BOAT HARBOUR IS A SHORT DRIVE FROM BURNIE AIRPORT IN THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH WEST COAST REGION OF TASMANIA. IF YOUR IDEA OF HEAVEN IS A CONVENIENT RETREAT CLOSE TO THE BASS HIGHWAY, WITH SUPERB OCEAN VIEW OVER WHITE SANDS AND CLEAR WATER, BOAT HARBOUR IS THE PERFECT RETREAT.

horizontal_line_gold

The area has two small population centres - the town, high above sea-level, and the beach community below, nestled between rocky headlands. From the winding road that descends to the water, views of the harbour are captivating.

Bass Strait stretches to the horizon, its clear water ideal for swimming and diving. Bring your board for the days when the surf's up. The area between Boat Harbour and Rocky Cape near Stanley is a national park of rock pools, wildflowers and bushwalks to Aboriginal caves in rugged cliffs. The Postman's Track here was originally used to deliver telegrams to Sisters Beach – another great spot for safe swimming.

Boat Harbour was not settled until the 1830s, when it was used as a port to transport potatoes to Burnie and Devonport. Today there is no evidence of its working past to compete with its serenity, and it has been voted one of Australia's top 10 beaches. Boat Harbour experiences similar weather conditions to Wynyard. A gentle coastal breeze is common, but the beach is protected from wind by the surrounding cliffs. The village is a 10-minute drive from the local airport at Wynyard or a 30 kilometre (18.5 mile) drive west of Burnie. The beach is a further five minutes' drive down the C232 from Killynaught Cottages.