Circular Head Council: Nature, Coast and Culture

Circular Head Council brings together a wide range of experiences: a circuit across a plateau, protected coastal and moorland landscapes, wildlife watching and cultural sites. This contrast is useful when planning a trip: the Nut Summit Circuit can be planned around an approximate duration, while areas such as the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area offer several ways to explore. Culture and history are not confined to a single place, either.

Trails and wildlife watching

The Nut Summit Circuit is a 2.7-kilometre loop across the plateau and takes about an hour. Its distance, circular route and approximate duration give this outing a clear framework. The Nut State Reserve is also a breeding area for short-tailed shearwaters, peregrine falcons, Australian kestrels and little penguins. Breeding birds are therefore an important part of the nature experience at the reserve.

Godfrey’s Beach is a special place to watch little penguins: it has a purpose-built platform with red lighting. From there, visitors can watch at night as the penguins come ashore and make their way to their burrows. The two nature experiences are distinctly different: the trail takes you across the plateau on foot, while the platform offers a view of the animals arriving at night.

Coastlines and expansive conservation areas

The Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area represents a different scale of landscape. It encompasses a large part of Tasmania’s extensive peat bogs, as well as some of the state’s largest dune fields. The area can be explored in conventional or four-wheel-drive vehicles, by canoe or on foot. As conditions on vehicle tracks can change, it is recommended that you check them before setting out.

The area’s cultural significance is also part of its character: the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area is one of the traditional homelands of the Peerapper, Manegin, Tarkiner and Peternidic, the four clans of the North West nation. Those interested in nature and cultural heritage will find two connected but distinct perspectives on the area here.

Rocky Cape National Park is primarily a day-trip destination and is best explored on foot. Sea caves, rock pools and secluded beaches shape the landscape; the beaches are suitable for fishing and swimming. Conditions on trails and at facilities can change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

Culture in Stanley and Smithton

The extensive collection at the Circular Head Heritage Centre in Smithton ranges from fossils and geological specimens to local Aboriginal cultural objects, historic machinery and household items. It brings together natural history, cultural artefacts and insights into ways of life in the past. The Nut State Reserve, in turn, protects significant Tasmanian Aboriginal and historic heritage sites.

In Stanley, a different cultural impression is reflected in the streetscape: colonial buildings and elegant cafés line the streets. Together with the Heritage Centre’s collection, this offers a varied picture of the places and their history, without requiring nature and cultural experiences to take the same form.

An event date to plan around

The West Coast Surf Classic is held every year in Marrawah and attracts Australian and international surfers. If you’d like to plan your trip around this event, check the current event calendar in advance. It adds a recurring occasion to the nature and cultural experiences, with specific dates that are important for planning.

This guide will help you find a suitable base for your trip to Circular Head Council.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Crayfish Creek, Marrawah, Arthur River, Derwent Valley Council, Central Highlands Council, Corangamite Shire, Kentish Council, Tasman Council.

Back to the main travel overview: Tasmania.