Everything you need to know before you visit
No — Woolnorth Station and Cape Grim are located on private working farmland and are not accessible to the public without a guided tour. All vehicle access requires a valid booking with Woolnorth Tours. Woolnorth Tours is the only operator with exclusive public access to this property. This means you cannot drive in independently, and attempts to do so will be turned away at the gate.
Woolnorth is a fully operational commercial farm — one of the largest in Tasmania. It is owned by VDL Farms and has been a working property since the Van Diemen's Land Company established it in 1826. The presence of livestock, farm operations, biosecurity requirements, and the sensitive nature of Cape Grim's scientific monitoring station all mean that uncontrolled public access is not possible. Our guided tours allow you to visit safely and legally while respecting the working environment.
Yes and No! kennaook/Cape Grim is a landmark. We'll drive past the Cape Grim scientific CSIRO Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station which has been monitoring the world's atmospheric air quality since 1976 on our way down into Cape Grim. Because the prevailing winds travel thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean before reaching Cape Grim, it consistently records the world's cleanest air. On your tour you'll visit the cape, learn about the monitoring work, and yes — breathe in that famous air.
You can book directly through this website using the Book Now button. Payment is made securely online by credit card or PayPal. We recommend booking in advance as tours can fill quickly during peak season.
Please see our full Cancellation Policy for details. In general, we require at least 48 hours notice for a full refund. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. We understand that travel plans change — please contact us as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.
We offer tailored pricing and arrangements for larger groups including tour buses and corporate groups (20+ guests). Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Our departure point is 40 km from Smithton, which takes around 45–50 minutes to drive. The road is sealed the entire way, and you'll join us on our vehicle from there.
Stanley is around 70 km from Woolnorth — approximately 55–60 minutes by road. A beautiful drive through some of Tasmania's most fertile farming country.
Devonport is approximately 190 km away — around 2 hours and 15 minutes of driving. The route takes you through Burnie, Wynyard and Smithton before heading out to Woolnorth.
Cradle Mountain is roughly 200 km from Woolnorth — approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on your route. Many guests combine a Cradle Mountain stay with a Woolnorth tour as part of a northwest loop.
Launceston is approximately 280 km from Woolnorth — around 3 hours of driving via the Bass Highway. We recommend staying overnight in the northwest region to make the most of your visit.
Hobart is approximately 430 km from Woolnorth — roughly 4.5 to 5 hours of driving. It's a long day trip, so we strongly recommend staying in the northwest for at least one night.
Dress in warm layers regardless of the season. Cape Grim sits on an exposed headland facing the Roaring Forties, and the wind can be strong even on mild days. Wear closed footwear — comfortable walking shoes or boots are ideal. A waterproof jacket is always a good idea in northwest Tasmania. Sun protection is also recommended for summer visits.
Tours run for approximately 2.5 hours. You'll cover a lot of ground across the Woolnorth property, so plan your day accordingly. Tours depart at 10:00 AM — please arrive 10 minutes early.
Unfortunately pets are not permitted on tours. Woolnorth is a working farm with livestock, and the presence of dogs or other animals creates biosecurity and safety concerns. Accredited service animals however are permitted, please contact us prior to booking to discuss (03) 6452 1493.
Yes — children are very welcome and the tour is a wonderful educational experience for young people. The tour involves some walking on uneven ground, so children should be comfortable walking for extended periods. Please contact us if you have any specific questions about suitability for your family.
Some parts of the tour involve uneven ground and outdoor terrain that may be challenging for wheelchairs or limited mobility. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your specific requirements and ensure we can accommodate you as well as possible.
Northwest Tasmania's weather is notoriously changeable, but that's part of the adventure. Tours operate in all weather — your guide Laura is experienced in making the most of whatever the day brings. In the unlikely event of extreme weather that makes the tour unsafe, we will contact you as early as possible and arrange an alternative date or full refund.
We're happy to help — get in touch and we'll get back to you promptly.
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