Hells Gates (Tasmania)

Geographical location

Hells Gates (actually, Hell's Gates, German gates of hell ) is the name of the strait that forms the entrance to Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania's west. The strait is well known for its treacherous currents and shallows.

The name comes from the occupants of the Macquarie Harbour penal colony in the 19th century, as new prisoners arrived across the strait in the penal colony. The strait was gradually dredged in 1909 to allow larger ships access to the port.