Southwest National park
It is Tasmania's largest National park sprawling across 600,000 hectares, It's also contains some of Australia most rugged and wild lands. It is a place not to miss in Tasmania it has incredible hiking trails amazing scenery and awesome beaches. There are no roads in the national park so transport is by boat, by foot or by planes. I have highlighted the hiking trails we explored near Geeveston and Cockle creek.
Exploring the South West National park By Boat
There is a few boat charters Hobart yachts, Tasmanian boat charters and Yukon tours. All offering different boat charters some are up to 7 days click the company you're interested in and it will take you to all the prices and charter options. By Air
with Par avion wilderness tours, the southwest wilderness experience which includes return flight from hobart to melaleuca, Lunch,wine and refreshments, a scenic cruise and a guided ground tour. you can also get dropped off at Melaleuca and walk the south coast track back to cockle creek. Prices start from $599.
Hartz National Park and Tahune airwalk Getting to the Tahune Airwalk by car is a 60 minutes, 61 km from Hobart or 28km, 30 minutes from Geeveston and Hartz Peak it is just off Arve road down a dirt road to Tahune airwalk is on a sealed road.
Tahune Airwalk Recently was affected by the bushfires in 2019 it has now been re built, It has some noticeable fire damage but it's interesting walking around noticing life coming back to the forest. Tahune airwalk has amazing walking trails and beautiful views along the trails.
Entrance to the park is from $29 per adult and if you dare to do the eagle hang glider it cost $22 per adult, another add on is the twin river adventures which is rafting down the rivers from $185 per person.
When you enter the park you will head over a bridge to the Air walk which is a 600 meter walkway high above the forest beneath you. There is a fair few stairs to the top then it is an easy stroll across this 50 meter high structure. You get spectacular views over the Huon river.
As your walking along the airwalk you will notice a fire damaged tree that has a flat surface, people have begun throwing coins and trying to land the coin on the top of the stump. As you continue to the end of the structure take a left you will reach 50 meters from the ground on a suspended structure this structure does move as you walk on to it make sure to take in the views before heading out.
As you exit the airwalk take a left to the suspension bridge walk you will pass two amazing suspension bridges over the river. The first suspension bridge is 100 meters across the huon river.
The second suspension bridge is 62 meters across the Picton river. The swinging bridges walk takes approximately an hour to complete.
It is worth a detour this way back down as you will see more amazing views and be suspended high above the river. The other walk at the park is the 20 minute huon pine walk along the riverbanks following a board walk through the forest.
Arve falls
20 minute return, 1km, grade 2
We enjoyed a short stroll through Hartz national park following arve river. you will get to a bridge and then continue around the corner down some stairs and look out besides the waterfall you get a spectacular views over hartz national park.
Waratah lookout, 300 meters, grade 1
an easy 5 minute stroll offering great views of Hartz national park.
Lake osbourne
45 minutes return, 2km, grade 2
This was a nice easy walk with a slight incline to the lake at the end of the walk you will be rewarded with amazing views of the lake and the mountains in the background. From the car park follow the signs to lake osborne.
You will begin this walk by walking through the rainforests, as you emerge out of the rainforests and onto to the boardwalk you will see epic views of hartz peak,this is a great walk to do at Hartz national park.
Hartz Peak
3-5 hours, 7.4km, 400m climb in elevation, grade 4 Hartz peak
This is a awesome walk with epic views (in fine weather).Whether you decide to just get to lady tarn, lake esperance or go all the way to the peak A hike in Hartz national park is well worth a visit.
We came to the National park on what was supposed to be a clear day, turned out to be overcast and raining so we first hiked to lake esperance it was cool to see the lake engulfed with clouds and made the drive out worth it, we then came back the next day after talking to some park rangers telling us the weather was looking more promising and they definitely delivered. We made it all the way to Hartz peak. Once reaching the peak we did have to wait for the clouds to clear but it was worth it, make sure to bring a picnic lunch and take in the views if your going to the top. If you are short on time it is still worth a visit to see Lake esperance and Lady tarn.
