Don’t Miss These Beaches in North Tasmania

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Even though Australia is famous for its incredible beaches, that reputation doesn’t normally extend to Tasmania. The country’s southern island is better known for its untouched wilderness covered in forest, mountains and lakes. But Tasmania does have beaches, and some are really quite great in fact. The beaches in north Tasmania are a perfect example of that, taking many different shapes and forms to suit all needs.

Now, many of the best beaches in Tasmania are out in the island’s east at places like Freycinet or the Bay of Fires. Then there are the beaches out west as well like at West Point State Reserve, one of the best surf beaches Tasmania has to offer. But don’t sell the north coast short. Beaches there may not be seem quite as iconic as Wineglass Beach, but I don’t think you’ll regret allowing time or renting a car to see these beaches near Tasmania tourist attractions.

Beaches in North Tasmania

Right off the bat, I think it’s wise to manage some expectations. Tasmania is not tropical like Queensland or subtropical like Sydney. Summers in Tasmania are changeable and can take many different forms, so there’s not really an idea of “beach weather” there. Just look through my photos here, all taken in summer, to see what beaches can be like at their best in Tasmania.

Then there’s the fact that the water in Bass Strait can be pretty chilly. Much like on the Great Ocean Road, the water here is often coming off Antarctica. It can take some getting adjusting to if you’re used to the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

But there are upsides to these beaches as well. First and foremost, they’re never busy. Compare photos of Bondi Beach in summer and these places and you’ll think they’re continents apart. And what’s not to like about an empty beach. The other thing to mention is that northern Tasmania has all sorts of beaches from swimming beaches to scenic beaches, local beaches to remote beaches.

Boat Harbour Beach

When I first put together this list, the one beach that was recommended multiple times was Boat Harbour Beach. And when I got the chance to visit myself, I immediately saw why, even on an overcast day. Driving down the steep road that joins the coast with the highway, you get glimpses of Boat Harbour Beach through the trees and with those you’re sure to be glad you choose to visit.

Boat Harbour Beach is found west of Table Cape and Wynyard, and runs into a small peninsula at its northern end. I’d start a visit there with the nature trail that loops around the peninsula, both for the panoramic views and Tasmania’s signature orange rocks that I’ll explain a little further down.

Back to the beach, with its pine trees and lawn areas, it immediately reminded me of beaches in Victoria and New South Wales. With only a few clusters of rocks, most of this broad and deep beach is pristine, and the colour of the water is stunning. The local surf life savers patrol the beach on weekends during the summer months and I got the feeling it’s a relatively family-friendly beach with gentle surf.
 

Sisters Beach

Just up the coast from Boat Harbour Beach lies another gorgeous beach recommended to me – Sisters Beach. Surrounded by Rocky Cape National Park and found down a minor road, it’s one of the more isolated beaches on this list. What’s great is that the setting of Sisters Beach, not to mention its expanse of soft sand, gives the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a secret spot.

To reach the beach you need to head through the community of Sisters Beach and park at the end of East Boulevard. While the eastern end of the beach is mere steps away, the western end is separated by a creek.

Follow the nature trail from the carpark and it’ll take you into a patch of nature, over a bridge, and before you know it you’re on the beach. Lined with beach houses and the cape looming in the distance, Sisters Beach is a great choice for beach walks and popular with dog owners it seems.

Greens Beach

Probably your best bet for a classic beach getaway in this part of the state is Greens Beach. Situated at the mouth of the Tamar River, this great wide beach features golden sand and shallow water. Gentle surf and pristine sand make this a family-friendly pick, not to mention great for swimming and sunbathing.

Just over the road you have the Greens Beach Caravan & Holiday Park and the town centre is only a short walk away. So whether you stay in the area or do the hour drive from Launceston, Greens Beach couldn’t be easier.

Hawley Beach

In Tasmania beaches often a distinctive feature that really sets the island apart from the rest of Australia. Oddly enough it’s an orange lichen that grows on coastal boulders, giving them a truly distinctive look.

While it’s most famous case is the Bay of Fires, another place with it is Hawley Beach. Just along the coast from Devonport, Hawley Beach is one of many beaches in the area, but these orange boulders help make it memorable. Seeing the rocks is my favourite thing to do there, but there are spaces free of rocks to swim in.

Badger Beach

The most wild and remote beach on this list is Badger Beach, and I honestly think it’s one of the best beaches in Tasmania. Just west of Greens Beach not far from Narawntapu National Park, Badger Beach is a long and straight stretch of sand, backed by scrub and the Briggs Regional Reserve.

From Badger Beach Lookout you get a superb view out along this coastline and is where you’ll find the walking trail down to the shore. It’s a great pick if you’re looking to get away from people, and combined with Greens Beach, a nice day trip from Launceston.

Penguin Beach

There’s a lot to like about the delightful little town of Penguin. It’s another great stop along the Cradle Coast, thanks to its love of penguins. Not only can you see little penguins there and its penguin-themed oddities, but there’s also Penguin Beach.

Right off the main street, this beach couldn’t be more accessible and is really quite a looker in the right conditions. The day I was there was clearly not one of them as stuff had washed ashore, but other photos showcase how nice it can look. Penguin, as a destination, is just very well-rounded and Penguin Beach is one of the reasons why.

Godfreys Beach

The town of Stanley is already one of the best places in north west Tasmania to visit, but spots like Godfreys Beach make it even more special. This beach on the north side of town is one of many in the area, but few can compete with its epic scenery. Not only do you have the Stanley Nut overlooking the beach, there’s also a penguin viewing platform to see the little critters come night time. We haven’t even gotten to the soft and clean golden sand, which really says something, doesn’t it?

Buttons Beach

To really feel the raw elements of Tasmania’s coastline, head for Buttons Beach in Ulverstone. Despite being just a kilometre from the centre of town, Buttons Beach couldn’t feel more isolated. The beach is backed by the Bicentennial Park, which acts as a nice buffer from the rest of town. So with that solitude and the nice long stretch of sand, Buttons Beach is a great spot for walks. That seems to be what it’s best for, as it didn’t come across as a good place to swim.

Fossil Bluff Beach

Because I can, I’m going to add one last wild card for this list of beaches in North Tasmania. Fossil Bluff is a headland just outside Wynyard across the river. And while there is a beach there, it’s what’s around the beach at low tide that really matters here.

At the highest point of the headland is Fossil Bluff Lookout where people can come for the views along the coast from. Below the lookout are some decent-sized cliffs and it’s these cliffs that are the main draw. Within the cliffs are layers of different rock, each formed millions of years ago. You can read more about its geology here, but even without that context the cliffs are bound to make you curious.

Have you or do you regularly visit any of these beaches in north Tasmania? Where are your favourite Tasmanian beaches?| Please share your thoughts in the comments below.