This walk doesn’t rely on big views or dramatic landscapes, but instead offers a lush and engaging walk through rainforest that feels long enough in distance to be satisfying without too much effort.

This walk is ideal if:

Want a shorter rainforest walk that still feels complete

Enjoy noticing small details rather than chasing viewpoints

Are interested in Tasmania’s karst landscapes

Prefer well-defined tracks with the option to extend further

Want a walk that works well in light rain or overcast conditions

At less than 5km long, you can complete this walk in around an hour, but if you love exploring the forest floor for mushrooms, mosses and fungi, you’ll likely find yourself spending longer out here. It’s also a walk that introduces you to a lesser-known part of Tasmania’s far south. This region feels remote and removed from towns, and civilisation in general, but is less than 2 hours from Hobart! 

What to Expect on the Duckhole Lake Walk

This walk is all about getting immersed in the rainforest, and of course, learning about the lake (which is actually a sinkhole!)

Expect:

• Lush regrowth forest with dense understorey

• A track that follows a dark, tannin-stained creek

• Frequent fungi, mosses, ferns, and small cascades

• Evidence of historic forestry activity along the route

• A dark, still lake revealed only at the end of the track

The terrain is very easy going, and the track is well shaded, but gets extremely muddy in sections. The lake at the end of the track is still, deep and beautiful, but somewhat overgrown, so accessing the water can be difficult!

Best Time to Walk to Duckhole Lake

Duckhole Lake can be walked year-round, but conditions vary noticeably with the seasons.

Autumn and spring are particularly good, with reliable water flow in the creek and plenty of fungi appearing along the track. Spring often brings fresh growth in the forest, while autumn adds colour and texture to the leaf litter.

Winter increases the likelihood of mud and waterlogged sections, though the walk remains manageable with appropriate footwear. Summer can be drier, but the forest canopy provides good shade, and the creek remains a strong feature.

Rain doesn’t ruin this walk — in fact, it often enhances it — but be prepared for slippery sections and leeches after wet weather.

Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of

The track is generally well-defined and easy to follow, but conditions are consistently damp.

Large sections of the walk run alongside Creekton Rivulet, a creek stained a distinctive dark brown by tannins leaching from surrounding vegetation. These organic acids give the water its cola-like colour and are common in Tasmania’s southern forests.

Leeches are common, particularly after rain and in warmer months. Long pants and covered footwear are a sensible choice, especially if you plan to stop and look closely at plants and fungi near the track edge.

The short climb near the end of the walk is steeper and can be slippery. Take care on the return, especially if the track is wet.

Walking Through Regrowth Rainforest

From the trailhead, the track immediately deposits you into the forest.

The walk follows the line of Creekton Rivulet, weaving through dense regrowth rainforest that feels well-established and active. The forest floor is littered with life - many various mushroom are found among the leaf litter, and mosses coat all the fallen logs.

This is a good walk for anyone who enjoys paying attention to the ground as much as what’s ahead. Small cascades and trickles appear frequently along the creek, adding sound and movement to the experience. If you love macro photography, this is a good walk to bring your camera on.

What’s in a Name?

Duckhole Lake is, technically speaking, a flooded sinkhole.

It formed in karst terrain connected to an extensive limestone and dolomite cave system. Nearby Hastings Caves are part of this same network, though Duckhole Lake itself has very limited surface drainage.

Water likely enters and exits the lake through subterranean channels — a defining feature of karst landscapes. While it’s still referred to as a lake, this geological context helps explain its depth, colour, and distinctive feel.

A Track With a Working Past

Much of the track follows the route of a late nineteenth-century sawmill tramway, once used to haul timber out of the forest. If you look carefully, you can still spot old metal hardware and remnants of infrastructure embedded in the ground or partially hidden by vegetation.

Today, you’ll notice the effort of logging on the drive to this trailhead, with much of the surrounding land currently being felled. However, this section, and the greater Southwest National Park is now protected land.

The Final Approach to Duckhole Lake

Around two kilometres in, the track climbs slightly before opening into a clearing at the edge of Duckhole Lake.

The lake remains hidden until you are practically on top of it. The forest pushes right up to the waterline, making water access difficult. It is unclear whether you can swim here. There is nothing to say you can’t, so proceed with caution - lakes this deep and still definitely give me the creeps a little!

There’s a small viewing platform set back from the water, which makes a good place to stop for a break or picnic. There’s no track that circles the water, the platform is the best spot to view the lake from.

Hike Log Book

Distance: 4.89 km
Total Time: 01:39:33
Time Moving: 01:14:00
Elevation: 112 m – 156 m (↑72 m / ↓71 m)

This information was recorded using our own tracking devices. Actual distances and times will vary.

Exploring Further From Duckhole Lake

If you’re looking to extend your walk, the Creekton Falls Track continues north from the main route.

This extension roughly doubles the distance and increases the challenge. The track is less maintained, often muddy, and requires some bushbashing. Along the way, you’ll encounter a series of cascades leading to a waterfall around 50 metres high.

This option suits experienced walkers who are comfortable with rougher conditions and slower progress.

Crossing Paths With Long-Distance Walkers

The Duckhole Lake walk sits in a lovely middle ground for a short walk. It is long enough to feel like a proper walk, but short enough to be engaging and enjoyable, especially for a rainforest walk. Whether you stop at the lake or push on to Creekton Falls, it’s a walk that rewards attention rather than endurance.

For anyone wanting a solid introduction to Tasmania’s southern forests — and to its hidden karst landscapes — Duckhole Lake is an excellent place to start!