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Best trails in Southwest National Park

Best trails in Southwest National Park

4.3(2,680 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#81 of 637 national parks

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Southwest National Park is located on the South West Coast of Tasmania on Palawa land and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is Tasmania's largest national park and has some long multi-day walks like the Southern Coast Track, as well as plenty of shorter walks to give you a taste of this beautiful wilderness area.

Weather in this region is incredibly unpredictable and can become severe with very short notice, being prepared when entering this park and region is a must and not to be taken lightly.

The park's wilderness and dense forest are very well protected because of the park's remoteness, absence of infrastructures (some parts of the park can only be accessed by foot, boat or small aircraft), minimal human activity (only people hiking in the park) and inhospitable weather all year round. Before European settlement of Tasmania, Aboriginal people had inhabited this area for over 25 000 years and archaeologists have found great examples of this within the park.

Top trails

  1. #1 - South Cape Bay Trail

    4.6 (489)·Moderate·10 mi
    This is a scenic hike through the wilderness of Southwest National Park in the southern most tip of Tasmania, Australia. This out and back trail begins and ends from the parking area near Boltons Green Campground within the park. From here you'll follow the South Coast Track all the way to the wild beach and along to the South Cape Bay Campsite. The trail itself is not that well maintained and a little overgrown in some areas but is easy to navigate and offers some seriously stunning views...

  2. #2 - Mount Anne Trail

    4.8 (229)·Strenuous·9.8 mi·Est. 7.5–8.5 hr
    This formidable expedition in Southwest National Park is renowned as one of Tasmania’s most challenging day walks, requiring extensive bushwalking experience and a high tolerance for exposure. Hikers must be prepared for a strenuous ascent that involves steep stair climbs, navigating boulder fields, and a highly technical final summit push requiring rock scrambling, where a slip could be fatal. The trail climbs relentlessly to the Eliza Plateau, offering expansive views over Lake Pedder and...

  3. #3 - The Needles Track

    4.6 (270)·Moderate·1.6 mi
    Looking for a short but challenging hike in Tasmania? Look no further than The Needles, a group of rocky spires in the south-west of the island. This hike is a must-do stop along the scenic Gordon River Road (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/tasmania/gordon-river-road), and is only a 1.5 hour drive from Hobart. As you ascend the trail, you'll be treated to stunning views of Tasmania's South-West Wilderness World Heritage Area. However, be prepared for a rocky and muddy track,...

  4. #4 - Fishers Point Trail

    4.3 (172)·Moderate·3.1 mi
    Starting at the iconic bronze whale sculpture near Cockle Creek, this coastal traverse offers a genuine edge-of-the-world experience at the southernmost point you can drive to in Australia. The track hugs the coastline, guiding you across pristine beaches and rocky outcrops towards the historic ruins of the Fishers Point Pilot Station and lighthouse. This walk is as much about the journey as the destination, offering sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and mountains. Be prepared for a mix...

  5. #5 - Lake Skinner Track

    4.2 (95)·Hard·4.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Lush rainforest scenery and a subalpine glacial lake await those heading into the Snowy Range. The journey begins in a mossy wonderland, where the understorey is dense with ferns and towering Huon pines. As you climb toward the plateau, keep an eye out for the unique Fagus, or Deciduous Beech, which turns a spectacular golden hue during the autumn months. The path is rugged and can be quite slippery, with countless exposed tree roots and rocks to navigate. Good footwear with solid grip is a...

  6. #6 - South Coast Track: Day 7 - ​​South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek

    4.5 (50)·Moderate·7.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Sensational wildflowers and sweeping coastal bays mark the grand finale of the South Coast Track. This legendary multi-day trek through the Southwest National Park is a bucket-list journey across Tasmania’s wild southern edge, known for its raw beauty and absolute isolation. This seventh and final stage leads you from the dark, tannin-stained waters of South Cape Rivulet to the finish line at the quiet sandy inlet of Cockle Creek. The scenery on this closing leg, day 7, is a highlight reel...

  7. #7 - Lake Judd Trail

    4.7 (73)·Hard·9.3 mi
    Lake Judd Trail is a visually stunning track leading to...you guessed it! Lake Judd. A top trail in South West National Park, this path is one to add to the to-do list. This breathtaking wilderness walk follows wooden walkways over button-grass plains and crosses the Anne River suspension bridge. Sections without the wooden walkways can be wet and boggy, so proper footwear (preferably waterproof) is critical. The section leading up to the lake is a hard slog, but the adventurous will be...

  8. #8 - Mystery Creek Cave

    4.5 (89)·Moderate·2.3 mi
    Ancient limestone wonders and shimmering starlight await deep within the cool-temperate rainforest of Southwest National Park. This track follows the historic route of an 1800s tramway, once used to haul stone from a nearby quarry. As you meander through the lush forest, you can spot weathered mining relics, from old iron wheels to glass bottles, resting among the vibrant tree ferns and myrtle beech. The journey leads to the impressive entrance of Mystery Creek Cave, where a steady stream...

  9. #9 - Western Arthur Range Traverse

    4.6 (81)·Strenuous·42.9 mi
    The Western Arthur Range Traverse is one of the world's most strenuous, dangerous, and demanding alpine expeditions, reserved exclusively for expert mountaineers with significant multi-day experience. Situated in the extremely remote Southwest National Park, this lengthy circuit demands total self-sufficiency, fitness, and resilience. The difficulty is legendary, defined by the range's unique environment: the alpine weather, which is notoriously extreme, volatile, and includes the constant...

  10. #10 - Duckhole Lake Walk

    4.5 (64)·Easy·2.7 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Ancient rainforest and tranquil waters await on this delightful stroll through Tasmania's far south. The track follows the path of an old timber tramway, leading you through a lush landscape of towering stringybarks and vibrant mosses within the Southwest National Park. The destination is a unique flooded sinkhole, formed by the collapse of an underground cave system, which now sits as a serene lake surrounded by dense greenery. Much of the journey is spent on a steady boardwalk, though the...
Showing results 1–10 of 77
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Southwest National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Southwest National Park is South Cape Bay Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 489 reviews. This trail is 10.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 715 ft.

What is the longest trail in Southwest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Southwest National Park is Port Davey and South Coast Tracks (North to South). This trail is estimated to be 99.1 mi long.

How many trails are in Southwest National Park?

There are 77 trails in Southwest National Park.These trails have an average 4.3-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Southwest National Park?

Western Arthur Range Traverse: Huon River to Picton River has the most elevation gain with 33,717 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Western Arthur Range Traverse, which has 24,934 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Southwest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 48 camping trails in Southwest National Park and the most popular is South Cape Bay Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 489 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Southwest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 33 running trails in Southwest National Park and the most popular is South Cape Bay Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 489 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there are 29 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Southwest National Park, including Mount Anne Trail, The Needles Track, Western Arthur Range Traverse, Mount Anne Circuit, and Mount Wedge Summit Track.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Southwest National Park, including Adamsons Falls Track and Creekton Falls via Duckhole Lake.

Are there any trails with historical monuments in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with historical monuments in Southwest National Park, including Fishers Point Trail and The Whale Walk.

Are there any trails with rivers in Southwest National Park?

Are there any trails with bays in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there are 9 trails with bays in Southwest National Park, including Mount Beattie Track, Mount Milner via Bramble Cove, Mount Stokes, Mount Rugby, and Needwonnee Walk.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with historical ruins in Southwest National Park: Fishers Point Trail.

Are there any trails with lakes in Southwest National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a scenic viewpoint in Southwest National Park: The Needles Track.

Are there any trails with dams in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a dam in Southwest National Park: Mount Sprent Summit Track.

Are there any trails with caves in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a cave in Southwest National Park: Mystery Creek Cave.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a picnic area in Southwest National Park: Sentinel Range Summit.

Are there any trails with beaches in Southwest National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with beaches in Southwest National Park, including Fishers Point Trail, The Whale Walk, and South Coast Track: Day 5 - Prion Beach Campsite to Granite Beach.