Summary
The town of Wynyard is surrounded by lush farmland and captivating coastline on Tasmania’s North West Coast.
First and foremost, there is the remarkable geology of the area.
To the north, the distinctive flat-topped volcanic plug of Table Cape rises 180 meters above the sea, a sight that cannot be overlooked.
Rows of vibrant tulips flourish in the fertile basalt soils on the cape’s plateau, and Wynyard celebrates this flower with an annual festival during spring.
Closer to town lies the banded sandstone cliff, Fossil Bluff, where discoveries have enhanced the understanding of prehistoric wildlife.
Also within Wynyard’s vicinity is the stunning Boat Harbour Bay, recognized as an exemplary family-friendly beach.
1. Table Cape
Dominating the coastline for miles, this extensive basalt plateau, remnants of a volcano from approximately 12 million years ago, offers a unique viewpoint.
From this vantage point, one can gaze over undulating farmland toward Tasmania’s inland mountain ranges and prominent landmarks, such as Low Head in George Town, which is over 100 kilometers to the east.
The Table Cape Lighthouse, located north of the lookout, is the only operational lighthouse in Tasmania that is open to the public.
Information boards around the cape elucidate its volcanic past and its cultural significance to the Aboriginal Tommeginer clan.
2. Boat Harbour Beach
Located approximately 15 minutes from Wynyard, Boat Harbour Beach is often considered among the finest beaches in Australia.
This upscale coastal community is nestled around a picturesque bay, surrounded by beautiful green countryside, offering nearly everything a family could desire.
Featuring a gentle slope, the beach is protected on the north side by a headland, which ensures lower wave conditions.
On sunny days, the water appears as a shimmering pool of clear, light blue tones.
During low tide, visitors can stroll along the bay and explore rock pools, while children enjoy a sandbox playground.
Furthermore, there is a bar at the surf life-saving clubhouse for refreshments.
3. Table Cape Lighthouse
Situated on the edge of a steep cliff, this lighthouse was constructed in 1888 as a response to shipwrecks reported along this coastline in the mid-19th century.
Built with bricks imported from Victoria, it stands at a height of 15 meters.
The last lighthouse keeper departed in 1923 when the beacon became automated.
Guided tours are available during the spring and summer months, providing insights into the structure and the routines of its keepers.
The view from the lighthouse is truly breathtaking, particularly in September when the tulip fields on the plateau are in full bloom.
4. Fossil Bluff
The sandstone cliff located a short distance north of the Inglis River Estuary at Freestone Cove is a significant geological marvel.
For casual visitors, a lookout on top of the cliff, positioned 30 meters above the Bass Strait, offers sweeping views of Wynyard, the sea, Table Cape, and the river mouth.
Those interested in geology will find the cliff’s distinct sandstone layers particularly enticing as they have revealed fossil specimens, including Wynyardia bassiana, Australia’s oldest known marsupial, dating back 25 million years.
Visitors can access the pebble-strewn shoreline for beachcombing; the best fossil hunting occurs after turbulent seas, revealing ancient Aboriginal fish traps during low tide.
5. Wonders of Wynyard
More than just an information center, Wynyard’s visitor center comprises local history exhibits, an art gallery, and an impressive collection of vintage automobiles.
The highlight of these 14 vehicles is the world’s jointly oldest Ford, a Model A from 1903, which remains in pristine condition.
The museum’s exhibits delve into the region’s maritime heritage, Aboriginal narratives, and the fascinating natural landmarks that populate the area.
The gallery showcases the work of local artists across various media, including textiles, sculpture, painting, and photography.
Numerous items are available for purchase, and knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to assist with inquiries regarding your exploration of North West Tasmania.
6. Table Cape Tulip Farm
The fertile volcanic soils of Table Cape were first cultivated with tulips in 1984, following the importation of bulbs from the Netherlands by the Roberts-Thompson family.
Currently, over 80 varieties of tulips are grown at Table Cape Tulip Farm, in addition to liliums and Dutch irises.
This farm now exports bulbs back to the Netherlands, highlighting a fascinating connection with the European nation, particularly given that Tasmania was named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first sighted the island in 1642. The best time to visit the farm is at the end of September when tulips bloom in vibrant strips.
After capturing delightful photographs, visitors can enjoy indoor floral arrangements, flower art, purchase cut flowers, and savor a Devonshire cream tea.
7. Gutteridge Gardens
Located on the southern bank of the Inglis River Estuary, this charming local park is ideal for relaxing walks, jogging, and cycling along the water.
This area marks the commencement of the Inglis River Track, which follows the river for 12 kilometers.
Visitors can access the water via a boat ramp situated at the northern end of the gardens.
The park features barbecue shelters, public restrooms, and a performance area that hosts significant events in Wynyard’s calendar, including Australia Day Celebrations and the Bloomin Tulips Festival, which will be discussed in more detail later on.
