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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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Planned burn: Southwest National Park
Applies from 19/3/2025​​We plan to undertake three prescribed burns in Southwest National Park.

Fire operations are scheduled for Wednesday 19 March 2025 but may be rescheduled if conditions are not suited.

These prescribed burns will take place at:
• New River Lagoon (140ha)
• New River Lagoon South (250ha)
• Catamaran River (80ha)

PWS’ prescribed burn program in the TWWHA aims to introduce low intensity fire across the landscape with a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas within each burn area to maximise diversity for flora and fauna.

These moorland burns provide ongoing protection for a range of adjacent values including fire sensitive vegetation communities such as endemic conifers, alpine herblands and rainforest species from wildfire.

Burning under these high moisture conditions can generate large amounts of smoke.

During burning operations public access to these areas will be restricted.

Please comply with all signage and directions from staff if you are in the area.

For more information, contact the Huonville Field Centre on (03) 6121 7026.

Last reviewed 24/3/2025 08:48 AM

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 mid-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 5/11/2024 08:50 AM

Closed area: Eastern Arthur range traverse – changes to access West Picton Road and Huon Track.
Applies from 21/12/2023

​​

West Picton Road (prior to Riveaux Creek) is closed due to the deterioration of three structures along the road.  A 15-20 vehicle parking area has been created adjacent to the new closure.  

Farmhouse Creek walking track requires an extra 7.1km (one-way) walk along West Picton Road from its closure prior to Picton River Tributary.

Mt Picton walking track requires an extra 7.2km (return) walk along West Picton Road and then West Picton Road Spur 1-2 from its closure prior to Picton River Tributary. 

The Huon Track has been heavily impacted by a large number of tree falls that are making this difficult to traverse and we recommend that you commence your walk at either Farmhouse Creek or Huon Campground. 

Both Farmhouse Creek and Mt Picton walking tracks remain open.

​

Last reviewed 26/8/2024 08:37 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 Monday to Friday
      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.​​​

      ​

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

      ​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​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.