Camping at Musselroe Bay

Musselroe Bay nestled in the North East of Tasmania is the perfect camping destination for a family to get away from the normal chaos of life. This became my home for a week over the Christmas break with my partner and his three boys. We found a spot under the trees at Stumpy’s campground 2. With little reception and no amenities apart from a long drop toilet, we were able to escape the chaos and experience the calming effect of nature. It became our playground for adventure. 

The boys were excited to meet the wildlife sharing our campsite with us. The friendly Bennet’s Wallabies were very comfortable in our presence and were given names by the boys; Bambi, Bambino, Bamboozled and Bamboo. We also had a visit from the meddling possums each night scavenging for left over food. 

After setting up camp we went for a drive into the township of Musselroe. First stop was an exploration on the brown rocks scattered around the boat ramp, a climb up a steep sand dune and an adventure searching for mussels which quickly became a favourite activity over the week. Mick found a pretty impressive skull, thinking it was possibly a whale skull of some sort. The hunt for cowrie shells also began. 

After a drive we headed back to camp for tea and then completed our first day with a walk up the beach. We discovered an armada of Bluebottles washed up on the crispy white sand. Their striking blue colour stood out helping us to avoid their dangerous tentacles. 

 

Day two started with the digging of a massive sandy hole. The boys had such pleasure digging in the sand. The weather was a bit on the cool side with the wind up. So after a morning on the beach we had some lunch and set off on a drive. We headed to Little Musselroe Bay, guided by the large arrays of wind turbines growing larger as we slowly approached them, taking in their huge overwhelming structures.

At Little Musselroe Bay we found an abandoned net full of fish, washed up close to shore being a draw card for many ocean birds. An eagle was found circling above trying to collect its next meal from below. This white sand capped beach was sheltered and lovely to walk along.

Day three was the perfect day for fishing. Staying close to our campground we headed off to drop a line into the crystal blue fresh waters in hope of a catch of fish. Mick’s youngest boy managed to catch the first fish which we then used as bait and then he caught a Black Bream, which I matched, catching one as well. The Black Bream was nice tasting fish and something that can’t be speared with a speargun so to catch two on a line definitely made our day. 

On day four we started the day with a drive to Eddystone Point. We had been there a few times before but the boys hadn’t. This in my opinion is one of the most spectacular beaches in Tasmania. 

We explored the lighthouse and rock pools framed by the deep orange rocks and transparent clear blue water. We then drove along to check out the campsite and discovered the perfect beach with multiple locations for Mick to go spearfishing. He did just that, as he was itching to get into the water. 

While he was exploring the depths of the ocean, the boys hit to the sand slopes sliding down on the boogie board picking up speed as they went. They even managed to get me to take a ride down the steep dune on the board, screaming as I rushed down the hill. We capped our afternoon off with a swim and some sandcastle making. Mick came out of the water smiling with a squid and a whiting in hand. This was my favourite day thus far.

Day five approached so quickly. With only two days left we took a drive to the Little Blue Lake, found on the outskirts of Gladstone. Little Blue Lake used to be a mining hole and captures the vivid blue colour of the sky through the reflection of minerals from its base. We circumnavigated the lake taking photos at different viewpoints. 

Back to base and another spearfishing afternoon for Mick. I spent three hours exploring the rocks with the boys and ended up with quite a collection at the end of it. The boys pulled over twenty mussels from the rocks to cook up for tea, found four crabs down the vertical cracks amongst the rocks, multiple shells and one tiny little fish caught using a net. 

I can honestly say I am amazed at how different boys are compared to girls. Having two girls of my own, spending an afternoon amongst the rocks was definitely a new experience for me and a favourite past time of the boys. 

We completed this gorgeous day with a fish on the beach. Only managed to hook a crab but had a relaxing time watching the waves roll in crashing on to the foreshore with the full moon appearing in the horizon.

Day six, our last full day, we decided to head back to Eddystone. It was windy but that didn’t stop the fun. Mick’s eldest son went snorkelling with his dad exploring the reef while yet another hole was dug in the sand by his other two. Mick then went out for a final spearfish while the boys played on the white sand floor. 

Our last day fell on New Years Eve 2020 and we made some damper for supper to bring in the new year. This place is certainly a destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you love spending time at the beach exploring then this is the place for you. It’s my favourite camping location in Tasmania.

I am looking forward to wandering around Tasmania in 2021 exploring more places that this amazing state has to offer.