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. 

Explore neighbouring Rocky Cape National Park. This park surrounds another beach community, Sisters Beach, which is located along a former horse trail known as the Postman’s Track that once connected Burnie and Stanley. 

Check out the park’s remarkable geological formations - the rocks of pinmatik / Rocky Cape are among the oldest in Tasmania. Explore extensive hiking trails and see Tasmanian Aboriginal shelter caves; please respect the wishes of the Aboriginal community and don’t enter the caves.

Where

Boat Harbour Beach is a 1hr drive (80km) west of Devonport and a 2hr drive (176km) north-west of Launceston.

Insider tip

• Learn about the endangered giant freshwater lobster, unique to northern Tasmania and the largest of its kind in the world, from passionate volunteers at the Lobster Ponds at nearby Flowerdale.