THE LIONS CAPE
South-West World Heritage Area, Southern Tasmania
Difficulty
Level 2: Playing Wilder
DISTANCE
→ 22.1km
ASCENT / DESCENT
↑ 240m ↓ 240
ROUTE STYLE
OUT & BACK
The geodiversity of the Wellington Range provides the physical foundation for the landscape, ecosystems and character of Wellington Park and rationale for selecting this exciting route.
Vistas down Snake Plains; a majestic river crossing; a steep climb to Cathedral Rock; ups and downs on the Montagu Thumbs; leaping Wellington Falls; and the finale - rock hopping the Potato Fields.
The south coast of Tasmania brews wilder waves that smother jagged rocks and vast sandy beaches. Vegetation grows abundant, dense and curved into the southerly winds that whip the region. Be prepared for your breath to be stolen by the elements... and the views!
The South Coast Track is understandably one of Tasmania’s premier wilderness walks. We have targeted a more accessible and spectacular section of the trail, achievable for most individuals with some preparation. You will venture from Cockle Creek, a popular local camping spot on Australia's most southern road, heading first through forest and then across wide-open button grasslands to South Cape Bay.
Here sweeping views of the windswept beach and Lion Rock await you. If you choose to, you will continue on the South Coast Track to South Cape Rivulet, a quiet retreat on this vast coastline that is continuously buffeted by the Southern Ocean.
-
Begin at the Cockle Creek trail head, a popular local swimming, fishing and camping spot for locals. Don't forget to sign-in at the hiker's logbook.
-
Meander south-west along the South Coast Track towards South Cape Bay. The trail will first pass through Eucalyptus forest before opening onto wide plains where views to the western mountain ranges can be seen. Also, glance to the east for a view of South East Cape, the most southerly point of island Tasmania.
-
Follow the route West along sandy cobble beaches and rocky foreshores to the South Cape Bay Campsite.
-
Start a long steep climb as you approach Lion Rock which persists upward as you continue to the headland of “Coal Bluff”.
-
Then down the other side to enjoy 500m of beautiful flat beach before climbing up and over another smaller headland to your turnaround point at South Cape Rivulet.
-
Take a break, enjoying a VERY refreshing swim and explore the rivulet. It is a beautiful place for a picnic too!
-
Return home via exactly the same route. On a blue-sky day Cockle Creek's calm cove will certainly entice you for another swim!
-
Toilets Yes - at the trail head
Water Not that we would recommend drinking. Please bring your own.
Parking Yes - at the trail head
Services The closest services are located at Dover on the drive to Cockle Creek. This is approximately 60-minutes drive.
Phone coverage NoneTerrain Undulating trails through Eucalyptus forests, button grass plains and coastal dunes to South Cape Bay. Then more technical trails and beaches to South Cape Rivulet.
Approx. Duration 4 - 6hrs
FIND YOUR FEET
© 2024 Wilder Trails by Find Your Feet Australia
CONTACT US