Stumpy's Bay Campgrounds

Just 18 kilometres north of Ansons Bay is the Eddystone Point Lighthouse, inside the Mount William National Park. The land here is protected, not only for its sheer beauty but for its significance to the Aboriginal community. The Eddystone Point lighthouse is a key attraction here. When a dangerous rock was discovered just below sea level at St Helens Point in 1875, it was decided to build a lighthouse. Eddystone Point is known as Larapuna to the aboriginal population, and the Tasmanian Government gave a 40-year lease for the Larapuna grounds surrounding the spectacular lighthouse in 2006.

Approximately 35km north of St. Helens and a similar distance east of Gladstone lies what is arguably the best big bream water in the state, and home to many other species. Ansons Bay has 2 km of channel, 6 km of river with extensive sea grass beds, mud and sand flats and mussel beds. This estuary is a prolific nursery fro molluscs, crustaceans and many fish. All common estuary species are present in good numbers as well as a few extras, i.e., bass and King George whiting; but the premium fish is certainly the black bream. Also worth noting is that adjacent to Ansons Bay is some of the hottest gamefish territory in the state with marlin and yellowfin tuna caught in past season rivalling anything from anywhere on our coast. Local knowledge is essential for crossing the bar if heading to sea from Ansons Bay. The locals are helpful in this department, so while you're here with your family or off for some peace and quiet on your own, remember, fresh bait, don't take more than you need and this unique piece of paradise will produce fish and the associated joys for many generations to come as it has in the past. Species available: bream, salmon, trevally, flathead, flounder, mullet, leatherjacket, luderick, King George whiting, garfish, ling, cod, occasional snapper.

A great activity is to go kayaking along at Ansons Bay. The experience will leave you breathtaking as you take in the wonderful natural environment. You will also see plenty of water birds like cormorants, swans and pelicans. Eagles will more than likely soar overhead to making a magical experience. The bay is rather sheltered being an almost oval shape with a small opening leading out to the ocean. This makes it a great place to get out with a dinghy or kayak. If you're keen to enjoy a great white sandy beach, there is one on the eastern side. This faces the ocean so at times it will be rough and windy, at other times it's calm and gentle.