Rocky Cape
‘We always thought Tasmania was different, and now geology can explain why.’
ABC, Catalyst
About Rocky Cape
The Rocky Cape region is defined by the National Park that shares the same name. The Cape is famed for its dramatic geological formations, including a myriad sea caves and rock pools. It is here, along this stretch of spectacular coast, you’ll find some of the oldest rocks in Tasmania. The Cape’s ancient quartzites have been folded over time to produce a striking array of contorted patterns.
Spanning 30km2, Rocky Cape National Park is perfect for wild coastal ramblings. Take your pick from a number of short strolls through to longer treks for those with a more adventurous streak. Weave your way through the coastal heath and you’ll uncover rocky headlands, sheltered bays and stunning rock platforms to explore. Pack your swimmers as a dip at one of the deserted coves is a must. A mask and snorkel will reward the brave with an inside look at the vibrant marine life.
Fierce salt-laden winds may be common here, but they have not served to hamper diversity in the flora or fauna. Spring is the time to enjoy a sumptuous carpet of wildflowers, whilst you can take in the iconic grasstree all year round. Pockets of eucalypts and stunning stands of saw banksias might tempt your gaze away from the sea eagle overhead or the echidna out for an afternoon wander.
The Aboriginal community hold a strong connection to the Rocky Cape area. Numerous sites of significance can be found here, including cave middens, rock shelters and artefacts. Visitors are welcome but asked to tread lightly and not enter the sea caves. Take in the interpretative signage and be sure to respect the incredible history that quietly rests here.
Beckoning visitors from its commanding location overlooking the ocean is the Rocky Cape Lighthouse. Built in the late 1960s, it’s a characterful squat tower makes a memorable photographic backdrop.
The small township of Rocky Cape is renowned for its tavern and caravan park. Some of the best live music on the north west coast has been enjoyed in its grounds over the years, drawing crowds from far and wide keen on a pub feed, louds beats and a place to throw their swag.
The nearby sleepy hamlets of Sisters Beach and Boat Harbour are popular in summer. A scattering of quirky holiday homes are treasured by the locals who enjoy endless afternoons bathing in the deep blue beyond. The region is the very definition of a hidden gem.
Accommodation
Rocky Cape is a place where the wild meets the welcoming, offering accommodations that blend comfort with the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s northwest coast. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a beachside stay, or a secluded bush retreat, Rocky Cape’s accommodation options allow you to unwind while staying close to nature. Many properties offer stunning ocean views, private decks, and peaceful settings, making them perfect for those who want to disconnect from the rush of daily life.
Food & Drink
“Where the ocean shapes the land, and the land feeds the soul—this is Rocky Cape, where good food and warm company await.”
Perched on Tasmania’s northwest coast, Rocky Cape Tavern, Rocky Cape Roadhouse, and Lanigan’s offer hearty meals and a warm welcome for travelers exploring this rugged stretch of coastline. The Rocky Cape Tavern is the heart of the local community, where classic pub fare meets country hospitality. Expect juicy steaks, fresh seafood, and generous portions, served with a side of friendly conversation. With a cold Tasmanian beer in hand and the distant sound of waves rolling in, it’s the perfect place to settle in after a day of adventure.
For those on the go, Rocky Cape Roadhouse serves up freshly made takeaway, hot coffee, and essential supplies—whether you need a quick breakfast before hitting the trails or a burger to refuel after a long drive. And for a cozy, homely dining experience, Lanigan’s offers a warm atmosphere with a menu that highlights local produce and wholesome flavors. Whether it’s a hearty meal, a roadside snack, or a quiet drink among locals, food in Rocky Cape is more than just fuel—it’s part of the journey, best enjoyed slowly with the salt air in your lungs and the vast Tasmanian sky overhead.
Shopping
Heritage & History
For thousands of years, the palawa people called Rocky Cape home, drawing life from the sea and shelter from the rugged headlands. Their presence remains in the form of middens, stone tools, and ancient rock shelters, hidden within Rocky Cape National Park. These sacred sites speak of a deep connection to the land, where generations gathered, hunted, and thrived. Today, the whispers of their history linger in the salt air, a reminder of a culture that has endured for millennia.
With the arrival of European settlers, Rocky Cape became a place of hard-fought survival. Fishermen, farmers, and whalers braved the wild elements, carving out a life along the windswept coast. Lighthouses stood as beacons against the treacherous Bass Strait, and small farming communities took root in the fertile plains. Though the times have changed, Rocky Cape remains a place where history is etched into the landscape—where ancient traditions and coastal resilience stand side by side, waiting for those who pause to listen.
Activities
“The wind hums through the heath, the ocean carves the cliffs, and the land invites you to explore its timeless beauty.”
Rocky Cape is a playground for those who crave the outdoors. Hiking trails wind through Rocky Cape National Park, leading to hidden sea caves, ancient Aboriginal rock shelters, and windswept headlands with panoramic views over Bass Strait. The Banksia Grove and Lighthouse Walk is a favorite, taking visitors past vibrant wildflowers in spring, while the North Cave and South Cave trails reveal some of Tasmania’s oldest human history. For those seeking solitude, remote beaches like Anniversary Bay offer the perfect place to soak in the wild, unspoiled coastline.
The ocean here isn’t just for admiring—it’s for experiencing. Kayaking, fishing, and boating are popular, with crystal-clear waters revealing an underwater world teeming with marine life. Cast a line from the shore or venture out in search of flathead, salmon, and rock lobster. For the truly adventurous, the waters off Rocky Cape provide spectacular diving and snorkeling spots, where kelp forests sway with the tide and rocky reefs shelter schools of fish. Whether trekking the coastal cliffs, paddling through the bay, or simply watching the sunset paint the sky, Rocky Cape offers adventure in its purest form—untamed, unforgettable, and always calling you back.
Events
An impressive series of immaculately maintained pools, continuously refreshed with wild west coast waters, provide the perfect home for the abalone. Joel, Shane and Tom must care for their charges for two to three years before carefully hand harvesting and preparing them for processing. It is then straight from here to dining tables and restaurants across the globe.
Travel Info & Maps
“Follow the road where the land meets the sea, and soon you’ll find yourself in the heart of Rocky Cape’s rugged beauty.”
Rocky Cape sits on Tasmania’s stunning northwest coast, where dramatic headlands rise from the sea and the wilderness feels endless. Located about 30 minutes from Stanley and 25 minutes from Wynyard, it’s easily accessible via the Bass Highway (A2). A well-marked turnoff leads into Rocky Cape National Park, where winding roads take you past heathlands, hidden beaches, and spectacular ocean views.
Public transport doesn’t reach this remote stretch, so a car is essential for exploring. The nearest towns—Stanley, Smithton, and Wynyard—offer fuel, supplies, and accommodation, making them convenient base points. Whether you’re stopping by for a scenic drive or staying to hike, fish, or simply take in the coastal beauty, Rocky Cape is a place that rewards those who take the time to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and embrace the untamed spirit of Tasmania’s northwest.
Getting to Stanley
“Our abalone is cleaned and ready to eat, so it’s ready for anyone to enjoy at home,” explains Joel. “It’s hard to beat that smooth, salty sweet flavour. There’s really nothing else like it.”
A 425g can of Three Friends Abalone can be delivered straight to your door, and you’ll be pleased to know it requires minimal cooking. It is best consumed when just warmed through, although can also be eaten cold. Grab a taste of what the cleanest air in the world and the cool waters of the wild west coast can produce via the Three Friends Abalone website.