Macquarie Heads Tasmania
Wild West Coast gem offering unique pine forests, expansive beaches, and a gateway to Gordon River cruises. Perfect for camping and adventure. [...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas, fewer crowds
Macquarie Heads Tasmania
Best Time
Calmer seas, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wild West Coast gem offering unique pine forests, expansive beaches, and a gateway to Gordon River cruises. Perfect for camping and adventure.
"Fabulous place to camp by the water, with lovely shallow areas and a sandbar. "
🚗 Accessing Macquarie Heads
A dirt road leads to the campsite. It's manageable for most vehicles, but 4x4 is recommended for beach driving. 🚗
🏕️ Camping at Macquarie Heads
Popular free camping spot with basic facilities. Can get busy; arrive early for a good site. ⛺
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 154 reviews
Type
Campground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Macquarie Heads Pine Forest
Strahan
Wander through a unique pine forest leading to stunning coastal views. A photographer's dream!
+1Ocean Beach Walks
Macquarie Heads
Experience the raw power of the Tasman Sea on expansive, windswept beaches. Keep an eye out for lighthouses and marine life.
Gordon River Cruise Access
Strahan Harbour
The gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Gordon River. Cruises depart from nearby Strahan.
Henty Dunes
Near Macquarie Heads
Majestic sand dunes offering a unique landscape and fun for sandboarding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild West Coast
Strahan's Gateway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Accessing Macquarie Heads
A dirt road leads to the campsite. It's manageable for most vehicles, but 4x4 is recommended for beach driving. 🚗
🏕️ Camping at Macquarie Heads
Popular free camping spot with basic facilities. Can get busy; arrive early for a good site.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The West Coast is known for its wind. Pack layers and secure your campsite well. :cloudwithwind_face:
🎣 Fishing & 4x4 Fun
Great spot for fishing and beach driving. Remember to check local regulations. :fishing_pole: :truck:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Accessing Macquarie Heads
A dirt road leads to the campsite. It's manageable for most vehicles, but 4x4 is recommended for beach driving. 🚗
🏕️ Camping at Macquarie Heads
Popular free camping spot with basic facilities. Can get busy; arrive early for a good site.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The West Coast is known for its wind. Pack layers and secure your campsite well. :cloudwithwind_face:
🎣 Fishing & 4x4 Fun
Great spot for fishing and beach driving. Remember to check local regulations. :fishing_pole: :truck:
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Explore Ocean Beach and the pine forest. Hogarth Falls is a short, rewarding walk nearby. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Macquarie Heads is lauded as a family-friendly, peaceful camping spot with lovely shallow waters and opportunities for fishing and 4x4 adventures. However, some visitors have found the unpowered sites overpriced and experienced issues with noise from motorbikes and disruptive behavior, alongside concerns about campsite maintenance and rubbish collection.
"Family friendly camp we stay at yearly. The water is lovely, shallow areas and a sand bar that is easy to get to with a canoe. Motor bikes and dogs are allowed. Decent fishing, 4x4 on the beach, toilets, boat ramp where you can get phone service. Very peaceful place you'll be sad to leave."
Bec Johnstone
"Fabulous place to camp by the water. The dirt road to access is long but reasonably maintained. Strahan is a gorgeous town."
Beth Moore
"I absolutely loved it here! We drove as far as we could, parked the car and firstly walked the very short jetty. Toilet block right next to the car park.
Walked along a dirt road for awhile, maybe 1 km and then onto the beach. It was SO windy! Was awesome watching the wind blast the sand. It was fascinating to see two lighthouses almost across from each other and this is apparently due to how dangerous it can be in this area. We came across a dead whale on the beach which was sad to see. Later read an article that over 300 had died in this area last year (2020) very quiet although I imagine it may be more occupied during peak period. Plenty of camping spots available."
Liisa Grace Baun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Macquarie Heads is a short drive (approx. 10-15 minutes) west of Strahan. Follow the signs from town. The final stretch is a dirt road, which is generally well-maintained but can be rough in places.
Yes, most standard vehicles can reach the main camping area and beach access points. However, for driving on Ocean Beach itself, a 4x4 is highly recommended due to soft sand.
Public transport options are very limited in this remote region. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange transport from Strahan.
The road from Strahan is mostly sealed until you get close to the Heads, where it becomes a dirt track. It's generally manageable, but can be potholed after rain.
While most tours focus on the Gordon River cruise departing from Strahan, some may pass by Macquarie Heads or offer stops at nearby attractions like Henty Dunes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Macquarie Heads itself, including the camping areas and beaches, is generally free to access. However, specific tours like the Gordon River cruise will have associated costs.
While it's a free camping area, it can get very popular, especially during holidays and summer. Arriving early is advised to secure a good spot. +1
Macquarie Heads is an open natural area and is accessible at all times. However, facilities like toilets may have limited hours or maintenance schedules.
Generally, no specific permits are required for general recreation like walking, camping, or fishing. However, if you plan on extensive 4x4 driving on Ocean Beach, it's wise to check local council regulations.
Absolutely! Macquarie Heads is a fantastic day-trip destination. You can drive out, explore the pine forest, walk on Ocean Beach, and enjoy the coastal scenery before returning to Strahan.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and a boat ramp. Some reviews mention caretakers, but amenities can be rustic. Phone service is sometimes available near the jetty.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Kids love the shallow water areas, sandbar, and the freedom to explore. Motorbikes and dogs are also permitted, which can be a bonus for some families. +1
You might spot various birdlife. On the beach, there's a chance of seeing marine life, though sadly, whale strandings have been reported in the past.
The water can be very cold, even in summer! There are shallow areas suitable for paddling, but be aware of the strong ocean currents on Ocean Beach.
Popular activities include camping, fishing, 4x4 driving on the beach, walking through the pine forest, and exploring Ocean Beach. It's also a great base for Gordon River cruises. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities directly at Macquarie Heads. You'll need to bring all your own food and drinks. Strahan has several cafes and restaurants.
Campfires are generally permitted in designated areas, but always check current fire restrictions with local authorities before lighting one.
The nearest place to buy groceries is in Strahan, which has a small supermarket. It's advisable to stock up before heading to Macquarie Heads.
Potable water is not guaranteed. It's best to bring your own water supply or a reliable water filter.
Pack plenty of non-perishable food, snacks, and drinking water. Consider a portable stove or BBQ for cooking.
📸 📸 Photography
The pine forest, the vastness of Ocean Beach, the twin lighthouses, and the dramatic coastal landscapes offer incredible photo opportunities. Sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular. +1
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh due to the strong sun.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or windy beach shots. Don't forget protection for your gear from sand and salt spray.
The end of the jetty offers a good vantage point. Walking along Ocean Beach will reveal numerous dramatic coastal features. The pine forest itself is also very photogenic.
While wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, keep your camera ready for coastal birds. Patience is key for any wildlife photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit