Wynyard, Tasmania
A pleasant rural town of around 5,000 people, Wynyard is a major regional hub, servicing many of the surrounding rural districts. It makes a good place to start exploration of the north west of Tasmania. The area is excellent for fishing. The Inglis and Flowerdale rivers are ideal for trout fishing and there is good ocean fishing as well. The town has an annual Christmas parade held on Christmas Eve, a colourful summer fair, and regular markets (1st and 3rd Sunday every month) on the foreshore.
The Wonders of Wynyard is home to the Ransley Veteran Car Collection, which contains the equal oldest Ford in the world - a 1903 Model A. There is also a Darracq (1905), believed to be the only car of its kind in Australia. The collection has been lovingly restored and is an outstanding showcase of Australian motoring history. Rntry fees apply (car collection only).
Table Cape is the remains a volcanic plug which rises to about 170 metres above sea level on the north-west coast of Tasmania. The cape is planted with tulip fields that are a blaze of colour in spring. The area is also famous for its lily fields. The cape's lighthouse and a lookout offer expansive views inland along the north coast and out to Bass Strait. A walk between the lookout and lighthouse is worth taking.
The Lighthouse was commissioned in 1888 and was manned by three keepers until 1920 when it was automated. It has rarely been open to the public, until 2010, after decades of lobbying by the local council and tourism authorities. Visitors can now take the 45 minute tour around the precinct and up the spiral staircase, stopping on the way to gaze out onto the magnificent views from the windows.
The cape's premier attraction in spring is Table Cape Tulip Farm, the home home of Van Diemen Quality Bulbs. They are specialist flower bulb producers and farmers who grow more than just tulips. The farm also specialises in Liliums and Dutch Iris as well as many other bulbs and plants which we sell directly to customers through our mail order and online catalogue.
During late September through to mid October the farm explodes with colour. Each year at this time the farm is opened up to visitors to walk in the tulips. Best viewing is normally from end of the first week to the end of the second week in October During the farm's spring open days, visitors can enjoy an impressive indoor display featuring floral arrangements, souvenirs, Devonshire teas, an art gallery, potted tulips, cut flowers and information on growing bulbs. The open days are a lure for photographers who have the opportunity to take fantastic shots utilising backdrops of Bass Strait, the lighthouse and the surrounding rich farmlands to showcase the vista of colourful blooming fields. spiral staircase, stopping on the way to gaze out onto the magnificent views from the windows.
Doctors Rocks is a small rocky headland of basalt on the beachfront near where Seabrook Creek enters Bass Strait, behind which an escarpment rises to the north west coast plateaux. The terrain forced early road builders to construct a narrow roadway behind the rocks that was the scene of many serious accidents before modern vehicular traffic forced major earth-moving and re-siting of the main road further away from the rocks. The locality is Wynyard’s premier spot to capture a Tasmanian sunset. It is also home to a fairy penguin colony.
The Doctors Rocks Conservation area is home to a significant number of little penguins with large groups on the immediate west and eastern sides of Doctors Rocks itself and smaller pockets of penguins along the whole conservation reserve. The “Wildcare” group called the ‘Friends of Doctors Rocks Penguins' is based around working closely with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service to maintain the Conservation Area in the interests of the welfare of Little Penguins. The objectives of this group include offering tourists and local visitors an opportunity to see Little Penguins in their natural habitat during their breeding season (September to April).
Located between Table Cape and Wynyard, Fossil Bluff is an unusual geological structure comprising glacial Permian Tillite, sandstone and basalt. There is a small beach and the rocks at either end of the beach are characterised by shells which have been caught and fossilised. Embedded into the shore rocks and visible at low tide are Australia's oldest marsupial fossils. The beds of tillite are believed to have been created 275 million years ago, according to the Geology Department of the University of Tasmania. The were formed as boulder clay from a large glacier as the ice melted, and was later consolidated by a load of ice and other rocks on it.
Near high water mark close to the cliff face of Fossil Bluff there are many blocks of very fossiliferous sandstone or siltstone, which have fallen from the cliffs above. The cliffs contain a succession of light coloured rocks, scarcely consolidated sands and limey silts which were deposited on a beach and in a shallow bay some 22 million years ago. Please note that collecting is not permitted in the Conservation Area.
The first aerodrome at Wynyard was built by volunteers on an old racecourse. However, within a year of completion in 1932, the aerodrome was found to be too small for larger passenger and mail aircraft. A larger aerodrome was developed on the southern outskirts of the town and was officially opened on 26 February 1934. A further opening ceremony on 1 January 1935 was attended by the Prime Minister of the time, Joseph Lyons.
The Wonders of Wynyard
The Wonders of Wynyard is the local visitor centre with a world class collection of veteran cars and local art to enjoy. Its art gallery exhibits local creative works including paintings, sculptures, photographs and textiles -the perfect place to purchase a special memento of your holiday.The Wonders of Wynyard is home to the Ransley Veteran Car Collection, which contains the equal oldest Ford in the world - a 1903 Model A. There is also a Darracq (1905), believed to be the only car of its kind in Australia. The collection has been lovingly restored and is an outstanding showcase of Australian motoring history. Rntry fees apply (car collection only).
