Trail summary
Hike overview
Within the Southwest National Park, the South Cape Bay Walk starts from the end of Australia's most southerly road and is the eastern end of the popular 7 day South Coast Track to Port Davey. It's a great place, so take your lunch and make a good day of it.
€‹Experience a taste of the wild south on this delightful€‹ extended walk. Leave from the southern-most €‹road in Australia and walk through woodland and open bush till you reach the cliff above South Cape Bay. It's a rare day when the wind isn't howling and the surf roaring at this breath-taking place. If conditions allow, take the steps down to the beach. There you can wander the sand and cobble beach as far as Lion Rock, and marvel at what the wild ocean has washed up.
Highlights
Australia's most southern coastline is also the country's most unspoilt. No roads lead to this beautiful, untouched and often wild region. This track will allow you to experience this region the way it has been since long before the impacts that Europeans wrought upon so many parts of Australia.
Tips
Park entry fees apply.
Toilets and unpowered camping areas.
Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, unpatrolled beaches - swim with caution.
No pets, firearms or bicycles.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 45 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 234 m
Total descent: -234 m
For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Strathgordon, Maydena, Geeveston, Huonville, Franklin
To access Southwest National Park via Cockle Creek, drive 2 hours south of Hobart via Geeveston on the A6. Take C635 past the Hastings Cave turn off and then C636 (the most southerly road in Australia) to Cockle Creek. The last stages of the road are fairly rough but can be negotiated by two-wheel drive vehicles€‹. Park your car adjacent to the information booth at the end of the road (unsealed road)
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
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 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.
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.