Southwest National Park
Southwest National Park is Tasmania’s largest national park, covering over 6,000km² of remote wilderness comprising over 10% of Tasmania’s land area. Located within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park is known for its rugged landscapes, ancient ecosystems and challenging weather conditions. Its remote location makes it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon are two artificial reservoirs that dominate the northern end of the park. Lake Pedder, initially a much smaller natural lake, was expanded during the 1970s to support hydroelectric development. Visitors to Lake Pedder often explore its white quartzite beaches and enjoy views of surrounding peaks, such as Mount Anne. Lake Gordon, the larger of the two, offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Cockle Creek is the park’s most accessible entry point, located at the end of Australia’s southernmost road. The area offers shorter walks, such as the two-hour coastal walk to Fishers Point, where you can see the ruins of an 1843 pilot station and lighthouse.
The park also includes challenging multi-day hiking trails including the Mount Anne Circuit and the South Coast Track, which appeal to visitors with more time on their hands.
Mount Anne Circuit is one of Tasmania’s most challenging routes. The track takes walkers across rugged terrain, offering views of the surrounding wilderness. The route includes high alpine sections and exposed ridges, making it suitable only for experienced hikers.
Stretching 85km from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek, the South Coast Track is one of Tasmania’s premier long-distance hiking trails. Walkers traverse beaches, rivers and forested sections while encountering Tasmania’s unique flora and fauna. Melaleuca, the starting or finishing point for the track, is accessible only by small aircraft or boat, making this a relatively expensive hike to undertake.
Melaleuca is a small outpost that serves as a hub for walkers and birdwatchers. The area is particularly significant for the conservation of the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot. Observation platforms and information centres allow visitors to learn more about efforts to protect this species.
Southwest National Park is a very large park with limited road access and no access by public transport. The easiest access to the park is the two-hour drive to Cockle Creek from Hobart, whereas access to Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon at the northern end of the park is a slightly-longer drive from Hobart; however, driving between these two points in the park takes over four hours as it involves going via Hobart.