South Coast Track

The South Coast Track is typically completed in 6 to 8 days one way. The route is about 83.35 km long with roughly 2,775 m of elevation gain, and the combination of distance, mud, river crossings, and remote coastal terrain makes it a difficult multi-day walk.

The South Coast Track runs between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek in Southwest National Park. Most walkers start at Melaleuca and finish at Cockle Creek because access to Melaleuca is usually by light plane or private boat, while Cockle Creek can be reached by road from the Hobart and Geeveston direction.

Yes. The South Coast Track can be walked in either direction, so it is possible to start at Cockle Creek and hike west toward Melaleuca. That said, many parties choose to fly into Melaleuca and walk out to Cockle Creek because flight pickups can be weather dependent, while the Cockle Creek end has road access.

The South Coast Track is considered difficult and is generally better suited to experienced backpackers. It covers 83.35 km with about 2,775 m of climbing, and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife notes that its remote location, river crossings, and challenging geography make it a walk for experienced walkers.

No. The South Coast Track is in Southwest National Park, and dogs and other pets are generally not allowed in Tasmania’s national parks and reserves. Dogs may be permitted on lead in some nearby recreation areas around Cockle Creek, but not on the South Coast Track itself.

The most popular time to hike the South Coast Track is the warmer summer period, when seasonal transport to Cockle Creek also operates more frequently. Even then, Tasmania’s southwest can see wild wind, heavy rain, sleet, and sudden temperature changes, so conditions on this track can be severe in any season.

Cockle Creek is reached by road south of Hobart via Geeveston, following the A6 and then the C635 and C636; the final section is rough gravel but is generally manageable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. Melaleuca has no road access and is reached directly by light plane or private boat.