Kangaroo Bluff Historic Site

Kangaroo Bluff Historic Site, located in the waterside suburb of Bellerive, Hobart, Tasmania, is a historic fortification originally constructed in the late 1800s to safeguard Hobart from potential maritime threats. The fort was built between 1873 and 1884, following the appearance of Russian warships in the area, which heightened concerns over the city's defense. The construction process spanned four years, culminating in a structure designed to deter enemy vessels from entering the River Derwent.

The fort's design included a moat and prickly hawthorn hedges to protect against land-based attacks. Beneath the surface, the fort featured storage areas and communication tubes, allowing soldiers to communicate through the thick rock walls. Today, visitors can explore the remaining passageways, offering a glimpse into the fort's historical significance and its strategic role in Tasmania's defense history.

In the early 1920s, the Kangaroo Bluff Battery ceased its military operations. The site was later repurposed for public use, and in 1961, it was acquired by the Scenery Preservation Board. It was declared an Historic Site under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 and is now managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service.

Visitors to the site can enjoy a picnic while taking in panoramic views of the River Derwent, kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and the city of Hobart. The area is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with free entry. The site is accessible via stairs and features uneven ground, so visitors should exercise caution. It's important to note that the site is not accessible at night, and children should be closely supervised due to high drop-offs and uneven surfaces. For more information, please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania's official page on Kangaroo Bluff Historic Site.