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Rocky Cape National Park
Rocky Cape National Park is situated on the shores of Bass Strait in Tasmania's far northwest. It is worth a visit because of its stunning rock formations on the coastline, fascinating caves, a large variety of flowering plants, and essential Aboriginal heritage.
Rocky Cape National Park is a day-use park with beautiful walks and hikes, from short, easy ones to longer full-day walks into the less-travelled parts of this park, taking in scenic hills, tranquil bays and rocky headlands.
You can discover amazing caves and rock shelters used by Aboriginal Tasmanians for numerous generations, great rock pools and secluded beaches suitable for fishing and swimming.
There are interpretive signs throughout the National Park where you can learn about Tasmanian Aboriginal life in North-West Tasmania as when these caves were first occupied thousands of years ago. Please respect the wishes of the Aboriginal community and do not enter the South Cave, North Cave or Lee Archer Cave.
Cultural Heritage
Tasmanian Aboriginal people have been enjoying this coastline for thousands of years. The vast cave middens at Pinmatik/Rocky Cape vividly illustrate the integral role that local seafood played in their diet. These accumulated shells and bones provide one of Australia's largest and most complete records of the lifestyle of coastal Aboriginal people.
They indicate that seals, scale fish and a variety of shellfish were significant food items at various times. These were supplemented by other grasses and edible plants such as grass trees and ferns. The middens also reveal multiple tools for gathering and preparing food and other cultural activities.
The length of their association with the area gives it special significance to today's Aboriginal community, who maintain an ongoing presence at Pinmatik/Rocky Cape. It is visited frequently for cultural, spiritual and recreational purposes.
A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is required to enter Rocky Cape National Park; no pets are allowed.
Rocky Cape National Park Short Walks
North Cave - 20 minutes Return - Easy
An easy walk through the undulating coastal heath will bring you to the viewing platform. This platform provides beautiful views of the beach and lets you see where the North Cave is in the imposing cliffs. The North Cave was once an Aboriginal Shelter and is not accessible to enter.
South Cave - 20 minutes Return - Moderate
A short, steep walk will bring you to the viewing area of the South Cave, where you can look into the South Cave. The South cave was once an Aboriginal Shelter and is not accessible to enter.
Banksia Grove / Caves Circuit - 1 Hour Return (1.6 kilometres) - Moderate
This track starts across from Sisters Beach boat ramp (you will see a sign for walking tracks) and climbs steeply into the heath-covered hills. When you reach Banksia Grove, you will see an extensive stand of saw banksias with spectacularly large cylindrical flowers; take the track towards the coast.
From Banksia Grove, take the track towards the coast; you will then come to a signpost pointing to Lee Archer Cave (to the left) and Wet Cave (to the right). We headed towards Lee Archer Cave along a rocky path overlooking the beautiful coastline. Lee Archer Cave is an Aboriginal shelter set dramatically above the rocky shore; a platform allows viewing the cave while protecting midden material. Please stay on the platform and do not enter the cave.
After returning to the junction, climb steeply down to the Wet Cave. You can enter this cave, and often you will find a pool of water at the back of the cave (Bring a torch. It's dark in there).
From the Wet Cave, the track drops down to the coast. A 100-meter rock hop leads back to the Sisters Beach boat ramp.
Directions to Rocky Cape National Park
Rocky Cape National Park is approximately 2 hours from Launceston on the northwest coast.
You can access the park at Rocky Cape (turn off A2 Bass Highway onto C227) or from Sisters Beach (turn off A2 to Boat Harbour Beach on C232, then take C233).
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