Southport Lagoon Conservation Area                 

Southport Lagoon
(Photo by Andrew D. Short)

Lying approximately 80km south of Hobart the 4,280 hectare Southport Lagoon Conservation Area possesses a wide diversity of significant natural, cultural and recreational values. 

The area combines a rich history with a unique natural heritage. The area is the type locality for a large number of Tasmania’s unique native plants - an area, like Botany Bay, from which a large proportion of the Australian flora was first collected, described and named.

The area is enjoyed by visitors who engage in a wide variety of recreational activities, from boating and fishing, camping and kayaking, to bird watching and bushwalking.

Many four wheel drive enthusiasts are drawn to the area, which in the past has resulted in considerable environmental damage. However, current management of the Conservation Area aims to provide better protection for the significant natural and cultural values by halting the environmental damage that has occurred as a result of uncontrolled use of recreational vehicles. To facilitate the continued enjoyment of the area by recreational vehicle drivers, an alternative access road has been built via the Lagoon Track, which provides a high clearance four wheel drive track to the north-west section of the lagoon.