8. Bass Highway
Primarily paralleling the Bass Strait, the 273-kilometer Bass Highway serves as a convenient and scenic route to explore the North West of Tasmania.
This road extends west from Launceston to Marrawah, first reaching the coast at Devonport. It alternates between stunning sea views, coastal forests, and picturesque farmland.
While it is possible to traverse the highway in mere hours, it is advisable to break the journey into two days, allowing time to explore various attractions along the route.
The highway features grand old estates, waterfalls, charming villages, dramatic headlands, beautiful beaches, dairies, and numerous intriguing local museums showcasing Aboriginal culture, shipwrecks, and 19th-century settlement.
9. Wynyard Foreshore Market
Located beneath the mouth of the Inglis River, behind East Wynyard Beach, an outdoor market operates every first and third Sunday from 08:00 to 14:00. Numerous stalls line the path along the foreshore, offering homemade baked goods, jams and preserves, plants, arts and crafts, collectibles, and various second-hand items.
The Wynyard Foreshore Market additionally contributes to the Bloomin Tulips Festival in September and October. Later in the year, there are weekly Friday night twilight markets leading up to Christmas.
10. Penguin Spotting
The coastline surrounding Wynyard is particularly important as it serves as a habitat for the little penguin, the smallest penguin species globally, reaching just over 30 centimeters in height.
Remarkably, these penguins thrive in proximity to residential areas, roads, and developed regions.
At Wonders of Wynyard, visitors can arrange complimentary tours with local experts to observe nesting sites and learn more about the penguins’ behaviors and dietary habits.
Fifteen minutes east in Burnie, you may also visit the Little Penguin Observation Centre, which provides an opportunity to observe the seasonal life of penguins, from courtship and chick-rearing to the moulting process after breeding season.
11. Rocky Cape National Park
Located not far west of Wynyard, the coastline is preserved by a national park extending several kilometers beyond the cape that shares its name.
Visitors are drawn to this park for day hikes on trails that range from 200 meters to 15 kilometers.
Rocky Cape’s gnarled rocks are the oldest known in Tasmania, formed from Precambrian quartzite throughout numerous millions of years into unusual configurations.
A functioning lighthouse, constructed in 1968 with a square concrete tower, crowns the cape.
Evidence of Aboriginal habitation has been discovered within the park, dating back 8,000 years, at rock shelters and caves (some of which are not open to the public). Ambles over scenic forested hills or relaxation by the Bass Strait at the stunning Sisters Beach are highly recommended.
12. Fern Glade Reserve
Exploring the verdant banks of the Emu River, east of Burnie, presents a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of one of Australia’s most cherished animals.
As you stroll beside the water at Fern Glade Reserve, you may be fortunate enough to spot a platypus in its natural habitat, surfacing or playfully moving along the banks.
Even if these elusive creatures remain hidden, the reserve offers a delightful experience, showcasing lush tree ferns, diverse orchids (more than 12 different kinds), and intricate fungi.
Wallabies may be seen bounding through the brush, and the reserve is equipped with barbecues, picnic areas, and toilet facilities for visitor convenience.
13. Lobster Ponds
Another unique species native to the region is the Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish.
This endangered and protected species holds the title of the world’s largest freshwater invertebrate, capable of reaching lengths exceeding 80 centimeters and weighing up to six kilograms.
Due to their significant size, mature individuals face no natural predators and can live for up to 60 years.
Visitors can observe these remarkable creatures at the volunteer-operated Lobster Ponds, located approximately 10 kilometers from Wynyard.
Guided tours are available from Thursday to Sunday, allowing guests to explore the sanctuary nestled among picturesque Tasmanian woodlands and gardens, learning more about this extraordinary animal.
A café is also available on-site for refreshments and snacks.
14. Wynyard Golf Club
At the southern tip of the peninsula near Fossil Bluff, a breezy 9-hole links golf course welcomes guests without membership requirements.
The well-maintained Wynyard Golf Club features a bar that operates typically from Thursday to Saturday.
However, the main attraction lies in the stunning scenery, offering uninterrupted views of Table Cape and Fossil Bluff.
The fifth green, situated directly over the water with striking views along the rocky coastline, is particularly remarkable.
As of 2020, green fees were an affordable $20 per person.
15. Bloomin Tulips Festival
For three weeks from late September to early October, Wynyard celebrates the arrival of spring with a comprehensive program of events.
The festival, which originated in the early 1990s, now attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The itinerary offers diverse activities for all ages, featuring live music, photography exhibitions, a 5K fun run, and stalls offering cut tulips, local produce, and artisanal crafts.
The highlight of the festival occurs on a Saturday in October, with events including live performances, street entertainers, rides, children’s activities, a fireworks display, and much more at Gutteridge Gardens.
