South Coast and Port Davey
Please note: The Port Davey and South Coast Tracks are challenging walks in a region of Tasmania exposed to harsh weather conditions. There are no huts along the tracks. Walkers must be fully self-sufficient, well-equipped and experienced.
New Harbour
New River Lagoon
These walking tracks lie entirely within the Southwest National Park and take you through the heart of over 600 000 hectares of wild, inspiring country. They are more remote than some other walks in Tasmania, such as the Overland Track. It is recommended that you gain experience on other Tasmanian walking tracks before attempting them, as you will be a long way from help should you need it.
The 70 km Port Davey Track is used by walkers between Scotts Peak Road and Melaleuca, while the 85 km South Coast Track is used by walkers between Cockle Creek and Melaleuca. There are no roads to Melaleuca, so walkers must either fly, sail or walk in and out.
Most people take about 6 to 8 days to complete the South Coast Track, depending upon time spent enjoying the beaches. Walkers should note that the track surface may be rough and muddy over extended sections.
Most people take about 4 to 5 days to complete the Port Davey Track and can either fly out at Melaleuca or continue along the South Coast Track to Cockle Creek, a further 6-8 days walk. The Port Davey Track has some steep and muddy sections.
When to walk
Most people walk during the warmer months from December to March, but walkers must be prepared for cold winds and heavy rain at any time of year. Check the latest weather forecast before starting your trip.
It’s possible (but not advisable) to walk the track in winter, or alone, as long as you have good equipment, thorough experience and are well prepared. However, walking in winter and alone is definitely not advised.
What to bring
It's essential to have a good tent, large waterproof raincoat, warm sleeping bag, sleeping mat, fuel stove (the whole area is a Fuel Stove Only area), thermal top & leggings, a fleecy or woollen jumper, warm hat, broad-brimmed sunhat, map, water bottle, large strong plastic bag to waterproof the inside of your pack, gaiters and worn-in boots. It’s also essential to carry a trowel, for digging a toilet hole for faecal waste only.
A full gear check list can be found in our Essential Bushwalking Guide.
Maps
The double-sided 1:100,000 scale map called 'South Coast Walks' is the best for the South Coast Track and the Port Davey Track. It shows all tracks, huts, landing strips, plus text on walking notes, heritage and safety information. You can get the map from outdoor gear shops, and online at TasMap.
The most comprehensive and up to date walking guide is John Chapman’s South West Tasmania, 1998.
Access to the start of the track
Because plane flights are weather dependent, most people walk west to east (Melaleuca to Cockle Creek). Plane companies operate flights to Melaleuca by light plane, to/from Cambridge Airport near Hobart Airport. There are 2 companies:
Private vehicles may be left at Scotts Peak or at Cockle Creek. Walkers are warned, however, that some vehicles parked in remote locations have been robbed or vandalised.
From Hobart, buses occassionally travel to and from Cockle Creek. Visitors wishing to use public transport or tours to access the walking track should visit our web page on Access to Tasmania's National Parks, Reserves and Walking Tracks.
At Scotts Peak the Port Davey Track starts adjacent to the Huon Campground and at Melaleuca it starts from the northern end of the airstrip.
Accomodation near the start of the track
There is no formal accomodation at Cockle Creek, Melaleuca or Scotts Peak. Walkers must be self sufficient and able to camp at the start of the track. There is a camping ground at Cockle Creek and at Scotts Peak (the Huon Campground).
Facilities at Melaleuca include two bushwalkers huts, a toilet and a rainwater tank. There is a small shelter at the airstrip at Melaleuca. From the airstrip, a short path leads to the Deny King Memorial Hide, which offers visitors the opportunity to see the highly endangered orange-bellied parrot during the summer months. The hide has plenty of information on this and other birds in the area.
Fees and permits
You are required to pay a fee and have a pass before entering a National Park (e.g. before flying to Melaleuca). The most convenient pass for these walks is the Backpacker Pass. This pass is valid for all National Parks for a period of two months.
If you are unable to purchase this pass in person from park centres and selected retail outlets such as Service Tasmania, please download an “Application Form for Park Passes – Holiday (up to eight weeks)” from our website and forward it, with payment, to the Park Entry Section AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE DATE. A pass will be posted out to you. Updated information on park entry fees can be obtained from the Parks and Wildlife Service on (03) 6233 2621. Information on park entry fees can be found online.
There is no permit or booking system for the Southcoast Track.
