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South Cape Bay, ocean, waves, cliff, Southwest National Park
South Cape Bay (photograph: Dan Broun)
60 Great Short Walks

South Cape Bay

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Alerts for South Cape Bay

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Closed area: Changes to Access West Picton Road and Huon Track - Eastern Arthur Range Traverse - Southwest National Park
Applies from 1/9/2026

​​West Picton Road is closed at Cook Creek due to the deterioration of three structures along the road. Alternative vehicle parking ​has been created next to the road closure. The Eastern Arthur Range Traverse requires an extra 6.1km (one-way) walk along West Picton Road from the closure to the former trailhead at Farmhouse Creek.

​West Picton Road Spur 1 has also been closed at Cook Creek. A 3-4 vehicle parking area has been created next to the road closure. ​The Mount Picton Track requires an extra 1.5km (return) walk along West Picton Road Spur 1 from the closure to the former trailhead.

The Huon Track has been heavily impacted by a large number of fallen trees, making the track extremely difficult to follow. We recommend that walkers access the northern end of the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse via Huon Campground and the Arthur Plains. ​

Both the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse and Mount Picton walking tracks are open.​

Last reviewed 1/9/2026 04:06 PM

Closed area: Edgar Dam boat ramp and campground - Southwest National Park
Applies from 28/1/2025

​​​​​Hydro Tasmania is commencing works on Edgar Dam starting 28 January 2025 until late-2026. 

During this time, the Edgar Dam boat ramp and campground will be closed. 

Access to Strathgordon and Scott's Peak boat ramps remains open.

Camping at the Huon and Ted's Beach campground remain open. During this period, there will also be short delays due to increased traffic along Scott's Peak Road. ​

For more information, please visit the Hydro Tasmania​ w​ebsite ​or contact the Mount Field Visitor Centre on (03) 6288 1149.​​

Last reviewed 1/7/2026 10:43 AM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Fuel stove only
  • Parking
  • Short walk
  • Toilets
  • World Heritage Area

Related PagesExpand/Collapse

    ContactExpand/Collapse

    • Huonville Office
      22 Main Street
      Office usually staffed 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Wednesday
      Huonville TAS 7109
      Phone: 03 6121 7026
      Email: Huonville@parks.tas.gov.au

      ​Visitor centre opening hours
      10am to 4pm Monday to Friday

    4 hrs return, 15.4km return
    Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
    Supervise children. Hazardous cliffs with unprotected track edges. Beaches are unpatrolled—swim with caution.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    The car park is signposted shortly after crossing the Cockle Creek bridge.

    About

    ​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.


      Buy a map from TasMap

      ​Via Cockle Creek​

      ​​​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​.

      Please be aware that there is no further access to fuel beyond Southport.

      ​​During the peak summer season there are several options available to transport bushwalkers coming out of the South Coast Track back to Hobart.  There is also a bus service from Cockle Creek to Geeveston and a connecting service to Hobart. Bookings are essential. Further information can be obtained from Tassielink/Evans Coaches/Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre.​​​​​​


      Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

      ​

      ​​​​This is a Fuel Stove Only Area. Fires are prohibited. Please see our Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage ​for more information.​​

      ​ Toilets and un-powered camping areas are available for use in Cockle Creek.​

      ​​Non-treated rainwater water is available from tanks in the Cockle Creek campgrounds. Limited supply and high seasonal demand at Cockle Creek may limit water availability, please bring your own water. PWS does advise visitors to boil water before drinking.​​​

      ​

      More information

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know Before You Go web page.

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      Wherever you plan to walk in Tasmania, plan for the possibility of poor weather and unexpected situations. Conditions in Tasmania can change at any time of year.

      Choose a walk that matches your group’s fitness and experience. The track classification guide explains walk difficulty ratings and can help you choose a suitable track.

      Grade 4 and 5 walks can be especially challenging and may include steep climbs, rocky ground, mud, cliffs, or require navigation skills.

      For all walks, check the weather forecast before you go, take a map, and let someone know your plans. If you are walking in remote areas or conditions are uncertain, carry extra food, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Consider taking an emergency shelter or tent. Learn about the dangers of cold by watching the hypothermia safety video.

      More information on planning, including recommended gear lists, is available on our Safety In Parks page. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles).