This is a walk that looks straightforward on paper but offers far more variety than you might expect. While the gradient is gentle and the track well-formed for most of the way, the length and exposure mean it’s still a full-day outing for many people.

This walk is ideal if:

This walk is ideal if you:

Want a long but technically straightforward coastal walk

Enjoy varied landscapes rather than constant big views

Curious about reaching the southern edge of Australia without committing to a multi-day hike

Like walks that feel remote but are still well-signed and accessible

Happy to take your time and explore at the destination, not just walk there and back

Best Time to Do the South Cape Bay Walk

The South Cape Bay walk can be done year-round, but conditions play a big role in how enjoyable it feels.

Late spring through early autumn generally offers the most reliable weather, longer daylight hours, and slightly calmer conditions. That said, this is the far south of Tasmania, and wind can be an issue at any time of year.

If strong winds are forecast, expect the exposed sections across the buttongrass plains — and the bay itself — to feel much more intense and potentially more challenging.

What to Expect on the South Cape Bay Walk

This is a long but gently graded walk that offers a surprising amount of variety.

Expect:

• Sheltered coastal forest and tea-tree scrub at the start

• Open buttongrass plains crossed by narrow duckboard

• Sections of dense coastal scrub with an enclosed feel

• Sandy track near the coast

• Clifftop views and a wide, exposed beach at South Cape Bay

While the walk is not technically difficult, it is long enough that fatigue can creep in, especially on the return. The interest comes from how the landscape shifts as you move south, rather than from constant big views.

Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of

Did you know?

Tasmania has only three snake species, with tiger snakes being the most likely to appear here. Lowland copperheads and white-lipped snakes are also possible. As always, give them space and keep an eye on where you place your feet.

The track to South Cape Bay is well-formed and clearly marked, but conditions vary along its length.

The forested sections are generally firm underfoot, while the buttongrass plains can feel exposed and windy. The duckboard is narrow in places and can be slippery when wet. Near the coast, sandy sections slow progress slightly.

Snakes are commonly seen along this walk in warmer months, particularly in the sheltered forest sections. Tiger snakes are the most likely ones you’ll encounter.

The short side track down to the beach is steep and rocky and should be approached with care, especially after rain. Tides and swell are also important to be aware of if you plan to spend time on the beach.

Where the South Cape Bay Walk Begins

The South Cape Bay walk begins at Cockle Creek, the end of Australia’s southernmost road — though interestingly, this walk will not take you to Australia’s most southern point, which was slightly disappointing, but still worth doing.

Given its location, you might expect this walk to be much more challenging. Instead, it starts in a very low-key manner and never really becomes overly difficult. It does traverse a surprisingly large number of different ecosystems and environments, though, which makes it feel a little longer than it actually is.

A Calm and Sheltered Start Through Coastal Forest

The first few kilometres follow a quaint boardwalk and a well-worn track through coastal woodland and tea-tree scrub. The gradient is mild, the track surface is firm, and the surrounding forest offers welcome shelter from wind and weather.

This is one of the most pleasant sections of the walk and also one of the best for wildlife spotting. Lyrebirds are frequently seen here, scratching through the leaf litter and darting across the track. Mainland Australians will know how hard lyrebirds are to spot in places like the Victorian highlands, but here in Tasmania they are much more abundant and — similar to most of the wildlife — far less afraid of humans. Snakes are also commonly encountered in this section, particularly in warmer months.

Crossing the Buttongrass Plains

Before long, the forest gives way to open buttongrass plains, and the character of the walk changes noticeably.

Here, the track crosses broad moorlands via narrow duckboard — skinny boardwalk sections just two planks wide. These raised paths are essential for protecting this slow-recovering environment and for keeping your boots at least partially dry.

This section is fully exposed and can be very windy, which is more often the case than not in this part of Tasmania. On calm days, it’s expansive and peaceful. On blustery days, it’s a reminder that you’re walking along the southern edge of the continent, with the Southern Ocean not far away.

The duckboard continues for some distance and requires a bit of attention, particularly in wet conditions. It’s not difficult, but it’s narrow enough to keep you focused.

As the Coast Draws Closer

As you approach the coastline, the walk shifts again.

The track becomes more undulating and enclosed by dense coastal scrub, at times forming a tunnel of vegetation around you.

Before long, the landscape changes again, with sand underfoot and ferns lining the track. Through breaks in the scrub, you’ll catch your first glimpses of South Cape Bay and the vast Southern Ocean beyond.

This transition is one of the highlights of the walk. The vegetation is so dense in places that it’s easy to forget just how close to the edge of the continent you are.

Standing Above the Southern Ocean

A short side track leads out onto a broad rocky platform perched above the sea cliffs, and the landscape looks and feels a little like standing on another planet.

From here, the Southern Ocean stretches uninterrupted to the horizon. There are a few rocky islands scattered offshore, but beyond that, there is nothing but water between you and Antarctica.

Down to the Beach at South Cape Bay

A narrow side track marked by cairns leads down to the beach via a steep, rock-cut staircase. It’s short but requires care, particularly if conditions are damp. If tides and conditions allow, you can wander along one of Australia’s southernmost beaches.

At certain times of year, the sand can be scattered with thousands of bluebottle jellyfish, washed ashore after strong winds and shifting currents. It was quite shocking to see at first — so many small blue bubbles littering the sand that they popped and crackled under our feet as we walked.

I would not recommend swimming here — jellyfish or not. Waves, undertow, and strong winds make this a dangerous place. However, it’s fantastic for beachcombing and exploring, so leave yourself plenty of time to wander.

Crossing Paths With Long-Distance Walkers

As you explore the bay, you’ll likely pass hikers emerging from tracks to the west. These are walkers completing the final day of the South Coast Track, a remote 6–8 day journey through Southwest National Park.

South Cape Bay marks the endpoint of that long wilderness route, which means day walkers briefly share the landscape with people who’ve been living out of their packs for a week or more.