Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of the South Coast Track with a 40km trek on the Granite Beach Falls trail. This Grade 4 hike starts at Cockle Creek, leading to the remarkably scenic Granite Beach. Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Granite Beach Falls after a challenging rock climb, or cool off under the waterfall. With a campsite at the eastern end, this 4-day return journey is a must for all hardy bushwalkers and nature lovers.

Length:

40km

Duration:

4 days

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 463m

Min elevation: 4m

Total Ascent: 1926m

Start: Cockle Creek

End: Cockle Creek

Southwest National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Southwest National Park

From state capital: 122km

Latitude: -43.58334805

Longitude: 146.89369797706607

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Hike overview

The Granite Beach Falls traverses the eastern end of the popular South Coast Track from Cockle Creek to Granite Beach (east) Campsite. The track is reasonably well defined and low growing vegetation means that great views can be enjoyed for most of the hike. At the end of the beach you'll find the Granite Beach Falls. They are only small but enough to get your head under. Just before the waterfall is a steep, tricky rock climb up to the top of the waterfall. The 1.4 km long sandy beach is backed by densely vegetated slopes, which commence at the rear of the beach and gradually rise to over 500 m along the South Cape Range, with three creeks including Sandstone Creek draining down the backing slopes to the beach. The camp site is located at the eastern end of the beach.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Cockle Creek to South Cape Rivulet
Day 2: South Cape Rivulet to Granite Beach
Day 3: Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet
Day 4: South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek

Photography by Caedence Kuepper

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Walk map and GPX file

Granite Beach Falls Hike (40km)

Total distance: 41260 m
Max elevation: 463 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 1926 m
Total descent: -1926 m

Getting there

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

Getting to the trailhead in Southwest National Park.

Cockle Creek is a 2hr drive (121km) south of Hobart on the fringe of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Cockle Creek is the furthest point south that you can drive in Australia and the entry point to the South West National Park in Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area. The South Coast Track, one of Tasmania's great hikes begins - or ends - here.

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 trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Southwest National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

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

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Granite Beach Falls Hike (40km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance