Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the idyllic Duckhole Lake on this tranquil 4.4km return hike nestled in Southwest National Park, Tasmania. Suitable for all levels with a Grade 2 difficulty rating, this trail predominantly follows a boardwalk through regenerated forest, echoing with birdsong and frog calls. The remnants of a historic 19th-century sawmill tramway add to the charm. This easy bushwalk is perfect for a serene picnic by the peaceful, flooded sinkhole lake, part of the wider regional cave system including Hastings Caves.

Length:

4.4km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 159m

Min elevation: 124m

Total Ascent: 74m

Start: Coal Hill Road

End: Coal Hill Road

Southwest National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Southport

From state capital: 110km

Latitude: -43.37318237

Longitude: 146.89198136329654

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

3,603 views

Hike overview

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

Tips

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.

Trail features

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Duckhole Lake Walk (4.4km)

Total distance: 4397 m
Max elevation: 159 m
Min elevation: 124 m
Total climbing: 74 m
Total descent: -74 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Southwest National Park.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Cygnet, Derwent Bridge, Dover, Franklin, Geeveston, Gordon, Gordon River, Huonville, Kingston, Lake Pedder, Macquarie Harbour, Maydena, Queenstown, Strathgordon, Tullah

About the region

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 Gordon.

In Southwest National 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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Southwest National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - 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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Duckhole Lake Walk (4.4km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance