Alum Cliffs
Cliffs
Alum Cliffs is located in Tasmania
Alum Cliffs
Alum Cliffs
Coordinates: 42°57′41.55″S 147°20′28.58″E / 42.9615417°S 147.3412722°E / -42.9615417; 147.3412722
LocationTasmania, Australia
Offshore water bodiesDerwent Estuary
Storm Bay

The Alum Cliffs are a section of cliffed coast facing the Derwent Estuary and Storm Bay along the suburbs of Taroona, Bonnet Hill, and Kingston Beach, Tasmania, Australia. Composed of Permian mudstone, the cliff formation stretches for 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) between Hinsby Beach and Tyndall Beach at Kingston Beach. The cliff face reaches heights of up to 30 metres (98 ft) above sea level and has vistas of the Derwent Estuary, Storm Bay, South Arm and Bruny Island.[1]

History

The first reference of the Alum Cliffs namesake was documented in 1847.[2]

Geology

The Alum Cliffs are made of Permian mudstone, containing pyrite. Once oxidised, the pyrite produces the chemical compound alum.[3]

Recreation

The Alum Cliffs track is a popular 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) (2.5 hour) return walking track frequented by locals and tourists.[4] A small track was initially developed in the 1970s and formally developed as part of Australia's Bicentennial celebrations in 1988.[2][5] In 2018, a council proposal was put forward to upgrade the track to facilitate mountain biking.[6]

Access

The Alum Cliffs track is accessible via Tyndall Beach at Kingston Beach and the Channel Highway.

References

  1. ^ "Alum Cliffs, Taroona". Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b Roberts-Thompson, Patricia, Taroona 1808-1986 Farm Lands to a Garden Suburb - The Walk Along the Alum Cliffs (PDF), Taroona Historical Group, p. 325, retrieved 20 August 2022
  3. ^ "Taroona Coastal Discovery Trail - What Is Alum?". Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  4. ^ "Alum Cliffs Track (6.0km)". trailhiking.com.au. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  5. ^ "Alum Cliffs Track, Kingborough". Greater Hobart Trails. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  6. ^ Mather, Anne (15 April 2018). "Make way for cyclists on Alum Cliffs track between Kingston and Taroona". The Mercury (Hobart). Retrieved 20 August 2022.
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