The Nuggets

Overview

The Nuggets are four small granite islets just off Cape Tourville, best enjoyed from the short lighthouse boardwalk. They’re classic Freycinet pink‑granite outcrops, often streaked with bright orange lichen, sitting in a sweep of wild coast.

What You’ll See

Scan the rocks and skies for action: little penguins, short‑tailed shearwaters, fairy prions, common diving‑petrels, white‑faced storm‑petrels, Pacific and silver gulls, black‑faced cormorants and Caspian terns all use these islets. Australian fur seals frequently haul out on the ledges below, and in season you might spot humpback or southern right whales moving along the coast. From some angles you’ll only notice two or three islets—there are actually four.

How to See It

Walk the easy Cape Tourville Lighthouse circuit; multiple lookouts frame The Nuggets and the broader coastline. Bring binoculars or a long lens to turn distant specks into proper wildlife encounters. The islets are protected and generally not for landing—this is a view‑only experience from the boardwalk.

Practicalities

There are no toilets or taps at Cape Tourville. The closest facilities are about 7.5 km away at the Ranger Creek and Honeymoon Bay day‑use areas. Additional toilets are at the Wineglass Bay Walking Tracks Car Park (and a composting toilet at Wineglass Bay beach), with more services near the visitor centre.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings and late afternoons usually deliver softer, more flattering light and can be calmer for spotting birds and seals. Winds are common on this headland—pack a windproof layer and secure hats. If you’re building a day, pair this stop with the Cape Tourville loop itself and the Wineglass Bay Lookout for a strong one‑two of coastal vistas.