Asbestos Range Nature Recreation Area

Asbestos Range Nature Recreation Area, tucked along Tasmania’s northwest coast, is a rugged slice of wild coastline where the Bass Strait meets ancient granite headlands. Named after the now-abandoned asbestos mine, this park has been reclaimed by nature, offering a raw, windswept landscape of heathlands, sandy coves, and dramatic sea cliffs. It’s a place for those who love solitude, birdwatching, and untamed beaches — a perfect detour on a Tasmanian road trip between Launceston and the Tarkine.

Highlights & What to See

• Black Point Beach – A stunning sweep of white sand framed by granite boulders, ideal for a wild swim or a picnic with views of the Bass Strait islands.
• Asbestos Range Walk – A 4 km return trail that climbs through coastal heath to the summit, rewarding you with 360-degree views of the coastline and the mine ruins below.
• Mine Site & History – Explore the remnants of the asbestos mine, including old machinery and shafts, with interpretive signs explaining the area’s industrial past.
• Coastal Heathland – Walk through dense banksia and tea-tree scrub, spotting eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, and a dazzling array of birdlife, including the endangered forty-spotted pardalote.
• Secluded Coves – Discover hidden beaches like Picnic Point and Granite Cove, accessible only by foot, where you might have the entire stretch to yourself.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day exploring the park, combining the Asbestos Range Walk with a visit to Black Point Beach. If you’re keen on birdwatching or photography, allow a full day to wander the quieter trails and coves. The park is compact but feels larger due to its isolation; you can easily linger over a beachside lunch or wait for sunset when the light turns the granite pink.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Latrobe – A charming town with the famous Anvers Chocolate Factory and the Tasmanian Whisky Trail.
• Devonport – Gateway to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, with the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Bluff Beach.
• Narawntapu National Park – Known as the “Serengeti of Tasmania,” this park offers easy wildlife spotting (wombats, kangaroos) and coastal walks.
• Port Sorell – A peaceful coastal village with a historic jetty and the beautiful Hawley Beach.
• The Tarkine – A vast wilderness of temperate rainforest, wild rivers, and remote beaches, perfect for adventurous multi-day trips.

Please check official sources for current details.