Kent Group National Park
Park Remote Tasmanian island group and marine park
Kent Group National Park, a cluster of Bass Strait islands off Tasmania, attracts boaters, sea-kayakers and birdwatchers interested in wildlife, rugged coasts and camping by permit.
Kent Group National Park is a protected island group in Bass Strait off the northwest coast of Tasmania that conserves a cluster of small, largely uninhabited islands. The group contains maritime heritage sites and important seabird breeding areas.
The islands have a maritime history that includes lightkeeping and use as navigation points in Bass Strait; many wrecks and historic structures record the region’s seafaring past. The area has been protected to conserve natural and cultural values.
Situated in Bass Strait off northwest Tasmania, the Kent Group lies between mainland Tasmania and King Island and is reached only by boat.
- Isolation and wildlife: The Kent Group is a small, remote island group in Bass Strait administered by Tasmania and notable for seabird colonies and historic maritime heritage.
What to See #
- Deal Island: Deal Island - the largest island in the group, historically used for lightkeeping and now noted for shipwreck relics and seabird colonies.
- Islands and reefs: Smaller islands and reefs across the group that provide nesting habitat for seabirds and are largely uninhabited; access is by private boat and landing is regulated.
How to Get to Kent Group National Park #
Kent Group National Park lies on islands in Bass Strait and has no road access from mainland Tasmania. The only practical ways to reach the islands are by private boat or by licensed charter flights/boats from Tasmania (often from the north coast or King Island); landing sites and camping/visitor arrangements must be planned in advance with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.
Tips for Visiting Kent Group National Park #
- Plan access by boat or small charter from Flinders Island or the nearest Tasmanian mainland ports and book landing permits and campsite bookings with Parks & Wildlife Service well in advance - island landings and camping are controlled.
- Arrive in spring or early summer for seabird breeding activity and milder weather; week-day crossings are often less crowded than weekends and allow quieter visits to sensitive bird colonies.
- Most visitors see only the main landing beaches; explore the island interiors and historical WWII relic sites (where permitted) with a ranger briefing or guided charter to learn the full natural and cultural history that casual visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Kent Group National Park #
The best time to visit Kent Group National Park is in the Tasmanian summer (December-February) when sea access and weather are most favorable.
Weather & Climate near Kent Group National Park #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (758 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 89 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and breezy conditions.
