The feature of this short and easy there-and-back walk is the idyllic Duckhole Lake. The 4.2km track, most of which is boardwalk, follows a stream through regrowth forest to the lake.
Lying within the Southwest National Park the delightfully tranquil lake is actually a flooded sinkhole. It is part of the extensive regional cave and karst system that includes Hastings Caves. The lake is a peaceful place to sit and listen to the birds and frogs while you have a picnic.
The track follows a late 19th century sawmill tramway for much of the way, and remnants of the tramway can be seen.
This walk is co-managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
Highlights
This walk makes an enjoyable addition to a visit to the Hastings Caves or a drive along Forestry Tasmania's Arve River Forest Drive.
The walk takes you through a forest of stringybarks and rainforest species such as sassafras and myrtle, and sections of tea tree swamp. The track follows a late 19th century sawmill tramway for much of the way, and remnants of the tramway can be seen.
For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Park entry fees apply.
Picnic table at lake. Toilets, cafe, picnic and barbecue facilities and thermal swimming pool are located at Hastings Caves State Reserve approximately 7.5km from Duckhole Lake car park.
Level track suitable for all age groups.
Supervise children, water in creeks and lakes.
No pets, firearms or bicycles.
Total distance: 4397 m
Max elevation: 159 m
Min elevation: 124 m
Total climbing: 74 m
Total descent: -74 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Duckhole Lake is located south of Dover. From here, continue south on the Huon Highway (A6) for 7.5km to the township of Strathblane. Once you reach the Esperance River bridge continue for a further 2.9km, then turn right at the intersection on the Darcy Link. Keep left via Creekton Road for a total of 8km until you reach the carpark opposite the track head.
An alternative access is via the Hastings Caves Road and Chestermans Road. This route is only accessible with a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle. It is narrow with steep side slopes and can be slippery at times.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Tasmania's largest expanse of wilderness is in Southwest National Park €“ a remote and rugged landscape in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Home to majestic Huon pine, sassafras, celery top and myrtle, the region is awash with the distinctive fragrances of the Tasmanian forest.
The Gordon River Road is a narrow ribbon through the largely untracked region of forests, imposing mountain ranges and buttongrass plains, providing access to the vast expanses of Lake Pedder and Lake Go€‹rdon.
In Southwest Nationa€‹l Park, you'll find one of Tasmania's €‹most challenging wilderness walks, the multi-day South Coast Track. There are also endless shorter walks to take you up and over mountains and out to the coast. For a real €˜ends-of-the-Earth' experience, travel to Australia's southernmost point accessible by road, Cockle Creek, where a day walk to South Cape Bay allows walkers to immerse themselves in the raw power of this wilderness landscape.
Favourite
Hartz Mountains National Park
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
