Walkers using a line to complete a river crossing, South Coast Track
River crossing, South Coast Track

South Coast Track - walk notes

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Alerts for South Coast Track - walk notes

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Closed area: West Picton Road - status update
Applies from 23/5/2023


West Picton Road (prior to Riveaux Creek) is closed due to the deterioration of three structures along the road.

Both Farmhouse Creek and Mt Picton walking tracks remain open.

A vehicle turnaround and car parking bay have been provided at the West Picton Road closure.

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.  Also, the pedestrian bridge over Farmhouse Creek has been closed, so walkers will need to ford Farmhouse Creek to continue their walk. Water levels fluctuate according to rainfall, so walkers need to make their own assessment of conditions before crossing.

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. 


Further information: https://sttas.com.au/access-permits/road-and-track-closures

Last reviewed 1/6/2023 10:30 AM


Safety alert: Farmhouse Creek walking track - changed access
Applies from 22/6/2022
​The last 7.2 km of West Picton Road has been closed by Sustainable Timber Tasmania. This is the access road to both Farmhouse Creek walking track (also known as Eastern Arthur Range Traverse), and the Mount Picton Track, within Southwest National Park. 

For Farmhouse Creek Track, this will require an additional 7.2km one way walk (14.2km return) along West Picton Road. The pedestrian bridge over Farmhouse Creek has also been closed, and therefore walkers will need to ford the creek to reach the trailhead.

For Mt Picton Track, this will require an additional 7.2km return walk along West Picton Road and West Picton Road 1-2.

Visitors can park prior to the closure, which will fit approximately 3-4 vehicles.  

Last reviewed 15/5/2023 04:58 PM


The South Coast Track is one of Tasmania's most challenging multi-day walks. Walkers should be experienced and well-prepared. Take the time to go over our walk notes to ensure you are ready for all that the South Coast Track has to offer. Walk can be undertaken in either direction, however, walk notes are described commencing at Melaleuca.

Under-equipped and inexperienced walkers have died in remote areas of Tasmania. See the Safety in parks​ page to ensure you are well prepared for remote conditions.

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

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


Melaleuca to Cox Bight/Point Eric

  • Distance: 13.4km  of easy and medium walking conditions
  • Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

You will probably be feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness as you finally set off after all the planning and preparation. Keep an eye out for ground parrots in the buttongrass plains before being greeted by the wide arc of Cox Bight. On warmer days, enjoy a refreshing swim in Freney Lagoon. 

Cox Bight/Point Eric to Louisa River 

  • Distance: 17km of medium walking conditions
  • Time: 6-8 hours

Your first full day on the track starts with a beach walk before turning inland to buttongrass plains and forested hills. There are many creek crossings today, take care especially after heavy rains. You may opt for a side trip Louisa Bay, which will required extra time (6.6km, 2-2.5 hours)

Louisa River to Little Deadmans Bay

  • Distance:  13 km of hard walking and mountain ascent
  • Time: 7-10 hours

A very challenging day sees you ascend 900 metres onto the Ironbound Range. After traversing the exposed top - where there are good views in fine weather but rain, wind and snow at other times - there is a long descent though rainforest to the campsite.

Little Deadmans Bay to New River Lagoon 

  • Distance: 9 km of medium walking conditions
  • Time: 3-4 hours; add 1 hour for the boat crossing

Thankfully there are no big climbs today. Instead there is buttongrass, bush and the spectacular stretch of Prion Beach. Finish the day by rowing across New River Lagoon to the campsite, don’t forget to leave one boat on each side for the next walkers.

New River Lagoon to Granite Beach 

  • Distance: 12 km of medium walking
  • Time: 5-6.5 hours  

This stretch of the Track brings varied walking conditions, with some clambering and rock hopping. You may choose to do a side trip Osmiridium Beach where it is also possible to camp. 

Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet 

  • Distance: 9 km of medium to hard walking and long ascents
  • Time: 7-10 hours  

You will start with a long ascent through forest to cross the South Cape Range. The track is often boggy and there are many tree roots. Descend though wet forest, then over hills to the campsite tucked in at the end of South Cape Bay.

South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek 

  • Distance: 11 km of easy walking
  • Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

The last day involves walking along two short beaches before heading inland across a long headland then descending to the western end of the last beach and the spectacular Lion Rock that juts into the sea.  The walk then proceeds along the beach, up the next headland and then inland through to Cockle Creek.

NOTE: Please refer to the TASmap publication South Coast Walk Map and Notes for more detailed information. Walk times are calculated for average, experienced walkers and do not allow for lunch stops, long rests or side-trips. Allow extra times for these and always carry extra supplies/food in case of injury or unfavourable weather

Contact

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