Day visitor facilities
A Visitor Centre with interpretive displays, park office and full picnic and toilet facilities are found at Springlawn, the main park entrance. A public pay phone is located outside the office. Picnic facilities, including tables and fireplaces, are also found at Griffiths Point, Bakers Point and Badger Head. Pit toilets are available at Griffiths Point and Bakers Point. The park has no shop or kiosk.
Camping
Within the park camping is allowed at Springlawn, the horse yards, Bakers Point and Griffiths Point (see map). A self-registration system for campers operates from the Springlawn information hut. Most campsites have fireplaces, tables and pit toilets.
At Springlawn there are septic toilets, a shower block (small fee for 4 minute tokens, available from Visitor Centre), powered sites and electric barbecues. The park is easily reached from either Devonport or Launceston, which have plenty of accommodation. Nearby Port Sorell and Greens Beach also offer camping and other accommodation outside the park.
See Camping and Cabin Fees for further details and costs.
Water
Water is available from tanks and bores at various locations around the park, including Springlawn, Bakers Point and Griffiths Point. The water varies in quality but, except where otherwise marked, it is drinkable. Bring a container for carrying water. Visitors should note that there is no drinking water at either Badger Beach or Greens Beach picnic sites.
Fires and firewood
Fireplaces and some firewood are provided in the campsites. As there is heavy demand for wood, and fire restrictions might apply, visitors are encouraged to use a portable cooking stove. Electric barbecues operate at Springlawn.
The Springlawn wetlands at sunset
Water activities
Bakers Beach and Badger Beach are generally safe for swimming. They are also popular for line fishing. Swimmers are advised to take care near the rocks at Griffiths Point and in the Port Sorell estuary, particularly when the tide is going out.
A section of Springlawn Beach is reserved for water skiing from 1st November to 30th April. No swimming is allowed here. Ski boats can be launched at Bakers Point.
Horseriding
Holding yards and a 26 kilometre return trail are provided for horse riding. A permit, which can be obtained from the ranger, is needed to bring horses into the park. Bookings must be made for use of the yards at least 48 hours in advance.
Ranger-led activities
During most summer holidays rangers offer a varied program of walks, talks and other activities for both children and adults. As well as being fun, these are a great way to learn about our wildlife and heritage.
Short walks
Springlawn nature walk
This walk offers a tranquil introduction to the park.Beginning from the Springlawn information hut, this easy walk takes you through a coastal thicket to the lagoon bird hide and back via the thickly vegetated dunes. It is less than an hour in length.
Bakers Beach from Archers Knob
Archers Knob
Archers Knob is reached by a track between the lagoon and Bakers Beach, or by a track from the information hut. Towards the eastern end of the beach a track climbs steadily through coastal trees to the top of 114 m high Archers Knob. From the summit there are fine views over Bakers Beach, Badger Head and beyond. An easy return walk via Bakers Beach makes a pleasant 2 hour round trip.
Fire trail walks
Inland from Springlawn, these provide easy walking through a variety of bushland. Views over Bass Strait and inland to the Western Tiers are obtained from the higher points.
Longer walks
Copper Cove/Badger Head
(A 6-8 hour return trip from Springlawn.) This is an interesting sea-side walk featuring superb coastal views, a variety of wildflowers, and fascinating changes in landscape. From the eastern end of Bakers Beach a marked track zig zags up to Little Badger Head before descending to Copper Cove where there is a good picnic spot with fresh water from Windred Creek. In the early 19th century copper ore was mined in this area. From the cove the track continues around the headland to the tiny settlement of Badger Head, at the western end of Badger Beach. From the eastern end of Bakers Beach to Badger Head is approximately 5 km.
Coastal Traverse
(Allow 7-9 hours one way.) A magnificent coastal traverse of the park is possible between Bakers Beach and Greens Beach, walking in either direction. Walking from west to east, follow the above directions for the Badger Head walk. From Badger Head follow Badger Beach towards West Head. The detour to the top of West Head leads to a fine new platform atop the cliffs. Follow the cliff-top track around West Head till you pick up the unsealed road that leads past Pebbly Beach on to Greens Beach township. If a car is left at each end, the walk can easily be done one-way as a day walk.
Point Vision Track
(Allow 6-8 hours return.) The highest parts of the range, the ancient, worn spine of a once higher range, reach nearly 400 m at Mt Asbestos. The most accessible summit is Point Vision (370m), reached via a rough track from Springlawn. This stays on the western side of the lagoon and Archers Knob before climbing into the lightly forested hills. It is mostly open and fairly easy walking in fine weather. Views from the top are spectacular. Return the same way. (If a longer one-way walk is wanted, a fire trail from the Badger Hd road can be easily reached from Pt Vision. This trail skirts Mt Asbestos, which can be climbed as a detour).