Bloomin Tulip Festival
For over 25 years the Bloomin Tulip Festival has made the local town of Wynyard buzz with activities, food, music, artists and festivities. For one Saturday each October the festival tempts visitors and locals alike to shake off the doldrums of winter and welcome in spring with joy and colour. The farm is a central part of the festivities, with thousands of people travelling up the Cape to see the showpiece of the festival & the tulip flower itself. The festival is one of the town's greatest attractions to tourists, whether from Tasmania itself or from the mainland.
Table Cape
6.5 km north of Wynyard via Saunders StreetTable Cape is the remains a volcanic plug which rises to about 170 metres above sea level on the north-west coast of Tasmania. The cape is planted with tulip fields that are a blaze of colour in spring. The area is also famous for its lily fields. The cape's lighthouse and a lookout offer expansive views inland along the north coast and out to Bass Strait. A walk between the lookout and lighthouse is worth taking.
The Lighthouse was commissioned in 1888 and was manned by three keepers until 1920 when it was automated. It has rarely been open to the public, until 2010, after decades of lobbying by the local council and tourism authorities. Visitors can now take the 45 minute tour around the precinct and up the spiral staircase, stopping on the way to gaze out onto the magnificent views from the windows.
The cape's premier attraction in spring is Table Cape Tulip Farm, the home home of Van Diemen Quality Bulbs. They are specialist flower bulb producers and farmers who grow more than just tulips. The farm also specialises in Liliums and Dutch Iris as well as many other bulbs and plants which we sell directly to customers through our mail order and online catalogue.
During late September through to mid October the farm explodes with colour. Each year at this time the farm is opened up to visitors to walk in the tulips. Best viewing is normally from end of the first week to the end of the second week in October During the farm's spring open days, visitors can enjoy an impressive indoor display featuring floral arrangements, souvenirs, Devonshire teas, an art gallery, potted tulips, cut flowers and information on growing bulbs. The open days are a lure for photographers who have the opportunity to take fantastic shots utilising backdrops of Bass Strait, the lighthouse and the surrounding rich farmlands to showcase the vista of colourful blooming fields. spiral staircase, stopping on the way to gaze out onto the magnificent views from the windows.
Along The Shore
The dramatic coastal features of North West Tasmania were created by ancient volcanic activity, leaving behind a rugged and picturesque coastline that begs to be explored and appreciated.
Doctors Rocks
5.8 km south east of Wynyard via Bass Highway.Doctors Rocks is a small rocky headland of basalt on the beachfront near where Seabrook Creek enters Bass Strait, behind which an escarpment rises to the north west coast plateaux. The terrain forced early road builders to construct a narrow roadway behind the rocks that was the scene of many serious accidents before modern vehicular traffic forced major earth-moving and re-siting of the main road further away from the rocks. The locality is Wynyard’s premier spot to capture a Tasmanian sunset. It is also home to a fairy penguin colony.
The Doctors Rocks Conservation area is home to a significant number of little penguins with large groups on the immediate west and eastern sides of Doctors Rocks itself and smaller pockets of penguins along the whole conservation reserve. The “Wildcare” group called the ‘Friends of Doctors Rocks Penguins' is based around working closely with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service to maintain the Conservation Area in the interests of the welfare of Little Penguins. The objectives of this group include offering tourists and local visitors an opportunity to see Little Penguins in their natural habitat during their breeding season (September to April).
Fossil Bluff
6.5 km north of Wynyard via Saunders Street and Golf Links Rd.Located between Table Cape and Wynyard, Fossil Bluff is an unusual geological structure comprising glacial Permian Tillite, sandstone and basalt. There is a small beach and the rocks at either end of the beach are characterised by shells which have been caught and fossilised. Embedded into the shore rocks and visible at low tide are Australia's oldest marsupial fossils. The beds of tillite are believed to have been created 275 million years ago, according to the Geology Department of the University of Tasmania. The were formed as boulder clay from a large glacier as the ice melted, and was later consolidated by a load of ice and other rocks on it.
Near high water mark close to the cliff face of Fossil Bluff there are many blocks of very fossiliferous sandstone or siltstone, which have fallen from the cliffs above. The cliffs contain a succession of light coloured rocks, scarcely consolidated sands and limey silts which were deposited on a beach and in a shallow bay some 22 million years ago. Please note that collecting is not permitted in the Conservation Area.
Wynyard Airport
Wynyard Airport, also called Burnie Wynyard Airport or Burnie Airport, is a regional airport located adjacent to the town of Wynyard, about 17 kilometres (11 mi) west from Burnie, Tasmania. Formally named the Wynyard Aerodrome, the first official opening occurred on 26 February 1934. The Burnie Airport is majority-owned by the Burnie City Council.The first aerodrome at Wynyard was built by volunteers on an old racecourse. However, within a year of completion in 1932, the aerodrome was found to be too small for larger passenger and mail aircraft. A larger aerodrome was developed on the southern outskirts of the town and was officially opened on 26 February 1934. A further opening ceremony on 1 January 1935 was attended by the Prime Minister of the time, Joseph Lyons.