Walker registration
For your safety please record your trip intentions in the registration book (near the start of your walk). Your entry may save your life should you become lost or overdue. There are registration booths with log books at Cockle Creek, Melaleuca, and Scotts Peak Dam. Accurate log book information also provides the statistical basis for proper management of the area. Please remember to sign out at the end of your walk.
The books are not checked regularly and a search will only be mounted if someone else reports you as being overdue. So, leave details of your trip with a reliable friend or relative. Be sure to advise this person when you have completed your trip.
Huts and camping
The Southwest National Park is a wilderness area. There are no walkers huts along the South Coast or Port Davey tracks. The only huts are at Melaleuca. Very basic accommodation for 20 people is provided in the two huts at Melaleuca. Water and mattresses are available but there are no cooking facilities so bring a fuel stove.
The recommended campsites for the South Coast Track are Cockle Creek, South Cape Rivulet, Granite Beach (east), Surprise Bay, New River Lagoon Boat Crossing, Deadmans Bay, Louisa River, Point Eric and Melaleuca.
The recommended campsites for the Port Davey Track are Huon River Campground at Scotts Peak, Junction Creek, Crossing River, Spring River, Bathurst Narrows and Melaleuca
Walking times
Walk times given are what the average walker would expect to travel in good conditions. If you are new to bushwalking or the weather conditions deteriorate you can expect to travel for longer times.
Port Davey Track
- Scotts Peak to Junction Creek - 3 hours
- Junction Creek to Watershed Camp - 8 hours
- Watershed Camp to Spring River - 5 hours
- Spring River to Melaleuca - 10 hours
South Coast Track
- Melaleuca to Cox Bight - 4 hours
- Cox Bight to Louisa River - 6 hours
- Louisa River to Deadmans Bay - 10 hours
- Deadmans Bay to New River Lagoon - 4 hours
- New River Lagoo to Granite Beach- 5 hours
- Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet- 7 hours
- South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek- 4 hours
Track conditions
When crossing the Ironbound Range, note in one day the track goes from sea level to 1000 m above sea level, and back down again. It’s a very full day. Start from the campsite right at the base of the Ironbounds. The South Cape Range is half as high as the Ironbound Range, but equally difficult. It's a rough and muddy track. Start from the nearest campsite and expect a full day. Note that there's no creeks for most of the Ironbound Range and the South Cape Range.
There is no reliable fresh water at the campsite at New River Lagoon crossing. Most other creeks marked on the map are big enough to be flowing even in the driest time of summer.
If you want to visit Osmiridium Beach, be aware that the turnoff is not obvious and many people walk past it. Look for a little path meeting the track.
At South Cape Bay, there’s no track down to South East Cape (the southernmost point of the continent.) There’s no point leaving the South Coast Track to reach it as it’s an impassable coastline. When walking along narrow or rocky beaches at high tide, beware of large wave swells.
Boat Crossings
There are two crossings that require walkers to use small boats. These are the New River Lagoon and the Bathurst Narrows. Extreme caution is needed when making these crossings, particularly in windy weather. Do not cross the Narrows when the wind or the tidal surges make the seas rough. You should carry a couple of days extra food to allow for delays.
When you row across New River Lagoon you will find a boat on each side. Please leave a boat secured on each side, with oars, for the next person. If you're alone, you may find the passage difficult as the boats are quite heavy for one person to drag across the sand to secure to the cables. If alone, consider waiting till high tide so there’s less distance to drag the boats.
Be aware that the outlet of New River Lagoon may not be as the map shows, as the river shifts its course across the shifting sand dunes. There may be temporary signs to show you a new route.
Water
Running water along the track is safe to drink. Beware that what appears to be freshwater on a map may turn out to be brackish if close to the sea. Take special care to keep water supplies clean, particularly around the campsites. Always wash 50 m away from streams and lakes and avoid using soaps and detergents. Don't throw food scraps into streams or estuaries.
Toilets
A composting toilet has been installed at Scotts Peak and there is a pit toilet at Melaleuca. To ensure efficient operation please follow the instructions provided. All other recommended campsites on the South Coast have pit toilets. In areas away from toilets, faecal waste must be buried 100 m away from any watercourses or campsites. Carry a lightweight trowel in your pack, dig a hole 15 cm deep and bury your waste and toilet paper. Cover it well so that animals will not dig it up.
Fuel stove only area
Wildfires have damaged parts of the Southwest National Park. Please carry and use a fuel stove. A Fuel Stove Only Area has been declared over the whole of the Ironbound Range due to the sensitive alpine vegetation and along the section of track from Cockle Creek to South Cape Rivulet. Fines can be imposed for lighting fires in these areas.
Most campsites in the southwest are on peat soils. A campfire lit on peat can burn down into the soil and remain smouldering for months. The next hot weather can cause a flare up. It is illegal to light fires on peat anywhere in the state.
Walk softly
Keep on track
Try to minimise your impact with every step you take. Always walk in the centre of the track and be prepared to walk through the mud - attempting to skirt bogs only makes them bigger and causes more environmental damage. It is also usually quicker to walk straight through.
When walking on beaches, please be aware that you are sharing the beach with shore-nesting birds such as the endangered Fairy Tern and the rare Little Tern, as well as other species whose populations are declining. Shorebirds nest from early September to late March. Please walk below the high tide mark.
Group size
Keep your party size to less than 6 people to minimise social and environmental disturbance. Large groups can be difficult to accommodate at campsites and have greater social and environmental impact.
Phytophthora root rot
Phytophthora cinnamomi is a fungus that kills many of our native plants. It is known to exist at Scotts Peak, Melaleuca and other locations on the two tracks. Mud and soil, which is carried on vehicles, boots, gaiters and toilet trowels, helps to spread the disease.To prevent in fecting new areas boots and all gear that comes in contact with the soil should be cleaned of any mud or dirt prior to your walk. You should also wash your boots at each significant stream crossing. If you come across a washdown station please follow the directions.
For futher details see our Phytophthora root rot pages
Campsites
Carry something for collecting water so as to limit the number of trips that need to be made for water (a well rinsed, empty wine cask bladder is recommended). Do not dig drains around tents.
Dishwashing
Try using just hot water and a scourer to clean plates and cookware. Despite their name, biodegradable products still impact on water-life. Dish washing should be done 50 metres away from water and the waste water scattered.
Keep Wildlife Wild
The smell of food will encourage native animals to raid your pack, rattle your cookware and riffle through your rubbish. All food, rubbish and packaging should be sealed within 2 bags. Wrap food in a plastic bag and then store in a larger stuff sack. At night stow your food bag securely in your packs.
Do not feed animals. Processed food is not part of their natural diet and, in some cases, can lead to the death of native animals.
Rubbish
All rubbish must be carried out with you. Rubbish includes cigarette butts and leftover food. Used sanitary pads, tampons, condoms and baby nappies are also items of litter and must be carried out.
For more information on walking softly, please read our Essential Bushwalking Guide and Trip Planner.
Walk safely
Most of the coast is exposed to cold, wet, southerly winds. Rain falls on average every second day during summer and more often in other seasons. On the South Coast Track, the Ironbound Range rises to 900 m where the weather can change rapidly. A warm sunny day can quickly turn to a day of high winds, hail, sleet and snow - even in summer. Walkers should be fit and prepared for a long days walk (up to 10 hours) as there are no campsites on the Ironbounds.
At times of heavy seas and high tides, some rocky sections of the South Coast Track can be unexpectedly inundated by ocean waves. Particular care needs to be taken at Granite Beach and the unnamed bluff on the eastern beach at Cox Bight.
Streams along the coast that should not be crossed when high are the:
- South Cape Rivulet
- Louisa River
- Faraway Creek
On the Port Davey Track rivers that should not be crossed when high are the:
- Crossing River
- Spring River
Spotting a snake can be common along both the Port Davey and South Coast tracks. Snakes are shy animals and will usually get out of a walker's way rather than attack. Wearing sturdy boots and a pair of gaiters will protect your lower legs. Most bites occur when people try to kill snakes (this is illegal). If a bite occurs keep the person at rest, lying down. Do not wash or cut the bitten area. Apply a firm pressure bandage (not a tourniquet) from the bite site, all the way down the limb then back up the limb. Death from snakebite is very uncommon. You do not need to catch or identify the snake as the same antivenom is used for all snake bites.
It is always wise to carry a first aid kit.
For detailed information on planning your walk and a gear checklist, see our Essential Bushwalking Guide & Trip Planner.
More information
For information on overnight walking in Tasmania, including what to take, what situations to be prepared for and where to get more detailed information see the
Essential Bushwalking Guide webpages.
Coast Walks, Map and Notes; 1:100 000 Topographic - Old River, SW Cape and SE Cape Tasmap is invaluable. Maps can be ordered online through TasMap.
The park office at Huonville has up to date information on the South Coast Track.