Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the wild beauty of Southwest National Park on the 16km South Cape Bay Walk, a moderate grade 3 trail near Tasmania's southern coast. Starting from Australia's most southerly road, this return-style hike weaves through woodland and open bush, culminating in breath-taking cliff views over South Cape Bay. Whether you're exploring the surf-swept sands and cobble beach or marvelling at the natural wonders at Lion Rock, this trail promises an unforgettable day out. Don't forget to pack a lunch and prepare for a windy adventure!

Length:

16km

Duration:

4 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 45m

Min elevation: 4m

Total Ascent: 234m

Start: Cockle Creek

End: Cockle Creek

Southwest National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Cockle Creek

From state capital: 122km

Latitude: -43.58260974

Longitude: 146.89318835735324

Overview

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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.

Trail features

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.

Walk map and GPX file
South Cape Bay Walk (16km)

Total distance: 15515 m
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

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Southwest National Park.

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)

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

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.

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

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

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

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

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.

Reviews
South Cape Bay Walk (16km)

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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