Rocky Cape National Park, Tasmania - Stunning Coastline & Intriguing Caves

Oct 22, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Jan 28

Rocky Cape National Park, Tasmania - Stunning Coastline & Intriguing Caves

Set along the rugged shores of the Bass Strait in Tasmania’s far northwest, Rocky Cape National Park is a place where dramatic coastal scenery meets deep cultural significance. With sculpted headlands, fascinating sea caves, secluded beaches, and rich Aboriginal heritage, this day-use park offers a powerful and rewarding experience for visitors willing to slow down and explore.

Rocky Cape is perfect for a day trip, with a range of walks that suit all abilities — from short coastal strolls to longer hikes that venture into quieter corners of the park. Along the way, you’ll discover wild heathlands, tranquil bays, and windswept clifftops shaped by thousands of years of wind and sea.

Exploring Rocky Cape National Park

One of the highlights of Rocky Cape National Park is its diverse landscape. The coastline is dotted with rocky platforms, hidden coves, and sheltered beaches ideal for swimming, fishing, or simply sitting quietly and watching the waves roll in.

Inland, the park supports an impressive variety of flowering plants and coastal heath, while caves and rock shelters line the cliffs — many of which were used by Tasmanian Aboriginal people for countless generations.

Interpretive signs throughout the park provide valuable insight into Aboriginal life in northwest Tasmania and the long history of occupation in this area. Visitors are asked to respect the wishes of the Aboriginal community by not entering South Cave, North Cave, or Lee Archer Cave, which are culturally significant sites.

Cultural Heritage at Pinmatik / Rocky Cape

Rocky Cape, known traditionally as Pinmatik, holds profound cultural importance for Tasmania’s Aboriginal people. Vast cave middens found here vividly illustrate the long and enduring relationship between people and the sea.

These middens — made up of accumulated shells, bones, and tools — form one of the largest and most complete archaeological records of coastal Aboriginal life in Australia. They reveal a diet rich in seals, scale fish, and shellfish, supplemented by grasses and edible plants such as grass trees and ferns. The length and depth of this connection give Pinmatik special significance today, and the area continues to be visited by the Aboriginal community for cultural, spiritual, and recreational purposes.

Rocky Cape National Park Short Walks

Rocky Cape offers several excellent short walks that showcase both its natural beauty and cultural significance.

North Cave

20 minutes return – Easy

An easy walk through gently undulating coastal heath leads to a viewing platform overlooking the beach and the imposing cliffs that house North Cave. While the cave itself is not accessible, the platform provides a clear view and insight into its historical use as an Aboriginal shelter.

South Cave

20 minutes return – Moderate

A short but steep walk brings you to a viewing area overlooking South Cave. Like North Cave, this site was once used as an Aboriginal shelter and is not accessible to enter. The elevated viewpoint allows you to appreciate the scale and setting of the cave while protecting this important cultural site.

Banksia Grove & Caves Circuit

1.6 kilometres – 1 hour return – Moderate

This rewarding circuit begins opposite the Sisters Beach boat ramp, where a sign marks the walking tracks. The trail climbs steeply into the heath-covered hills before reaching Banksia Grove, home to an impressive stand of saw banksias with striking cylindrical flowers.

From here, follow the track toward the coast to a junction signposted to Lee Archer Cave and Wet Cave. The path to Lee Archer Cave winds along a rocky section with beautiful coastal views.

A viewing platform allows you to see the cave without disturbing the culturally sensitive midden material — please remain on the platform and do not enter.

Returning to the junction, the track descends steeply to Wet Cave, which is open to visitors. Inside, you’ll often find a pool of water at the back of the cave. A torch is recommended, as it can be quite dark.

From Wet Cave, the track drops down to the coast, followed by a short 100-metre rock hop that leads back to the Sisters Beach boat ramp, completing the circuit.

Before You Go

A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is required to enter Rocky Cape National Park
No pets are allowed
The park is day-use only, with no camping facilities

Getting There

Rocky Cape National Park is approximately 2 hours from Launceston, located on Tasmania’s northwest coast. You can access the park via Rocky Cape, turning off the A2 Bass Highway onto C227, or via Sisters Beach, turning off the A2 toward Boat Harbour Beach on C232, then following C233

Why You Should Visit Rocky Cape National Park

Rocky Cape National Park is a place of quiet power and deep connection — where dramatic coastal landscapes meet one of Tasmania’s most important Aboriginal heritage sites.

Whether you’re exploring the caves, wandering through banksia-filled heath, or gazing out across the Bass Strait, Rocky Cape offers a meaningful and memorable experience in Tasmania’s far northwest.