Path to Hartz Peak
The walk to Lake esperance is for moderately fit walkers. It is a 2 hour, 3.4km return walk.
This is a good walk as it isn't to far and is quite a leisurely walk. When we first got to the national park we walked to lake esperance as the weather was not for us on this day. In fine weather you will be rewarded with views of this glacial lakes surrounded by dolerite cliffs and views of Hartz peak.
Lake esperance
It's quite a easy walk but has a slight incline most of the way you will reach an altitude of 980 meters, sturdy shoes are recommended as the path is quite muddy and slippery in parts. They have now begun to build the path up with boardwalks when we were here you could notice the park rangers were replacing some of the wood walkway with raised boardwalk. Make sure to check the weather before you head up as it has very changeable weather here.
Lake esperance with fog
The walk to Lady tarn is for moderately fit walkers. It is a 3 hour, 6 km return walk.
If just walking to the lakes I would combine both Lake esperance and Lady tarn together for a day walk.Lady Tarn also is a glacier lake and worth walking to.
Lady Tarn
The walk to Hartz Pass is for Experienced hikers. It is 3.5 hours return, 7km return walk.
It is a steep and rocky 40 meter climb to Hartz pass you will be rewarded with views of Huon Valley and south west national park and Hartz lake. You will see the views best in fine weather, reaching an altitude of 1050.
The walk to Hartz peak is for experienced hikers, I would recommend you to be physically fit as it is a steep climb to the top of Hartz peak also sturdy shoes are recommended.
It is a 5 hour, 9km return walk.
If you are up for the challenge I would recommend this hike on a clear day as you will get views of Hartz lake, south west national park and you will see all the mountain peaks in the background. Check the weather and make sure there won't be cloud covering the mountain as it will make the hike to the peak worth it. As you begin to reach the peak the trail climbs up the rocks as the path isn't too clear kind of make your own path or follow other people all the way to the top.
Views from the peak
Cockle Creek
Cockle creek is the farthest south you can drive its 148 km 2 hour drive Hobart. Here you will discover Pristine beaches, Distant Mountain peaks and walking trails. There is no services Or shops but there is plenty of free campsites to stay along the beaches. We choose to stay at catamaran campsite it was a nice place to set up camp it didn't have very level ground but perfect place to stay just off the main road and close to a boat ramp where you can kayak or take your boat out, It's not very far from a beach only about 2 km walk.
Catamaran Campsite
Once you reach the end of the road in Cockle creek it is about a 5 minute walk to the whale structure at Adams point. The structure is to resemble the history here in 1830's if your lucky you may spot a wild whale during migrant season between June and September.
South cape bay track 4-5 hours 18 km return
This track is part of the south coast track which is a 6-8 days, 83 km one way track to melaleuca. South cape bay is Australia's most southerly track and you will reach the southernmost Point of Australia at South Cape Bay.
The track starts with a slight uphill climb going over the rocks then you will go across blowhole valley along a boardwalk, the path is overgrown and isnt sign posted but the path is very clear. Once you reach the end of the path you will pass through a rainforest before coming to the cliff top where you will get views along the south coast from here its a short descent down steps to the beach.
Bring a rain jacket and wear sturdy shoes as the weather is unpredictable and the path can get muddy and rocky at times.
Fisheries Point Trail
4km 2 hour return walk.
The trail is highly recommended to take when its low tide, some of the trail disappears at high tide which makes it much more difficult. As you head towards the track there is tide times so you can plan when to go or click here to check out the tides.
The walking trail goes over the rocky headlands and along white sandy beaches with incredibly clear water, as you walk along you will be looking out to the north towards the heart of Tasmania. Make sure you keep your eyes out for dolphins, Penguins, seals and whales. As you arrive at Fisheries Point you will see ruins of the pilot station and the lighthouse. Return along the same trail back to Cockle Creek.
Duck Hole loop 4.2km 1.5hours return walk to the lake,Grade 2 The walk is mostly along a boardwalk and follows a stream through regrowth forest to the lake, which is a Flooded sinkhole now home to platypus.
