Lords Beach is a suburban beach along the River Derwent in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania. The beach faces north-east and offers views of Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Nutgrove Beach, and the City of Clarence on the eastern shore. Lords Beach features several covered piers, including the Waimea Jetty, built in the 1960s. It is situated between Red Chapel Beach to the west and Dunkley’s Point to the east.
Lords Beach | |
|---|---|
Beach | |
 Lords Beach with two covered piers. The pier in the foreground is known as Waimea Jetty, built in the 1960s. | |
  Lords Beach Location of Lords Beach in Hobart | |
| Coordinates: 42°54′17.07″S 147°20′18.06″E / 42.9047417°S 147.3383500°E | |
| Location | Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Offshore water bodies | River Derwent |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 700 metres (2,300 ft)[1] |
| Patrolled by | Surf Life Saving Tasmania |
| Hazard rating | 2/10 (Least hazardous)[1] |
| Access | Footpath, Sandy Bay Road |
History
editLords Beach is named after James Lord, a convict landowner, who also lent his name to Lord Street.[2] In the past, Lords Beach was part of a continuous stretch of beach that included Red Chapel Beach, Nutgrove Beach, and Long Beach. Development and natural erosion have caused these beaches to become separated.[1]
Several covered jetties are located along the beach, used to store boats moored in waters reaching depths of up to 50 metres (160 ft).[3]
In 2023, a developer proposed constructing floating tourist accommodation on the River Derwent, potentially affecting the area surrounding Lords Beach.[4]
Marine life
editOccasionally, Lords Beach experiences bioluminescence, a phenomenon caused by microscopic plankton, which can illuminate the waters in the evening.[5]
Environment
editLords Beach has been altered by the construction of seawalls, which were built to mitigate erosion and protect the area from strong currents and waves from the River Derwent. Human activity, such as foot traffic and road construction along Sandy Bay Road, has also contributed to the changing landscape.[1]
The beach is now a 700-metre (2,300 ft) stretch of sand bordered by the Wrest Point seawall and a seawall along Sandy Bay Road. The beach features waves typically ranging between 1–1.5 metres (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 11 in) in height, creating a steep beach profile.[1]
Access
editLords Beach is accessible via a 45-minute walk from the Hobart City Centre, or by using the Metro Tasmania bus service along Sandy Bay Road.
Real estate
editIn 2024, the Waimea Jetty at Lords Beach was listed for sale for the first time, offering an opportunity to acquire waterfront infrastructure.[6]
Gallery
edit-
Lords Beach in 1930, depicting its natural eroding foreshore
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Aerial of Lords Beach and the Riviera Hotel in the 1930s
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A covered pier at Lords Beach
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Lords Beach, Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania". beachsafe.org.au. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- ^ "Lords Beach". Tasmanian Beaches. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
- ^ "Jetty in Hobart's Sandy Bay on the market for the first time". Commercial Real Estate. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "Developer wants to build 'floating tourist accommodation' on Derwent River". Pulse Tasmania. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Howarth, Carla (3 May 2019). "Bioluminescence chasers capture elusive phenomenon". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ^ "Rare chance to buy your own Tasmanian jetty". Real Commercial. Retrieved 30 October 2024.