pool if you want complete privacy. Certainly don’t try a skinny dip on a school holiday.
If you dabble with the paint brushes, or have always wanted to but don’t know how to start, you may enjoy our Bay of Fires Art Retreat.
#4 Lemons Beach
Popular with fishers…
You are almost certain to have a beach to yourself in the very North East. However, the beaches are popular for fishing, so watch out if you wish to avoid an embarrassing moment! Take your thermos, enjoy a picnic on the beach.
#5 Mount Paris Dam
Got to love a natural spa…
The Cascade river below the Mt Paris Dam is so close to Tin Dragon Trail Cottages—yet I never thought of jumping in before. This one is now my definite favourite: Crystal-clear water with built-in spa, the rocks aren’t slippery (in summer), very private and truly invigorating. You can picnic on the rocks, or drive to Branxholm or Derby to enjoy one of the newly opened cafes. Read more here.
*Since 2016 this location is far more popular, so not-so-private any more!
In conclusion
Finding the top five skinny dipping locations in north east Tasmania started off as a dare and became a highlight of our 2016 summer holiday season. Of course you don’t have to take it all off to enjoy nature at these fabulous secluded locations. There are little or no facilities at these places, so take some drinking water and don’t forget to slip, slop, slap to avoid the strong Tasmanian UV.
Why not buy a take-away lunch from a local cafe and ask us for a picnic basket? ENJOY!
Your own private skinny dipping location
At Tin Dragon Cottages, you can day dream or bathe under a million stars in your own private heated spa…
And then #6 Flinders Island
Flinders Island is all about clear ocean water, deserted beaches where you can safely skinny-dip, unique rock formations and wind! And, the best way to explore this unique island, is in a van. So, for two weeks in March – April 2024, we explored the island in our old Sprinter van.
