Virtual Rocky Cape Walk for Treadmills
The Rocky Cape Circuit follows the rugged headland of Rocky Cape National Park, where Tasmania's north-west coast meets Bass Strait. This 55-minute walking video moves through coastal heath and woodland before reaching rocky headlands, sheltered coves and more exposed sections overlooking the ocean.
The track is natural and uneven, with dirt, rocks and short climbs mixed throughout. Rather than having one long ascent, the trail keeps rising and falling as it follows the shape of the headland. Some sections are quite open and exposed, while others pass through lower coastal vegetation and banksia woodland.
The views open up as the track gets closer to the coast. Rocky platforms, cliffs and sheltered bays appear around the headland, with sea caves and unusual rock formations adding to the scenery. On clearer sections, Bass Strait stretches out along the coast, giving the walk a real sense of being out on the edge of Tasmania.
Banksias, eucalypts and other hardy coastal plants grow across the headland, coping with the exposed conditions and often strong winds. The area is also important for Tasmanian Aboriginal culture, with caves and rock shelters containing evidence of long-term Aboriginal occupation.
For the treadmill version, the pace is around 4 km/h with a 3% incline. This gives the 55-minute session a steady uphill feel, although the real track is much more varied, with regular changes between climbing and descending. Dropping the incline to 1–2% would make for an easier indoor walking workout while still keeping some of the rolling character.
The Rocky Cape walking network moves between sheltered bushland and exposed coastline, so the scenery changes quite a bit over a relatively short distance. Rocky ground, coastal heath, sea caves and wide Bass Strait views give this walk a much wilder feel than the more developed coastal walks nearby.
Trail Information
Location: Rocky Cape National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Trail: Rocky Cape Circuit
Walk Duration: 55 Minutes
Terrain: Natural coastal track with dirt, rocks, uneven ground and regular short climbs and descents
Suggested Treadmill Incline: 3%
Walking Pace: Easy to Moderate