This is a demonstration only of the feasibility of commencing work on a Tasmanian Crusing Guide through the use of the Internet.
Situated in the southwest corner of Stewart Bay (see Aus 174 Port Arthur Plan, 43° 08'.474 S 147° 51'.457), Ladies Bay is not named on the chart, nor does it appear in "Cruising Tasmania", but it is a wonderful anchorage in many conditions. Shelter is good from SE to S, afforded by Fryingpan Point and the rocky reef which extends NE from it. Shelter is excellent in SW through NW and N through the tall trees that grow right up to the high water mark. Holding is very good in sand with some weed patches which are easily avoided in 4-6m. There are no moorings. The bay can be affected by a well developed swell, to an extent greater than Carnarvon Bay to the South.
There are no apparent dangers within the Bay, but the approach needs to take into account the reef which extends out beyond the low water mark.
Windclimber in Ladies Bay. This view looks south across Fryingpan Point
beyond which can be seen part of Carnarvon Bay.
The land adjacent to the bay is part of the Port Arthur Historic Site Wildlife Reserve, and no habitations are visible from the anchorage. The views east to Denmans Cove and the eastern part of the Tasman Peninsula complete a surrounding that provides peace and a sense of isolation.
A sandy beach on the western shore makes dinghy landing easy. Close to the beach is a well maintained walking track within the abovementioned reserve. To the south the track leads to the historic site proper. To the north it leads past a group of holiday accommodation cottages to the Stewarts Bay Conservation Reserve, which has road access, toilets, picnic tables and a rubbish bin. At the east end of the beach in the Reserve another track leads to the Port Arthur Caravan Park, which is not far away but invisible from the water.
If basic supplies are required, taking the track to the Stewart Bay Reserve, leaving the toilet block to the left then following the well formed walking track that heads west will take you to the main road into Port Arthur. About 200m along the road is a general store which includes a newsagency and Post Office. A laundrette will be seen just before the shop, which also serves as a petrol station. In addition, the abovementioned caravan park has a kiosk.
Communications.
VHF: Coast Radio Hobart's Maria Island Ch 16 and 68 transponder works well from Ladies Bay. If it is out of service, the Hobart Ch 16 transponder is marginal. The Cape Raoul Ch 81 repeater is reachable, as is Seaphone's Hobart Ch 7.
Public radio: ABC Classic FM (93.9MHz) is marginal. On AM ABC Local Radio (936kHz), Radio National (585kHz) and News Radio (747kHz) are all good.
Mobile Phone: Telstra GSM Port Arthur tower gives an excellent signal and data transmission is reliable. Telstra CDMA coverage is also good.
TV: no useful signals.
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