Southwest Tasmania Travel Guide

Southwest Tasmania is one of the most remote, untouched and spectacular wilderness regions in Australia. Home to towering mountains, ancient rainforests, glacial lakes, powerful rivers and dramatic coastlines, the region forms a significant part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Unlike other parts of Tasmania, Southwest Tasmania remains largely undeveloped, allowing visitors to experience some of the world’s oldest natural landscapes almost exactly as they have existed for thousands of years.

Whether you’re seeking breathtaking scenery, engineering marvels, wilderness adventures or peaceful escapes into nature, Southwest Tasmania offers unforgettable experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Where Is Southwest Tasmania?

Southwest Tasmania occupies the remote south-west corner of the island and extends from the Huon Valley towards the Southern Ocean.

The region includes:

Gordon Dam
Lake Pedder
Lake Gordon
Southwest National Park
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
Hartz Mountains National Park
Cockle Creek
Tahune Adventures

Most visitors access the region via Hobart before travelling through the Huon Valley.

Why Visit Southwest Tasmania?

Southwest Tasmania is ideal for travellers wanting to experience Tasmania’s wildest landscapes.

Visitors come for:

Ancient wilderness
Massive lakes
National parks
Scenic drives
Hiking
Wildlife
Photography
Engineering landmarks
Thermal springs
Remote camping

It is one of Australia’s greatest wilderness destinations.

Southwest National Park

Southwest National Park is Tasmania’s largest national park and covers more than 600,000 hectares of protected wilderness.

Visitors can discover:

Ancient rainforests
Mountain ranges
Wild rivers
Remote walking tracks
Aboriginal heritage
Rare wildlife

The park forms one of the largest temperate wilderness areas remaining on Earth.

Gordon Dam

Standing 140 metres high, Gordon Dam is Australia’s tallest arch dam.

Built as part of Tasmania’s hydroelectric network, the curved concrete wall towers above the Gordon River and Lake Gordon.

Visitors can:

Walk across the dam wall
Admire spectacular views
Learn about hydroelectric engineering
Photograph one of Tasmania’s most impressive landmarks

It remains one of Tasmania’s greatest engineering achievements.

Lake Gordon

Lake Gordon is Australia’s largest freshwater storage by volume.

The immense lake stretches across the south-west wilderness and supplies water to Tasmania’s hydroelectric system.

Its remote location makes it perfect for:

Boating
Fishing
Photography
Scenic drives

Lake Pedder

Lake Pedder is one of Tasmania’s most famous inland lakes.

Surrounded by mountains and wilderness, the lake offers opportunities for:

Kayaking
Boating
Camping
Wildlife viewing
Stargazing

The peaceful environment attracts photographers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs

Located within lush forest south of Huonville, Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs combines underground exploration with relaxation.

Visitors can enjoy:

Guided cave tours
Thermal swimming pool
Forest walks
Picnic areas
Native wildlife

The attraction is one of Tasmania’s most unique family-friendly experiences.

Cockle Creek

Cockle Creek marks the southernmost point in Australia accessible by road.

This peaceful coastal destination offers:

Beach walks
Camping
Fishing
Birdwatching
Access to the South Coast Track

The surrounding wilderness creates an unforgettable sense of remoteness.

Hartz Mountains National Park

Hartz Mountains National Park protects alpine landscapes, glacial lakes and ancient forests.

Popular activities include:

Hartz Peak Walk
Lake Osborne Track
Waterfall viewing
Snow experiences
Wildlife photography

The park provides spectacular views across Tasmania’s south-west wilderness.

Tahune Adventures

Tahune Adventures is famous for the spectacular Tahune AirWalk.

Visitors can experience:

Elevated forest canopy walk
Swinging bridges
Huon River views
Giant eucalypts
Family-friendly walking trails

It is one of South Tasmania’s most popular nature attractions.

Wildlife in Southwest Tasmania

Wildlife thrives throughout the region.

Visitors may encounter:

Tasmanian Devils
Wombats
Wallabies
Platypus
Echidnas
Sea Eagles
Wedge-tailed Eagles

Many native species are regularly seen throughout national parks and reserves.

Best Scenic Drives

Gordon River Road

A spectacular journey through forests to Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder.

Huon Valley Touring Route

One of Tasmania’s most scenic drives through rivers, forests and orchards.

Cockle Creek Drive

A memorable drive to Australia’s southernmost road-accessible point.

Best Time to Visit Southwest Tasmania

Summer (December to February)

Excellent for hiking, camping and road trips.

Autumn (March to May)

Cool temperatures and beautiful wilderness scenery.

Winter (June to August)

Snow on mountain peaks and dramatic landscapes.

Spring (September to November)

Waterfalls, wildflowers and active wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Southwest Tasmania worth visiting?

Absolutely. It offers some of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness and natural attractions.

How many days should I spend in Southwest Tasmania?

Three to five days is recommended to experience the region’s highlights.

What is Southwest Tasmania most famous for?

Gordon Dam, Lake Pedder, Southwest National Park and Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness.

Can you drive through Southwest Tasmania?

Yes. Several scenic roads provide access to the region’s major attractions, although many wilderness areas remain accessible only by walking or boat.

Discover Southwest Tasmania

Southwest Tasmania represents the wild soul of the island. Towering dams, alpine mountains, remote lakes and ancient rainforests combine to create one of Australia’s most remarkable landscapes. Whether you’re standing atop Gordon Dam, exploring Hastings Caves, hiking through Hartz Mountains National Park or watching the sunset at Cockle Creek, Southwest Tasmania delivers unforgettable adventures far from the ordinary.