Rocky Cape Retreat is bordered on two sides by the Rocky Cape National Park.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a series of nearby short and long walks and everything in between, where you can experience the Lighthouse, Aboriginal caves, the wild coastline, tranquil bays with stunningly clear water, waterfalls, breathtaking views of the wild coastline and also inland over rich basaltic soiled cropping farms.
Things to do in North-West Tasmania.
Dip Falls and The Big Tree
On your way to Stanley, turn off at Mawbanna to visit Dip Falls and the "Big Tree" nearby. Situated 30 minutes inland, Dip Falls is a tiered waterfall with a stepped formation and can be seen from multiple viewing platforms and walking trails. The “Big Tree” is a towering gum that lives up to its name with a circumference of nearly 17m. It’s only a 5 minute walk to this beautiful tree from the Dip Falls carpark.
Dip Falls is a 40 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
Blue Hills Honey
For over 65 years, Blue Hills Honey have been harvesting the world’s best leatherwood honey from the pristine wilderness of Tasmania’s Tarkine. Visit the gift shop, take a virtual deep dive or a factory viewing where you can learn about the process of how the honey gets from the wilderness to the jar. If you’re feeling peckish, visit The Colony Cafe located at the entrance and enjoy a range of dishes and beverages while overlooking the orchards and farmland beyond.
Blue Hills Honey is a 31 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
Highfield Historic Site
Located in Stanley, Highfield Historic Site represents early colonial architecture from the Regency Period (1811-1820) and overlooks The Nut. Here you can walk through the homestead, it’s surrounding gardens and experience a journey through time while taking in the dramatic views of the rugged coastline and Bass Strait.
Highfield Historic Site is a 30 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
Rocky Cape Lighthouse and North Cave Walk
The Rocky Cape Lighthouse sits on a spectacular headland in the Rocky Cape National Park and was erected in 1968. There is a short 10-20 minute return walk starting about 200m from the lighthouse. It winds through coastal heath towards the dark gash in the cliff that was once an Aboriginal shelter. Please respect the wishes of the Aboriginal community and do not enter the cave.
The Rocky Cape Lighthouse is only a short 6 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
Hursey Seafoods
If you’re after a bite to eat, Hursey Seafoods offers delicious and fresh seafood. Located in Stanley just 20 minutes from our retreats, the restaurant overlooks the stunning bay and is nestled under the Stanley Nut. They also offer vegetarian options, steak, chicken and a children’s menu.
Hursey Seafoods is a 27 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
The Nut
The Nut offers breathtaking 360 views of Stanley, the neighbouring farmland, Bass Strait and Rocky Cape National Park. You can either take the walking track to the top taking around 10-20 minutes, or alternatively opt for the chairlift which rises up 95 meters and goes a distance of 250 meters lasting a swift 5 minutes. The circuit track is a moderate walk and takes approximately 1 hour.
The Nut is a 28 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
The Tarkine Drive
Take a picnic lunch and explore The Tarkine Drive which is a loop through the Tarkine that takes you through natural and dramatic landscapes. This scenic drive is full of walks, lookouts, sites, and picnic spots that are nestled among the wilderness. You may wish to complete the rainforest and the coastal sections separately as day trips.
Trowutta Arch
It’s an easy short walk though stunning rainforest to reach Trowutta Arch. Formed by the collapse of an ancient cave, this giant geological rock formation is a true historic wonderland. The area is filled with lush green rainforest, jagged walls of limestone, clear waters and the invigorating scent of fresh air.
Trowutta Arch is a 57 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
Edge of the World
For such as wild and rugged place, Edge of the World is easily accessible and lies along the coast of the Tarkine Drive and is right around the corner to the small fishing settlement of Arthur River. The boardwalk will take you towards the rocky Gardiner Point where you’ll see a lovely sheltered beach with huge piles of bleached driftwood scattered around. A visit to the Edge of the World is a multi-sensory experience.
Edge of the World is a 1 hour and 19 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.
Postmans Track
Postmans Track is named after the route used for horseback postal deliveries early this century. It circles the easternmost section of the National Park near Sisters Beach, and is a 2.5 hour return or a comfortable 1 hour one way walk (2.1km).
Image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Rocky Cape Circuit
The Rocky Cape Circuit walk offers extensive coastal views from lookouts, heath-covered hills and is surrounded by a variety of flowering plants and shrubs along the way. This walk is a 2.5 hour return walk (10km).
Image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Banksia Grove/Caves Circuit
The Banskia Grove/Caves Circuit is a clearly defined track near Sisters Beach boat ramp and soon reaching Banksia Grove, an extensive stand of saw banksias with spectacularly large cylindrical flowers. You’ll also find an Aboriginal shelter protecting midden material, and caves with pools of water along the way. This walk is up to 1 hour return (2.6km).
Boat Harbour Beach
Boat Harbour Beach is filled with white sand and beautiful blue water. It’s the perfect spot to spend the day laying on the beach, swimming in the crystal clear water, spotting the marine life in the rock pools and having some fish and chips a Seekers Bar and Cafe that come with a panoramic view of Bass Strait.
Boat Harbour Beach is a 19 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat
Table Cape Tulip Farm
In 2023, Table Cape Tulip Farm will open from the 23rd of September until 22nd October for their tulip season. Although the farm operates all year round, spring is when it comes alive with colour. Here you can walk through the hectares of tulips, and enjoy their indoor display featuring floral arrangements, souvenirs, Devonshire teas, an art gallery, potted tulips, freshly cut flowers and information on growing bulbs.
Table Cape Tulip Farm is a 28 minute drive from Rocky Cape Retreat.