This may well be the most beautiful village and beach on the whole north coast of Tasmania. It tumbles down the side of a gentle hill to a superb white beach with rocky headlands on either side. The sea is green and blue, the beach so clean, the village is sleepy and peaceful. Furthermore, the village 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!
Where is it? Boat Harbour is a 10-minute drive from Wynyard, and 30 km west of Burnie.
Boat Harbour Beach is not only notable for its exquisite location but also it fine white sands which have been weathered from the quartzite rocks that are common along this section of the coastline. The beach here is often named among Australia's Top Ten beaches. The clarity of the water is exceptional, attracting swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers; good fishing is to be had from the rocky points. At low tide, you may see abalone on the rocks. Precious stones have been found in the rocks.
A foot track, The Stone Walk, leads from the beach up to the road at the top of the hill. The Postman’s Track here was originally used to deliver telegrams to neighbouring Sisters Beach; it also offers safe swimming and more crystal-clear waters.
The area has two small population centres – the town, high above sea-level, and the beach community below, nestled between rocky headlands. Boat Harbour (the township) is often confused with with Boat Harbour Beach (the holiday resort). To get to the beach it is necessary to drive west from the town and follow the signs which say Boat Harbour Beach.
History: Boat Harbour was first settled by Europeans in the 1830s when it became known as Jacob's Boat Harbour. It is presumed that "Jacob" was Captain John Jacobs, a local who sailed the schooner Edward along the north coast from Stanley for the Van Diemen Land Company. Local lore has it that Jacobs fell asleep and his boat drifted into the small harbour.
By the end of the 19th century a small jetty had been built and potatoes, grown in the district, were being shipped along the coast to Burnie and Devonport. At the time there were no roads. The harbour was developed as a port in the 1880s but was soon found to be unsuitable. The tracks down to the harbour were steep and dangerous and the harbour itself was poorly protected from the huge seas which periodically pounded the coastline.
Today it is a tiny settlement with holiday accommodation, a General Store selling petrol and supplies, and houses dotted across the hills all boasting excellent views over the bay.
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