Best trails in Southwest National Park

4.3(2,317 reviews)

Australia
:
#82 of 637 national parks

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.

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Trail reviews for Southwest National Park

3,296 trailgoers Busiest in January

Sheila Doyle

Feb 9, 2025·Hiking

It is a relatively easy 14k hike mostly on duckboard. The last section to the lake is uphill but extremely doable. The weather and views on the hike were absolutely stunning. It was very hot and sunny (29 degrees), unusual for Southwest National Park. Took roughly 4h 45 minutes in total to the start and back.

Conditions: Great!

Lake Judd Trail

Pika Pika

Aug 27, 2025

Not crowdedGreat views

Probably the best easy hike in Southwest. Amazing views all the way up but with muddy and steep sections. Weather changes quickly and get prepared

The Needles Track

James Delaney

Dec 22, 2024·Hiking

Good views

The South Coast Track: A Grim Excursion The fickleness of Tasmanian weather rendered flights from the 23rd onwards a hopeless endeavour. Left with little choice, I resolved to walk from Cockle Creek to Melaleuca, clinging to the faint hope of finding a flight there. What followed was a journey marked by discomfort, folly, and the occasional glimpse of beauty. Day 1: Cockle Creek to South Cape Rivulet The journey began innocently enough, a gentle hike under reasonable conditions. A late start meant progress was modest, but the campsite at South Cape Rivulet was pleasing—a serene and scenic spot. It might have been a promising start if not for the ominous clouds of Tasmanian reality gathering on the horizon. Day 2: South Cape Rivulet to Granite Beach This was where the illusion of adventure gave way to unmitigated misery. The track devolved into a vast bog, an endless march through knee-deep mud that stretched for ten torturous kilometres. The uphill slogs felt like a descent into Mordor itself, bereft of anything resembling hope or reprieve. By the time I reached Granite Beach, I was too weary to fully appreciate its picturesque setting. All that mattered was that it was not a swamp. Day 3: Granite Beach to Prion Boats The third day’s trials were a study in endurance. The path demanded countless scrambles over and under fallen trees, a relentless and fatiguing obstacle course that left me drained. While the mud persisted, it was mercifully less abundant than the previous day, though my spirits remained mired in it. Day 4: Prion Boats to Lower Ironbound Camp Forewarned of worsening weather, I pressed on to gain elevation, anticipating that the climb ahead would be a challenge. The day began with a hint of warmth, a cruel joke played by the Tasmanian summer. By afternoon, howling winds and a southwesterly squall shattered any pretense of comfort. Rain lashed the camp through the night, a grim lullaby for my weary body. Day 5: Lower Ironbound Camp to Louisa River This was a day to test both resolve and reason. The ascent began with a flowing creek masquerading as a track, the terrain a treacherous blend of mud and fallen trees. Near the summit, blizzard conditions set in, and temperatures plummeted into the realm of genuine danger. Crossing the plateau was an exercise in survival, with 100km/h winds, sleet, and hail battering me from all sides. The descent, though easier in comparison, offered little solace, with the relentless rain and mud following me like a curse. By the time I reached Louisa River, I was soaked, freezing, and utterly spent. Day 6: Louisa Creek to Melaleuca I awoke to a desolate scene: hail carpeting the ground and a thunderstorm rolling ominously overhead. After a sleepless night, I packed my sodden gear and set out for the final 24 kilometres, driven by the promise of a dry hut at Melaleuca. The track was easier to navigate but no less wretched under the unrelenting rain. When I finally arrived, drenched and chilled to the bone, it was less a triumph than a desperate escape. Reflections Tasmania offers no such thing as summer. This track is a venture for only the supremely fit, resilient, and well-prepared. The trail itself is an affront to civility—poorly maintained and rendered nearly impassable by the ceaseless traffic of unprepared walkers, many inspired more by social media than by any understanding of the terrain. It is a track where mistakes are unforgiving, as evidenced by the tragic deaths of three hikers this week alone. Parks Tasmania must take responsibility for these conditions, introducing emergency huts in critical locations and addressing the risks posed by the increasing popularity of the walk. The South Coast Track is not a pursuit for the faint-hearted or ill-equipped. It demands fitness, experience, and a generous dose of luck with the weather. For those without these, the track offers only the prospect of hardship—or worse.

Conditions: Bugs, Muddy, Overgrown, Snow, Icy, Dusty

Parking: Permit required, Free, Large lot

Difficulty: Strenuous

South Coast Track: Full Walk

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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 4.5 star rating from 417 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 97.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Southwest National Park?

There are 76 trails in Southwest National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 2,317 AllTrails community reviews.

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

If you're looking for elevation gain, Southwest National Park has you covered. Western Arthur Range Traverse: Huon River to Picton River boasts the most elevation gain with 33,717 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Western Arthur Range Traverse, which will get you 24,934 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Southwest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 47 camping trails in Southwest National Park and the most popular is South Cape Bay Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 417 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Southwest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 running trails in Southwest National Park and the most popular is Lake Skinner Track with an average 4.2 star rating from 88 community reviews.