Painted Cliffs Walk
- September 17, 2026
An easy, low-tide coastal walk on Maria Island to a set of honeycomb-patterned sandstone cliffs, one of Tasmania's 60 Great…
The Calcified Forest and Seal Rocks offer one of the most unusual short-walk experiences on King Island, combining strange limestone formations thousands of years in the making with spectacular views across the wild Southern Ocean. Located within Seal Rocks State Reserve on the south-western corner of King Island, the Calcified Forest Walk leads through coastal vegetation and sand dunes to a viewing platform overlooking hundreds of curious limestone structures rising from the landscape. Nearby, the very short walk to Seal Rocks Lookout provides a completely different experience, with views from the top of King Island’s highest sea cliffs as the swells of the Southern Ocean crash against the coast below. The two walks are easily combined and make an excellent half-day destination while exploring southern King Island.
Location: Seal Rocks State Reserve, south-west King Island, Tasmania
Calcified Forest Distance: 1.3 km return
Calcified Forest Time: Approximately 30 minutes return
Difficulty: Grade 2 – Easy
Track Type: Return
Seal Rocks Lookout: Approximately 80 metres from the car park
Track Surface: Hardened or compacted walking track with some gentle gradients and occasional steps
Best Time: Year-round; choose a clear day for the best coastal views
The Calcified Forest Walk begins from the dedicated car park within Seal Rocks State Reserve. From here, the easy walking track heads through low coastal vegetation towards the exposed landscape of the Calcified Forest. The walk is only 1.3 kilometres return and takes around 30 minutes, making it suitable for most visitors and families. As you approach the viewing area, the landscape begins to change. Scattered across the sand are hundreds of unusual limestone structures resembling tree trunks, branches and stumps. A viewing platform provides the best opportunity to appreciate these formations while protecting the fragile landscape surrounding them.
Despite its appearance, the Calcified Forest isn’t simply a collection of fossilised trees. The unusual structures were created when calcium carbonate formed around the deep roots of coastal vegetation. Over thousands of years, the surrounding sand shifted and was gradually blown away, exposing the hardened limestone structures that can be seen today. The result is an extraordinary collection of hollow tubes, columns and irregular shapes that resemble the remains of an ancient stone forest. The landscape is estimated to be around 7,000 years old and provides a fascinating glimpse into the geological and environmental history of King Island.
The Calcified Forest is best viewed from the dedicated platform at the end of the track. From here, hundreds of limestone formations can be seen protruding from the surrounding sand and coastal vegetation. Some resemble hollow tree trunks while others have been eroded into strange towers and sculptural shapes. It’s an excellent location for photography, particularly when the low morning or afternoon light highlights the textures and shadows of the limestone. Remain on the designated track and viewing area to help protect the fragile formations.
After visiting the Calcified Forest, continue to nearby Seal Rocks Lookout. The walk from the Seal Rocks car park to the viewing area is only around 80 metres, but the scenery at the end is among the most dramatic on King Island. The lookout sits above the island’s tallest sea cliffs, which rise approximately 60 metres above the Southern Ocean. From the viewing platform, the coastline stretches away beneath rugged cliffs while enormous ocean swells roll in from the west. There is very little land between King Island and South America in this direction, allowing the powerful winds and swells of the Roaring Forties to reach the island’s western coastline with tremendous force.
Seal Rocks State Reserve protects some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on King Island. The cliffs around Seal Rocks reach approximately 60 metres in height, making them the tallest sea cliffs on the island. Below, waves break against offshore rocks and the base of the cliffs, while coastal heath and scrub cover the exposed landscape above. On windy days the lookout provides a particularly impressive demonstration of the power of the Southern Ocean, although visitors should remain safely within the designated viewing areas.
The Calcified Forest Walk is officially classified Grade 2 and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The track has a hardened or compacted surface and may include gentle gradients and occasional steps.
Expect:
The walk to Seal Rocks Lookout is considerably shorter, requiring only a brief walk from the car park to the viewing platform.
Although the geological formations and coastline are the main attractions, keep an eye out for King Island’s wildlife along the way. Wallabies, echidnas and a variety of birds may be encountered around the reserve, while the coastal heath and scrub provide important habitat for native species. Short-tailed shearwaters also nest within parts of Seal Rocks State Reserve, particularly around the Caves Creek area.
The Calcified Forest is located within Seal Rocks State Reserve on the south-west coast of King Island. From Currie, follow the B25 towards Grassy before taking South Road towards the Calcified Forest and Seal Rocks. The Calcified Forest trailhead is approximately 30 kilometres from Currie. Separate parking areas provide access to the Calcified Forest and Seal Rocks Lookout, making it easy to visit both attractions on the same trip.
Facilities in this remote part of King Island are limited, so bring food and drinking water with you.
There are no shops or cafes at the reserve, so stock up in Currie or Grassy before travelling to the area.
Seal Rocks State Reserve contains several other walks that can be combined with the Calcified Forest to create a longer day exploring southern King Island.
The Clifftop–Copperhead Walk is the best option for walkers wanting to explore more of the spectacular coastline around Seal Rocks. The approximately 3.5 km return walk takes around 1.5 hours and follows the clifftops through exposed coastal country. Unlike the formed Calcified Forest track, this is a minimal-impact route where walkers follow track markers across the landscape. Take particular care around the steep cliffs.
The Caves Creek Track starts from the Calcified Forest car park and provides a more adventurous way to explore Seal Rocks State Reserve. The Grade 4 walk takes approximately 2 hours return and passes through arching tea-tree and coastal scrub as well as areas used by nesting short-tailed shearwaters. The track eventually climbs towards the Seal Rocks Lookout car park.
The Seal Rocks Lookout is the easiest walk in the reserve, requiring only an approximately 80-metre walk from the car park. Despite the tiny distance, the lookout provides superb views across King Island’s tallest cliffs and the wild Southern Ocean.
Nearby Surprise Bay provides another opportunity to explore King Island’s remote southern coastline, with beaches, rocky shoreline and coastal scenery. It’s an excellent addition to a day visiting the Calcified Forest and Seal Rocks.
The Calcified Forest works particularly well as part of a longer exploration of southern King Island. Start with the easy walk to the Calcified Forest, continue to Seal Rocks Lookout, and then tackle the Clifftop–Copperhead Walk if the weather is suitable. From there, continue towards Surprise Bay and the southern end of the island before returning towards Grassy or Currie. This combination provides an excellent introduction to King Island’s geology, wildlife and wild Southern Ocean coastline.
The Calcified Forest and Seal Rocks combine two completely different landscapes within a remarkably small area. At the Calcified Forest, thousands of years of erosion have exposed strange limestone structures formed around the roots of ancient vegetation, creating one of Tasmania’s most unusual geological attractions. Just a short distance away, Seal Rocks reveals the raw power of King Island’s western coastline, with 60-metre cliffs dropping towards the Southern Ocean and the winds of the Roaring Forties sweeping across the exposed headland. With easy access, short walking distances and some of the most distinctive scenery on King Island, the Calcified Forest and Seal Rocks should be high on the list for anyone exploring the island on foot.
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