Holiday houses in Boat Harbour Beach

According to local folklore, Boat Harbour Beach was first discovered when a seafaring explorer fell asleep and his boat drifted ashore. Later, the bay — located on the north-west coast of Tasmania — was earmarked to become a port but was found unsuitable, which is why today Boat Harbour has neither boats nor a harbour. Despite being listed as one of Australia’s top 10 beaches, this is also why its shoreline remains fairly undeveloped. That and the fact that most of the Boat Harbour accommodations are situated high up on its green rolling hills, away from its smaller beach community below.

The beach itself sits in a quiet cove where clear, calm, aqua-coloured waters lap its immaculate sands. The waves are gentle so it’s suitable for kids to swim and explore the rockpools. If that doesn’t keep them busy, there’s also a playground built into the sand. If you linger here long enough you may find a passing shoal of dolphins, seals, or even whales. For a day away, head to the nearby Rocky Cape National Park where the bush walks lead you past rockpools, waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and old Aboriginal caves.

Summer is a great time to book a Boat Harbour beach house, when the weather is at its driest and warmest, and beach life is at its height. If you come outside of summer, you will find the weather temperate and skies mainly clear all year. July and August see temperatures at their coolest and rainfall at its highest. However, the local area also has its own unique microclimate, which makes it a little warmer, protects against frosts and allows tropical plants to thrive. If you book Boat Harbour accommodations in spring, you could be lucky enough to see the hills covered in a blanket of wildflowers.

Scenic Walks

There’s a short 800-metre walk to Shelter Point from the beach, where you’ll find a great fishing and diving spot. If you're up for a three-hour hike, head off down the coastal path, which boasts panoramic views from its lookouts, and links to the old Postman’s Track circular walk through the State Park.

Sisters Beach

Found within Rocky Cape National Park, the expansive sands of Sisters Beach have a completely different look and feel to Boat Harbour. Tang Dim Mer is the Aboriginal name for the area, meaning “a rich heritage.” The diverse coastline is just one example of the area’s wealth of terrain. You can also explore from the water from here, with boat tours setting off regularly from the Sisters Beach boat ramp. This ramp also doubles as an excellent spot for fishing and catching squid.

Surf

On first appearances it may not look like a typical surf beach — the water is fairly calm. But this is what makes Boat Harbour Beach ideal for honing your surf skills and for kids learning the sport. The town even has its own surf clubhouse, where there are a host of instructors and locals, all ready to help advance your board know-how.