Why Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania is the best holistay you’ve never heard of

Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania

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Tasmania travel tips

Expert Travel Tip

Tasmania’s weather is controlled by 3 converging climate systems – the SAM, IOD and SO – unlike the rest of Australia. There are micro-climates across the island. So weather changes on a dime no matter the season.  Come prepared for all weather, all year and you’ll have a great holiday!

Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania is a stunning coastal holistay destination. It may even be one of Tasmania’s best beaches. So awesome we’re not surprised more people don’t know about it. You see, it’s also a getaway of choice for locals. And a highly guarded secret. But that’s about to change. Because we are spilling the tea on why you should put this sleepy little seaside stunner top of your Tasmania holiday list. If vacations by the coast are your jam, this secluded cove in Tasmania’s north west will Blow. Your. Mind. So grab your sunnies quick sticks and get down here, before everyone else does.

Tasmania’s biggest seaside secret

Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania accommodation
Secluded, deserted, relaxing, spectacularly beautiful. The secret may be out for Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania

Boat Harbour is north west Tasmania’s best kept secret seaside holiday destination.

Tucked away on the north-west coast, the beach here is a slice of paradise – for those in the know.

What’s so good about it?

Firstly, the beach.

Oh boy is it beautiful! White sands that squeak beneath your feet and crystal-clear turquoise waters that lap the shore and shimmer under azure blue skies. It’s a beach just made for lazy days swimming, mucking about, or just sitting in the sunshine with a cup of coffee in hand, admiring the views.

Secondly, it all just feels so…..relaxed and untouched

With just a small contingent of beach goers every time we’ve visited, the lack of crowds here make for a peaceful retreat that lets you unplug from the world and reconnect with beautiful nature.

Thirdly, surrounded by rugged coastal cliffs and rolling green hills, it’s in a postcard-perfect setting within a secluded hidden cove.

If a picture paints a thousand words, these sum up the beach at Boat Harbour 👇🏽

And lastly, what sets Boat Harbour apart from busier hotspots is its laid-back, small-town vibe. There’s no rush here – just some beachfront cottages, one light and bright cafe serving up fresh local dishes, and the tranquil rhythm of the ocean.

It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a giant secret, far away from mainstream travel crowds.

If you dream of escaping to Tassie, Boat Harbour Beach may just be the quiet seaside escape you’ve been searching for.

So where is Boat Harbour, what is there to do in the area, and what should you expect from a holiday here?

Let’s find out.

Where is Boat Harbour Tasmania?

Boat Harbour is in the north west of Tasmania, between Wynyard and Stanley. Boat Harbour itself isn’t on the coast. But Boat Harbour Beach is. The beach is where we’re focussed, and is located a short drive north off the Bass Highway, nestled in a hidden cove, looking out over Bass Strait.

How to get there

The only way to get to Boat Harbour Beach is by car, campervan or RV.

If you’re coming on the Spirit of Tasmania, it’s a short one hour drive west of Devonport where the boat arrives. You could drive off the boat, grab breakfast at Devonport, take a road trip along the north west coast visiting some of the main attractions along the way – like to charming town of Penguin or Helleyers Whiskey Distillery – arriving in time for check in at 2 or 3pm.

If you’re flying in to Launceston, it’s a 2 hour drive along the Bass Highway.

And from Hobart its a 4 hour highway drive north west.

What’s at Boat Harbour Beach?

Accessibility & facilities

Is Boat Harbour Beach dog friendly?
There’s a parking area, under cover gas barbecues and a children’s playground next to the beach

It’s a narrow winding road down into Boat Harbour Beach, from the Bass Highway. But once you get in there, the road opens up into a decent car park for day trippers and beach goers, surrounded by a grassy recreational area, and of course the beach.

At this recreational area you’ll find:

  • a public toilet by the car park,
  • under cover gas BBQs for public use,
  • a children’s swing and playground area,
  • picnic tables and benches,
  • a walking track around the point, and
  • a boat ramp.

There’s plenty of grassed area to spread out a picnic blanket and still be far enough away from other day trippers.

This recreational area adjacent to the beach is for day use only according to the local council.

Supermarkets & shops

There are no shops, restaurants or service stations at Boat Harbour Beach. Wynyard, just 10 minutes drive away, is the main service centre where you will find supermarkets, chemists, shops, cafes, a couple of restaurants and a service station.

Boat Harbour Beach weather

It’s not always beach weather at Boat Harbour Beach, but that is because we’re in Tasmania. Expect rain and cold weather (around 13°C in winter), but sunny and warm days of 25°C in summer.

Spring and Autumn are in between.

The best time to visit

The best time of year to stay in Boat Harbour depends on why you’re visiting.

If it’s to relax and escape the crowds, Boat Harbour Beach is quietest in the winter, because it’s too cold to swim. But you can still enjoy the beach, the cafe and the walks here in winter. So if you want a chilled out, sleepy holistay beach destination, winter is actually a great time to come. We recently visited at the end of winter and the beach was deserted. Booyah!

If you want to experience the beach, the swimming and the sun at Boat Harbour Beach then book for summer or Autumn – December to March. You’ll pay more for your accommodation, and there will be more day trippers to contend with on the beach. But the place will be sparkling under the sun and you’ll have long, languid daytime hours to enjoy it all.

We think early Autumn is the best time of year to visit Boat Harbour Beach as you won’t pay peak season pricing for holiday accommodation.

Autumn is also the best time to swim at Boat Harbour Beach – especially March. This is when the water is warmest following the summer heat – a comfortable 20°C (at most!).

Spring is when we would avoid Boat Harbour Beach. It’s rainy and the spring winds can really whip up off Bass Strait, putting a dampener on beach fun and outdoor activities.

5 fun things to do at Boat Harbour Beach

1. Walks & Hikes

are dogs allowed on Boat Harbour Beach?
There are beautiful coastal walks at and around Boat Harbour Beach

The walks and hikes in this area are among the best along the north west coast. There are two walks directly accessible from the beach:

  1. Boat Harbour Beach Track, an easy 600 meter loop around the point out into Bass Strait, giving spectacular views of Table Cape in the background and back across the beach and bay.
  2. Boat Harbour Beach to Postman’s Track Coastal Route, a one-hour challenging coastal walk along the old Postman’s Track with some steep sections and obscured path in parts. Best done at low tide so you can take the beach track.

Rocky Cape National Park walks

There are 10 great walks in Rocky Cape National Park, just an 10minute drive from Boat Harbour Beach. The trail heads for five of these walks start from the Sister’s Beach end of Rocky Cape. The other five start from Rocky Cape Beach. Our top trail picks for moderate walkers seeking the best coastal vistas are:

  1. Anniversary Bay (Sister’s Beach)
  2. Doone Falls via Anniversary Bay (Sister’s Beach)
  3. Cathedral Hill and Tinkers Lookout (Rocky Cape Beach)

2. Dining and cafes

Seekers Bar and Cafe is the only cafe in the bay. The beauty of this place is its superior location. It’s literally ON THE BEACH!

Seekers Bar and Cafe Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania
Seekers Bar and Cafe is just steps from Boat Harbour Beach

It’s also where to eat at Boat Harbour Beach, because they serve more than just coffee. And there are no other restaurants in the immediate area.

From the menu at Seekers expect the obligatory fish and chips – you’re by the sea after all. It’s largely a seafood menu, and rightly so. The seafood platter was most popular among diners when we were there. Our lunch and the coffee were both delicious.

It’s a must do breakfast or lunch experience if you’re staying in the bay. We recommend grabbing an outside table where your toes are almost in the sand. You won’t find anywhere more beautiful to dine in Tassie.

Outside of Seekers Bar and Cafe, the best restaurants and cafes near Boat Harbour Beach are:

  • Thistle Hut Cafe – back on the Bass Highway this coffee spot is quirky, it’s quaint, it’s full of curios, and the scones with jam and cream are delicious!
  • Appleby’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill – this restaurant just a 6km drive from the beach is new and getting rave reviews. There are vegetarian options, as well as seafood. For the meat lovers, there’s steaks and lamb back-strap too. The best dining close to Boat Harbour Beach. Opens for lunch & dinner.
  • The Vault Cafe – further afield in Wynyard is the best coffee you’ll find locally. The food is excellent too and you HAVE to check out the coolest bathroom in all of Tasmania. The Vault Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. You can even grab a world class Cape Grim Scotch Fillet from their dinner menu.
  • Ladybugs Pizza – A popular little pizza joint that serves up a mean, scrumptious thin crust with some awesome craft beers. Also in Wynyard.

