Headland within Rocky Cape National Park, walkers on rock overlooking ocean
Rocky Cape National Park (photograph: Natalie Mendham)

Rocky Cape National Park

Ancient Aboriginal heritage on a rocky coastline.

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About

​Striking rock formations, an incredible variety of flowering plants and important Aboriginal heritage all make this park, on the shores of Bass Strait in Tasmania’s far north-west, worth exploring. Gnarly rocks contrast with the wild blue ocean and waves pound the coast with intensity, sending up a salty sea spray that fills the air as you meander along the rugged coastline.

Tucked around the small hamlets of Boat Harbour and Sisters Beach, Rocky Cape National Park is mainly a day use park and is best discovered on foot. Choose from short easy strolls or longer day walks into the less-travelled parts of this park, taking in scenic hills, tranquil bays and rocky headlands.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll uncove​r mysterious sea caves, rock pools and secluded beaches perfectly suited to fishing and swimming. As you explore the Park, you will discover rock shelters and caves used by Aboriginal Tasmanians for numerous generations. You'll learn about Tasmanian Aboriginal life in North-West Tasmania as it was when these caves were first occupied many thousands of years ago. Please respect the wishes of the Aboriginal community and do not enter the cave. ​​

National park

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​​With such stunning coastline, diverse vegetation and rich birdlife, the park has lots to offer visitors with an interest in ​natural values. But the incredible geology and indigenous culture are the star attractions. The geographical feature; Rocky Cape is dual named pinmatik/Rocky Cape. 

The rocks of the Cape are among the oldest in Tasmania. These ancient Precambrian quartzites have been uplifted and folded to produce amazing contorted patterns. Check out the formations near the Rocky Cape lighthouse.  They continue to be slowly eroded by the action of water, wind and waves forming a jagged coastline interspersed with sea caves.

When sea levels dropped, the caves were left above the shoreline, making them ideal for coastal rock shelters. North Cave is the most easily accessible to observe from the walking track near the entrance.

The best way to appreciate the great assets of the Rocky Cape National Park is on foot. An invigorating sea breeze off Bass Strait provides ideal conditions for the many walks in the park which range from 20 minutes to four hours.

Interpretation panels describe Tasmanian Aboriginal life in the area, and highlight the Aboriginal community's continuing connection today.

Visit the lighthouse and then relax with a BYO picnic at Mary Ann Cove where there are tables, a gas barbecue and toilet facilities. This is a great spot to linger for some beach fishing, swimming and boating. At the e​astern end of the Park, Sisters Beach has electric barbecues and sheltered spots to take in the magnificent seascape.

Experiences in Rocky Cape National Park

Fishing on the rocks at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park

Statewide

Fishing

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

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Walkers on a rocky beach, Anniversary Point, pinmatik/Rocky Cape National Park

Rocky Cape National Park

Rocky Cape National Park - walks

The rich cultural heritage, amazing geology, stunning seascape and diversity of plant and animal life of Rocky Cape National Park are best explored on foot. A variety of walks, from 20 minutes to several hours, showcase this remarkable and diverse landscape.

From 20 minutes to 4 hours, 200m to 15km, Grade 3
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