Tasmania is home to an abundance of lush natural landscapes, but these aren’t always the easiest to access. Nowhere is this more evident than in the remote southwest of this island state, where wild coastlines, ancient rainforests and vast protected wilderness remain largely untouched. From the mirror-like beauty of the Gordon River to the windswept trails near Port Davey and beyond, this corner of the island offers experiences that feel truly off the map.
For those willing to venture into the region, the rewards are extraordinary — scenic river cruises, quiet forest walks, dramatic coastal hikes and legendary multi-day treks. Here are five incredible things to do in Tasmania to experience its wild southwest.
Cruise on Gordon River
Gordon River Cruises are synonymous with Strahan. These award-winning cruises reveal one of the most extraordinary corners of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Tasmanian wilderness — where tannin-rich waters create mirror-like reflections and ancient rainforests crowd the riverbanks.
A River Gordon cruise in Strahan often includes a guided visit to the haunting ruins of the former penal settlement at Sarah Island that was once one of the harshest convict stations in the region. A pitstop at Heritage Landing offers a rainforest walk where you’ll encounter towering Huon pines — some more than 2000 years old! These cruises from Strahan on Gordon River are an immersive journey through Tasmania’s natural and historical heritage and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hike Up Mt. Milner in Port Davey
The Mt. Milner hike in Port Davey is an easy-to-moderate two-hour return walk that begins from a small beach at Bramble Cove. Climbing about 186 metres through low coastal scrub, the trail offers plenty to spot along the way — from native flora and fauna to notable landmarks pointed out by your guide, with regular stops to catch your breath and capture the scenery.
Though short, the hike rewards you with sweeping views across Bathurst Narrows, the entrance to Port Davey, the rugged Breaksea Islands and the vast Southern Ocean beyond, making it a favourite among the top things to do in Tasmania that reveal its wilderness and beauty. The region is also known for its unusual geography, where a layer of tannin-rich freshwater sits above the saltwater — a fascinating reminder of just how wild and unique this part of Tassie really is.
Walk To Duckhole Lake
The Duckhole Lake walk is an easy forest stroll through the lush wilderness of Southwest National Park. Much of this walk is along raised boardwalks that wind through dense greenery. The lake forms part of a fascinating regional cave and karst system that also includes the nearby Hastings Caves, making it as geologically intriguing as it is peaceful. It’s the perfect place to pause, listen to birds and frogs and enjoy a quiet picnic in the heart of the wilderness.
The track follows a late 19th-century sawmill tramway, with remnants still visible along the route. And, if you’re up for extending the adventure, continue on the longer trail toward Creekton Falls — a striking 50m waterfall that truly adds to the journey and perfectly wraps it up.
Hike To South Cape Bay
For a real taste of the wild southwest, take on this delightful extended walk. Get off from the southern-most road in Australia and start your walk in the Southwest Conserve Area through woodland, open bush and the plains from Cockle Creek till you reach the top of the cliff. From there, you’ll gaze out towards South Cape, Australia’s southernmost point, as the howl of the wind and the roar of the Southern Ocean steal your breath away.
If conditions allow, take the steps to the beach below and admire the might of the ocean. Wander along the sand and cobble shore toward Lion Rock, keeping an eye out for the curious treasures the wild ocean sometimes leaves behind. You never know, you might even find a little something to take home as a reminder of your day well spent.
Trek the South Coast Track
Walkers of the South Coast Track of Tasmania experience a side of this state that even many locals never see. This demanding 6–8 day trek stretches roughly 85 kilometres between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek, weaving in and out of the state’s rugged southern coastline. Along the way, hikers traverse windswept beaches, scramble across rocky headlands, climb forested ridges and trudge through muddy buttongrass plains — all within the remote wilderness of Southwest National Park.
That said, this is no casual walk. The South Coast Track demands experience, preparation and complete self-sufficiency. Strong winds, rain and even snow in higher areas can strike at any time of year. At one point, walkers must even row a dinghy across a lagoon outlet! Yet for those willing to embrace the challenge, the rewards are immense — a true wilderness adventure and the rare satisfaction that comes from conquering one of Tasmania’s most legendary hikes.
Wrapping Up
The wild southwest of Tasmania is not a place of quick stops or easy sightseeing — it’s a region that rewards curiosity, patience and a sense of adventure. Whether cruising the quiet waters of the Gordon River, wandering through rainforest trails, or tackling the legendary South Coast Track, every one of these things to do in Tasmania offer a deeper connection to its remote wilderness.
In a state already famed for its natural beauty, the southwest stands apart — raw, untamed and absolutely unforgettable.