In and Around Boat Harbour

Beautifully positioned between rocky headlands, this is an idyllic harbour of white sand and water every shade of blue.

You might wonder if you’re in the right place when you encounter Boat Harbour - the hamlet straddling the Bass Highway isn’t on the water. Instead, take the turn-off to Boat Harbour Beach to find this seaside getaway.

Laze on the sheltered beach, spot marine life in rock pools and head to Seekers Bar and Cafe in the surf club for fish and chips and chilled drinks that come with a panoramic view of Bass Strait.

So much to see, So much to do So much to explore, So why not stay for longer & enjoy what the North-West of Tasmania has to offer.

If getting out into nature to go hiking or walking takes your fancy, then Rocky Cape National Park is a must do. A short 10 minute drive will take you to an array of hiking trails that would rate with some of the best in Australia. These walks range from 2-6 hours. It is quite easy to spend the whole day in this National Park where you can find wet & dry caves, water falls, and walk along the stunning beach at Anniversary Bay to catch some magnificent views of Cathedral Rocks. If you are lucky you may even sight some Hump Back or Minke Whales that migrate north from May-July & return between September-December or catch a glimpse of leopard seals sunning themselves on the beach between August-November.

See the spectacular sight of spanning fields of colourful tulips in full bloom in the month of October. Attend the Bloomin’s Tulip Festival on the banks of the Inglis River in Wynyard with entertainment, food stalls & music that goes all day for one weekend each year in October. Take the walk on top of the cape that will take you to the Table Cape lighthouse with stunning views across the Bass Straight.

Take a 45 minute scenic drive west through some beautiful country side & you will arrive at the historical town of Stanley. Situated on the side of The Nut [volcanic pod] you can either follow the walking track to climb to the summit or take the chair lift up to the top. Walk the circuit & take in magnificent 360 deg views of the ocean, beaches, Stanley & the western end of Rocky Cape. Check out Joseph Lyon’s house, Australia’s first Tasmanian Prime Minister or High Field House steeped in history. While there check out Hersey’s down near the wharf it is renowned for its fresh seafood & platters or travel 15kms on to Smithton to purchase freshly shucked oysters from the oyster farm.

As the sunsets, just a little east of Wynyard, a colony of fairy penguins will make their way up the small secluded beach to burrows & nests on the side of a small rocky outcrop. This usually takes place from September through to April. For guided tours or more details, let us know & we can supply you with the information if you’re interested. Also close by on the Inglis River is another great walking track that goes both sides of the river, & on occasions platypus can be spotted swimming & playing around in the shallows.

Fossil Bluff is the perfect place to discover your inner explorer. At low tide, the cliffs reveal evidence of fossils encased in the sandstone layers. The beach also has a treasure trove of shells to discover and collect.

Situated near to the Inglis River & the Wynyard Golf Club is Fossil Bluff,which is encompassed by another secluded beach. A great little spot to walk, wander the beach on a low tide & search the sandstone layers to discover fossils in & around the cliff face.

The Iconic Cradle Mountain is the fifth highest peak in Tasmania & is only a 90 minute to 2 hour drive away. Walk around the beautiful Dove Lake circuit for prime views of Cradle Mountain or for those seeking more adventure, climb the summit on a long day walk up its rocky slopes, over boulders & through cliffs to a grandstand view of the adjacent Barn Bluff, distant Mount Ossa & beyond. On a perfect day you can find yourself surrounded by clear blue skies & snow-capped mountains. You will often catch glimpses of wombats wandering around the shrubs & trees on the low lying grounds.

A further 7 kms on from Boat Harbour Beach, driving through areas of rain Forrest & passing Lake Liewellyn you will arrive at Sisters Beach & the start of several walking tracks. More rugged than Boat Harbour Beach, albeit just as picturesque, there is much to see & explore along this part of the coastline. Enjoy swimming & playing on the unspoiled beaches with playgrounds for the children & covered electric gas BBQ’s available to the public, a great place to sit relax & watch some of the amazing sunsets in this part of Tasmania.