Further afield and if you’re looking splash out on some mouth watering Tasmanian Lobster, reserve a dinner at Hursey’s Seafood in Stanley.

Oh, and if you’re after an oyster fix, another 15 minutes from Stanley and you’ll be at Tarkine Fresh Oysters. Even I ate the oysters here they were that creamy, clean and sweet!

Things to do at Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania
Get some oysters in ya at Tarkine Fresh Oysters!

3. Fishing

I don’t fish. But I grew up with a father who was a keen fisherman. So I understand the lure (excuse the pun). The good news for avid anglers is the rocks off the point at Boat Harbour Beach make an excellent spot to cast a line. If you don’t believe me, just ask the Tasmanian fishing experts.

If you don’t catch anything off the rocks or beach here, don’t worry. You’ll find a few of the local fishing hot spots within a short drive – at Stanley, Sister’s Beach, and Detention River near the Rocky Cape in particular.

Sisters Beach Tasmania
You’re spoilt for fishing spots in Boat Harbour Beach and Sister’s Beach next door

You can expect to catch flathead, yabbies, mussels, couta, pike and tailor in these areas, according to the fishsperts.

4. Day trips

Boat Harbour Beach is an excellent base to explore Tasmania’s north west coast. These nearby towns and attractions are all within an hour’s drive. And they’re some of the north west’s best.

Visit Stanley & The Nut

Boat Harbour Beach to Stanley

The Boat Harbour Beach to Stanley drive is 34 minutes or 47 km long. Just a hop skip and jump further west along the Bass Highway and you’ll be taking in incredible views like this one 👆🏼, both from a distance and from the top!

Stanley and The Nut are top attractions in the north west. Apart from featuring this cool volcanic plug geological formation, Stanley is a gorgeous seaside town full of characterful old cottages, surrounded by stunning beaches, rolling green hills and blue blue ocean. You can even visit the birth place of a former Australian Prime Minister 🤔…

It’s dreamy, and perfect for a day trip from your Boat Harbour Beach base.

Explore Wynyard & the Table Cape

what to do at Boat Harbour Beach
The Vault makes the best coffee in Wynyard and the bathroom is ICONIC. A must visit.

Boat Harbour Beach to Wynyard is a short 10 minute trip east along the Bass Highway. Wynyard will be where you grab supplies but it’s also worth a wander along main street and has lovely beaches and coastal walks.

The Table Cape, just outside Wynyard, is the main attraction in the area, and can’t be missed.

Literally.

You’ll see it driving along the Bass in any direction.

Like The Nut, it’s an ancient volcanic plug juts out into Bass Strait, along Tasmania’s rugged northwest coast. Its flat-topped plateau sits 180 meters above sea level and drops off into some impressive cliffs and the pounding sea below. The whole thing was shaped by volcanic forces over millions of years, leaving behind fertile soil that now hosts the island’s iconic tulip fields.

For visitors, it’s not just the geological history that makes Table Cape special—it’s the stunning panoramic views over Bass Strait, dramatic cliffs, and the green, rolling hills and natural landscape that feels quintessentially Tasmanian.

Check out the lighthouse, Alchymia Gin Distillery, and the tulip festival if you’re there at the right time of year.

Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania Accommodation

Best places to stay

Holiday accommodation at Boat Harbour Beach (within walking distance of the sand) is limited, because it’s such a small place. So the first thing we’d advise is to book immediately if you find a place available.

There’s no ‘bad location’ to stay if you’re located at Boat Harbour Beach itself. The homes are built up the side of a steep hill, so everywhere has views. The place is so small that you can walk to the water easily.

The main consideration then is price, quality and proximity to the beach. If you’re looking for a Boat Harbour Beach house, book on VRBO. We find it cheaper than Airbnb with the same listings. Here’s our top picks for best holiday accommodation in the bay, based on our visits to and knowledge of the area:

The Summer House $$$THE best place to stay at Boat Harbour Beach for families that leaves guests raving about their experience. If you’re looking for a fully equipped Boat Harbour Beach luxury villa this is it. The inside is stylish, the views of the ocean, the beach and the coast are panoramic from inside and the superbly positioned balcony, which is where you’ll want to spend all of your time. It’s not the most expensive nightly price in the bay, but there is a minimum 3 night stay limit.

