Eaglehawk Neck Historic Site

The Officers’ Quarters, built in 1832, is believed to be the oldest military building in Australia. It was part of a small military settlement established to prevent convicts from escaping the peninsula by land. The settlement included a military barracks, store, guard house, jetty, sentry box, semaphore, and the infamous dogline—a tethered line of fierce dogs that kept constant watch for escaped convicts attempting to flee the peninsula by crossing the narrow isthmus. Today, a bronze sculpture at the site helps visitors imagine what life might have been like during that era. The site closed its doors in 1877 and was taken over by private settlers. In 1991, it was purchased by the government. The Officers' Quarters are located outside of the National Park and do not require a valid parks pass to visit. Parking is available in front of the Officers’ Quarters, or visitors can park at the Community Hall at The Neck and walk north to the site. For more information, contact the Tasman Field Centre at 5803 Arthur Highway, Taranna TAS 7180, phone: 03 6250 3980, email: TasmanNP@parks.tas.gov.au.