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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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  • Camping
  • Parking
  • Short walk
  • Toilets
  • World Heritage Area

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    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 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 is a bus service between Hobart and Cockle Creek for bushwalkers coming out of the South Coast Track. Bookings are essential. Further information can be obtained from Tassielink/Evans Coaches/Hobart Tourist 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.

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

      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.