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Looking west across Prion Bay to Hen Island, Isle du Golfe, Southwest National Park.
Looking west across Prion Bay to Hen Island, Isle du Golfe (photograph: Tim Dub)

South Coast Track

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Alerts for South Coast Track

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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
  • Fishing
  • Fuel stove only
  • Overnight walk
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • World Heritage Area

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

6-8 days one way, 85km one way
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
The South Coast Track includes a number of creek and river crossings and one boat crossing. At creek and river crossings, if the water level is above your knees you should retreat and wait until the level has dropped.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.

About

​​Tasmania’s wild southern coastline is your home for this 6-8 day spectacular and challenging walk. Along this 85 km track you will wander windswept beaches, scramble around rocky headlands, climb hills and mountain ranges, and often find yourself muddy and wet-footed after crossing the buttongrass plains. This walk is a true adventure; the memories created and the feeling of achievement when you complete it will last a lifetime.

This walk is much more difficult than the popular Overland Track. There are no huts once you leave Melaleuca. Strong winds, steady rain, and snow in elevated areas can occur at any time of the year. In one location, walkers are required to row a dinghy across a lagoon outlet. South Coast walkers need to be experienced and completely self-sufficient. 

Walker information​

  • South Coast Track - walk notes
    The South Coast Track allows walkers to experience a part of Tasmania that many locals never lay eyes on. This 6-8 day walk journeys between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek, and dips in and out of the rugged southern coastline.
Buy a map from TasMap

Walkers are strongly advised to carry the South Coast Walk Map and Notes.

​

​Via Cockle Creek​

​​​To access Southwest National Park via Cockle Creek, drive 2.5 hours from south from 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 multiple bus services between Hobart and Cockle Creek. Bookings are essential. Operators include Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences and Evans Coaches.

​​​​

​​​​​​​​Melale​uca

Direct access to Melaleuca is via light plane or private boat.

Par Avion operate from Cambridge, a 15 minute drive east of Hobart, and offer daily and custom flights to Melaleuca. More information can be found on their website.


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.

​Whilst it is possible to walk the South Coast Track in either direction, flights are weather dependant and pick up is not guaranteed; most people choose to fly to Melaleuca and walk out.

​There are two bushwalkers huts at Melaleuca but no other huts along the South Coast or Port Davey tracks.

Southwest National Park is a Fuel Stove Only area and campfires are not permitted on the South Coast Track. There are restrictions with carrying fuel on the flight to Melaleuca. Check with Par Avion at the time of booking.

There are several guide-books and maps with notes available that provide useful and detailed information on the South Coast Track, optional side trips and the natural history of the area. ​

​​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.​​​

​
You will need to be totally self-sufficient for this walk.

Please be aware that wildlife can damage tents if your food is not stowed well. Do not feed wildlife.

All walkers are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace​ principles.
​

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

Please register your walk intentions in the walkers logbook at the beginning and remember to sign out at the end of your walk.​

Multi-day walks - safety message​​​​

Multi-day walks are a wonderful way to experience the wilder side of Tasmania, but it is essential that you are adequately equipped before embarking on an overnight adventure. In addition to the items listed for day walks you will need at a minimum: a large waterproof backpack and pack liner, tent (3-4 season rated with inner and outer layer), sleeping bag (rated to at least 0°C for coastal areas and -10°C for alpine areas), sleeping mat, hiking boots, gaiters, fuel stove and fuel, high-energy food, quick-dry walking clothes, toilet trowel, antibacterial gel, PLB (personal locator beacon), map and compass.

For all safety information and a full list of recommended items for all walks, please refer to Safety in parks.

​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