Southport Lagoon Conservation Area
Southport Lagoon Conservation Area (photograph: Joe Shemesh)

Southport Lagoon Conservation Area

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About

​The tiny township of Southport is one of the last stops on the road to Tasmania’s most southerly point and is the gateway to Southport Lagoon Conservation Area.

This peaceful conservation area possesses a wide diversity of significant natural, cultural and recreational values. The reserve has an unusual mix of forest, heath and sedgeland communities and an impressive number of Tasmania’s unique native species.

Southport Lagoon in Tasmania is a large, shallow expanse of water that has a rich maritime history. As you breathe in the fresh salty air, imagine the 1792 expeditioners who collected, described and named a large proportion of Australian native flora for the first time – from this very site.

The reserve is home to rich and varied birdlife, as well as an endemic burrowing crayfish and a rare endemic seastar.

Visitors can engage in a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, camping, bird watching and bushwalking, as well as some of the most pleasant kayaking in Tasmania.

​​​Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts are attracted to the area and camping is popular near the north-west edge of the lagoon. Composting toilets and fireplaces are provided and a picnic area serves day visitors. Visitors are required to bring their own water, a fuel stove, rubbish bags and firewood. There is no launching ramp but​ dinghies can be hand-carried from the vehicle turning circle to the beach.

The lagoon is renowned for its flounder as well as flathead, salmon and garfish. Hand hooks, lines and spears are permitted b​ut nets, bait traps and specialist lines are prohibited in the lagoon.​

Experiences in Southport Lagoon Conservation Area

Fishing on the rocks at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park

Statewide

Fishing

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

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Group rafting on the Franklin River

Statewide

Rafting and kayaking

Tasmania’s oceans and rivers have a well-deserved reputation as some of the cleanest in the world, and what better way to explore these wondrous waterways than up-close and self-propelled.

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Accommodation

Stay Overnight

  • Southport Lagoon camping

Take the time to extend your Southport adventures with a stay at the lagoon-side campground.

Bookings and more info
Campgrounds and lagoon view, Southport Lagoon Conservation Area

Southport Lagoon camping