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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

Find out more

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  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Overnight walk
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • World Heritage Area

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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, but challenging walk. Along this 85 km track you will wander windswept beaches, scramble around rocky headlands climb over hills and mountain ranges and often endure mud and wet feet along 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 as there are no huts (once you leave Melaleuca) and strong winds, steady rain, and even 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
    Our walk notes provide the day-by-day information you need to help plan your South Coast Track experience. Walk can be undertaken in either direction, however, walk notes are described commencing at Melaleuca.
Buy a map from TasMap

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

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​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 Tassielink and Evans Coaches.

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​​​​​​​​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, 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, Huon, Teds Beach and Edgar 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.

Mount Field National Park​, on the way to Maydena, has the most developed ca​mpground near the northern access to Southwest National Park with powered sites and showers.

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