Southwest National Park

Southwest National Park is Tasmania’s wildest and most remote protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of ancient rainforests, jagged quartzite peaks, and untamed coastlines. This is where you come to feel truly small against the immensity of nature—think mirror-still lakes, roaring waterfalls, and the haunting silence of button-grass plains. For self-drive travellers, the park is the dramatic endpoint of the Gordon River Road, offering a raw, immersive Australian bush experience that rewards patience and preparation.

Highlights & What to See

• Melaleuca & the South Coast Track – A remote airstrip and starting point for multi-day treks; spot the endangered orange-bellied parrot in summer.
• Mount Anne – Tasmania’s highest non-dolerite peak, offering a challenging day-walk with staggering 360-degree views over Lake Pedder.
• Lake Pedder & Lake Gordon – Vast, wind-scoured hydro lakes ringed by pink quartzite sand beaches; kayak or paddleboard for surreal solitude.
• Creepy Crawly Nature Walk – A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through myrtle-beech rainforest festooned with moss and tree ferns.
• South Cape Bay – The southernmost accessible beach in Australia, reached via a 4-hour return walk from Cockle Creek; feel the Roaring Forties on your face.

Suggested Time to Spend

For most travellers, a full day is the minimum to drive the Gordon River Road from Maydena to Cockle Creek, with stops for short walks and lake views. To truly absorb the park’s grandeur—say, a night at the Melaleuca hut or a few days on the South Coast Track—budget 3–5 days. Self-drivers should allow extra time for gravel-road sections and limited facilities; fill up fuel and supplies in Hobart or Huonville before heading in.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Huon Valley – Lush apple orchards, farm-gate ciders, and the Tahune AirWalk through towering eucalypts.
• Bruny Island – Gourmet cheese, oysters, and the dramatic cliffs of the Neck; a 2–3 day detour from the park route.
• Mount Field National Park – Tall tree ferns, Russell Falls, and alpine tarns; an easy overnight stop on the way from Hobart.
• Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula – Convict history and sea cliffs; combine with a coastal drive for a diverse Tasmanian itinerary.
• Hobart – Base up with MONA, Salamanca Market, and fresh seafood before venturing into the southwest wilderness.

Please check official sources for current details.