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 a place for serious adventurers and solitude seekers, where the only sounds are roaring rivers, birdcalls, and wind across button-grass plains. The park’s centrepiece is the iconic three-day South Coast Track, but even a day trip from the park’s northern edge offers a taste of its raw beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• South Coast Track – A legendary 85 km multi-day trek from Cockle Creek to Melaleuca, traversing remote beaches, temperate rainforest, and heathlands. It’s the ultimate immersion in the park’s wilderness.
• Lake Pedder & Lake Edgar – Vast, man-made lakes ringed by snow-capped mountains. Kayak or fish on Lake Pedder, or walk the short Lake Edgar Boardwalk for easy wetlands views.
• Mount Anne – Tasmania’s highest non-dolerite peak (1,423 m). The challenging summit hike rewards with panoramic views over the park and south-west wilderness.
• Creepy Crawly Nature Trail – A short, family-friendly rainforest walk near the Huon River, showcasing towering myrtles, tree ferns, and the park’s unique fauna.
• Melaleuca Airstrip & Visitor Shelter – Access point for walkers and a fascinating glimpse into the life of pioneering conservationist Deny King. Watch for orange-bellied parrots in spring.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 days for the South Coast Track (or 5–7 days if walking the full route with side trips). For a day trip, drive to Cockle Creek (the end of the road) for short walks and coastal scenery, or explore the Lake Pedder area. Overnight hikes require permit bookings and thorough preparation – the weather can change rapidly year-round.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cockle Creek – Australia’s southernmost drivable point, with a beautiful beach and the start of the South Coast Track.
• Hartz Mountains National Park – A smaller but dramatic park with alpine plateaus and the Hartz Peak walk, easily combined on a day trip from Hobart.
• Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs – Explore limestone caves and swim in Australia’s warmest natural thermal springs, just north of the park.
• Huon Valley – Lush apple orchards, cideries, and the town of Huonville make a great stopover en route to the park.
• Bruny Island – A ferry ride away, offering gourmet produce, white-sand beaches, and the iconic Neck lookout.

Please check official sources for current details.