What is the Tessellated Pavement in Tasmania?
The Tessellated Pavement is a rare rock formation on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, near Eaglehawk Neck. The flat rock surface is cracked into rectangular blocks that look like tiles laid by hand.
The pattern formed when stress in the Earth's crust caused the rock to fracture. Over time, the ocean, sand and salt have shaped the blocks further.
The pavement has two main types of formation. Pan formations are areas where the center of the blocks is worn lower than the edges, often holding water. Loaf formations are blocks with raised, rounded centers, resembling loaves of bread.
Visiting
The pavement is located at Pirates Bay, a short walk from a car park. It is best seen at low tide, when the rock surface is exposed.
Visitors should take care as the surface can be slippery and waves can wash over the rocks.
The site is part of the Tasman Peninsula, which also includes Port Arthur, Tasman Arch, the Devils Kitchen and the Blowhole at Eaglehawk Neck. Sunrise is a popular time for photography, when the light reflects off the pools of water on the pavement. It is a quick stop on the drive to Port Arthur.