Beyond Wynyard
Boat Harbour Beach
14.5 km north west of Wynyard via Bass HighwayWhen you first approach Boat Harbour by road from Burnie or Wynyard, the sign indicating a drop in the speed limit comes as no surprise, but when you reach the town you quickly notice something's not quite right. A town called Boat Harbour should have boats, or at least a harbour, but this place is inland with not a boat or jetty in sight! Pass through the town and drive a little way on and you'll come to a road off to the right and a signpost indicating "Boat Harbour Beach", and then things start to make a bit more sense. Boat Harbour actually has two small population centres - the town, high above sea-level, and the beach community below, nestled between rocky headlands. The latter is the main attaction here.
Keep following the signs to Boat Harbour Beach and as you wind your way down a hillside and a superb white beach with rocky headlands on either side comes into view. The sea is green and blue, the beach so clean, houses dot the hillside, thewhole scene unfolding before your eyes is sleepy and peaceful. This may well be the most beautiful seaside village and beach in Tasmania. Furthermore, it exists in a microclimate which is removed from the surrounding weather patterns. Frosts are unknown and plants from the tropics can be seen in local gardens. It sounds like paradise.
Sisters Beach
20 km north west of Wynyard via Bass HighwayOn your way into Boat Hartbour Beach you will notice a sign pointing to Sisters Beach. Though just up the road (and the coast) from Boat Harbour Beach, Sisters Beach has a totally different look and feel. A quiet seaside village which extends some way along the waterfront, Sisters Beach is actually located within the Rocky Cape National Park and is situated on the old horse trail known as the Postman's Track that once formed the only connection between Emu Bay (now Burnie) and the Van Diemen's Land outpost of Stanley.
At one end of the village - where you'll end up if you continue to follow the road in is a parking area with picnic facilities, electric barbecues, toilets and drinking water provided by the local council. A short path leads down to the beach where Sister Creek enters Bass Strait. At the other end of Sisters Beach is a boat ramp near where you can do quiet bit of fishing or catch a squid off the jetty. It is also possible to scuba dive around Rocky Cape, however conditions can be treacherous and diving is recommended only for experienced divereing at the eastern end of Rocky Cape National Park, there is an entrance into the park itself towards the boat ramp.
Rocky Cape National Park
23.4 km north west of Wynyard via Bass HighwayThe Park encompasses a rugged coastline with samll sheltered beaches, as well as heath and woodland covered hills with a wealth of orchids, christmas bells and grass trees. The area was once a favourite Aboriginal hunting ground, and evidence of their inhabitance may be seen in various shelter caves. The caves are recognised as important archaeological sites, with midden deposits of bone, shells, stone and charcoal. Sisters Beach is wisely being quite small and the building of new homes is currently restricted, due to the surrounding national park. All in all, a pretty location.
Rocky Cape National Park offers a fascinating variety of walks, ranging from less than 20 minutes to a full day. These take in Aboriginal rock shelters and caves, scenic hills full of wildflowers and birds, and tranquil beaches, bays and rocky headlands. From Sisters Beach there is a one hour walking ciruit to Wet Cave, Lee Archer Cave, returning via Banksia Grove, a stand of giant Banksia serrata. Sisters Beach is the only place in Tasmania where they occur.
Although small, Rocky Cape National Park offers visitors a varied experience on Tasmania 's coast. Here you can learn about Aboriginal life on the north-west coast. Swimming, fishing, boating and walking are popular activities. There are pleasant day and half-day walks over the hills from either Sisters Beach or from the lighthouse at the western end of the Park. Rocky Cape's unpolluted waters regularly attract dolphins and seals. At low tide on a calm day, the rocky foreshore reveals numerous rock pools inhabited by a variety of colourful fish and plants.
Within the park there is a picnic area with tables and a gas barbecue at Mary Ann Cove. Toilet facilities are available at Burgess Cove and Mary Ann Cove in Rocky Cape National Park. Drinking water is not available in the park.
The Lobster Ponds Haven and Cafe
The Lobster Ponds Haven offers a unique experience to view and learn about the Giant Freshwater Crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi). Exclusive to Northern Tasmania, these extraordinary creatures are the largest crustacean in the world but are under threat by poaching and land clearing. Lobster Ponds has a number of indoor tanks where young crayfish can be seen up close, as well as outdoor pools in a pleasant shaded natural setting. A new aviary to house some extremely rare local parrots is well under way and their inclusion will add to its attractiveness as a nature and conservation reserve. The Lobster Ponds Haven also has a cafe and souvenir shop.Location: Robin Hill Road, Flowerdale. 29 km north west of Burnie via Bass Highway.
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