Pointing west across Ringarooma Bay, Cape Portland is the north eastern tip of Tasmania. It was named after the Duke of Portland by Matthew Flinders during his 1798 circumnavigation of the island in the sloop Norfolk with George Bass. It is an important bird breeding area for the Cape Barren Goose, Chestnut Teal and the threatened Hooded Plover. There is a small fishing community at Cape Portland.
The clean, white sand of Musselroe Bay on the east side of Cape Portland, is a popular spot for camping, beach fishing and swimming. Situated within Mount William National Park, it is also known as a place to experience close encounters with Forester kangaroos and other Tasmanian wildlife in their natural environment. Musselroe Bay Conservation Area stretches from Little Musselroe Bay south-east along Great Musselroe Bay to Poole at the northern edge of Mt William National Park. This long, incredibly scenic coastline of deserted white-sand beaches punctuated by windswept headlands, sheltered lagoons and estuaries is a haven for anglers and birdwatchers.
Where Is it?
Cape Portland is 25 km north of Gladstone, 315 km north of Hobart; 130 km east of Launceston
Things To See And Do
Stumpys Bay
The campsite here is smaller than that at Musselroe Bay, but it is the best site for tents and it has safer swimming. Access is off Forester Kangaroo Drive. Tent sites are scattered among trees in an open forest and there is plenty of shade to relax in after a day’s beachcombing. This camping area is gas/fuel stove-only as fires are prohibited.
Swan Island
If you think Cape Portland is remote, Swan Island is even more so. Off Cape Portland opposite Musselroe Ray, the island is a nature reserve with deserted pristine beaches and clear blue waters. If you like to swim, snorkel, fish, walk, watch seabirds and visit penguin and shearwater rookeries away from the rest of the world, this is the place to do it. Limited accommodation is available at the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Surrounding Area
Mount William National Park
Tucked away in the remote north-east corner of the state, Mount William National Park is fringed with gorgeous bays stretching from Ansons River to Musselroe Bay. The landscape is one of rolling hills, rugged headlands and pristine white-sand beaches, some strewn with pink-granite boulders, while in the north a string of marshy lagoons sits behind windswept coastal dunes.
Bay of Fires
A beautiful piece of wilderness coastline on the far north of
Tasmania’s east coast, the Bay of Fires stretches from Eddystone
Point in the north to Binalong Bay in the south. Characterised by
stunning blue water, fishing lagoons, spotless white sandy beaches and
orange lichen covered granite boulders, the area is often mentioned
internationally in lists of the world’s top beaches.
A place of tranquil beauty and one of Tasmania’s most popular
tourist destinations, this 29-kilometre ribbon of sea, surf and sand is
renowned for its island beach culture, cosy cottages and nature walks,
not to mention its natural beauty.
Major Attractions
Surrounding Towns
- Bridport
- Tomahawk
- Swan Island
- Gladstone
- Pioneer
- Boobyalla Beach
- Pyengana