Seascape Beach House $$$ – If you like bang for your buck this is the bay’s best budget option. We love the big balcony, big views and big hospitality from the host Wendy who goes above and beyond to make guests comfortable. A shot walk to the beach and sleeps two – the perfect couples stay.

Beachfront accommodation at Boat Harbour Beach

This is the best beachfront accommodation at Boat Harbour Beach, for location, quality of stays and

17 Steps to the Beach $$$$ Right on the beach with direct access to the sand, this is the best located accommodation at Boat Harbour Beach. With 2 bedrooms it sleeps 4 people and is well priced for everything you get, including those stunning, uninterrupted blue and white beach views. There’s parking, a full kitchen, laundry and all of the mod cons you need for an extended or 2 night stay.

Tidal Whispers $$$ – The best balcony overlooking the sea and your own access to beach. This holiday home has a real beachy vibe with timber and white interiors. It’s sleeps 4 travellers in 2 bedrooms and is a cheaper option than 17 Steps. There’s no off street parking.

Caravans & camping

If you’re planning on camping at Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania or looking for caravan parks at Boat Harbour Beach you’ll end up at the same destination.

Boat Harbour Beach Holiday Park.

This is ground zero for caravans and camping at the beach. The caravan park is located up the hill behind Boat Harbour Beach, with expansive views out to Bass Strait.

Caravaners can settle into powered sites, while more rugged campers or campervaners can opt for cheaper unpowered camping sites.

They have the full stack of amenities too – toilets, showers, communal cooking, laundry facilities, and a dump station.

Their cabins are comfortable, clean with modern amenities and are ideal affordable accommodation for couples and families looking for ocean views. For families on a budget, the cabins are a much cheaper option than renting a Boat Harbour Beach house for your stay.

👀 Inside tips:
– There’s no free camping or free overnight caravan stays allowed at Boat Harbour Beach recreational area. You can camp at the local caravan park paid sites.
– It’s a steep, winding and narrow road to take your caravan or motorhome into Boat Harbour. Make sure you’re confident driving a large vehicle in these conditions.

FAQs

Can you swim at Boat Harbour Beach?

You definitely can swim at Boat Harbour Beach! In fact, because the beach lies in a protected cove, the water is calm and it’s perfect for swimming.

But, you’ll need to brave chilly waters most of the year. The ocean temperature in Bass Strait is a numbing 13°C in winter, rising to 18°C in summer.

March is the best time of year to swim at Boat Harbour Beach as the ocean temperatures can reach a balmy 20°C

What time does Boat Harbour Beach open?

It’s open 24/7, like any public beach in Tasmania.

Can you camp on Boat Harbour Beach?

No camping on Boat Harbour Beach is not allowed by local council.
There is also no free camping at Boat Harbour Beach. The free campground was closed in 2019. Paid camp sites are available at Boat Harbour Beach Holiday Park.

Are dogs allowed at Boat Harbour Beach?

Dogs are allowed at Boat Harbour Beach recreation area, the walking track around the point and on the beach itself. Unfortunately, the rules are that dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

Is Boat Harbour Beach family friendly?

Yes, Boat Harbour Beach is 10 out 10 family friendly.

There’s a recreational area with public toilets and children’s playground directly opposite the beach.

The beach itself is sheltered from Bass Strait, which makes for safe ocean swimming for children too.

There are rocks and rock pools to explore and plenty of grassed area for outdoor activities around the beach.

Is Boat Harbour Beach dog friendly?

It’s semi-dog friendly in our view. Dogs are allows on the beach and in the recreation area adjacent to the beach, but must be kept on leash at all times. Not terribly fun for fido, but at least your precious pup is allowed to get their paws wet.

Tasmania Trails travel blog about us

Written by Tara

I'm a Chinese speaking, semi-retired ex Australian Diplomat reinvented as a renewable energy and climate change advisor to governments in the 2000s. I now live in rural Tasmania and love it here, spending all my spare time exploring and adventuring this gift of an island with my partner. And sometimes my 2 Hungarian Vizslas come along too!

22 Sep, 2024

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