Southwest National Park
National Park · National Park in Tasmania
Written by Ben Cole· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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About Southwest National Park
Australia's largest national park and one of the world's last great temperate wildernesses, covering 618,000 hectares of remote mountains, ancient rainforest, and rugged coastline in southwest Tasmania. The park contains the Precipitous Bluff, Arthur Range, Federation Peak, and Port Davey Track, accessible only by light plane into Melaleuca or by extreme multi-week bushwalks. Most of the park receives fewer than 100 visitors per year and represents true untouched wilderness.
About
Australia's largest national park and one of the world's last great temperate wildernesses, covering 618,000 hectares of remote mountains, ancient rainforest, and rugged coastline in southwest Tasmania. The park contains the Precipitous Bluff, Arthur Range, Federation Peak, and Port Davey Track, accessible only by light plane into Melaleuca or by extreme multi-week bushwalks. Most of the park receives fewer than 100 visitors per year and represents true untouched wilderness.
History & Significance
Southwest National Park was declared in 1977, protecting Tasmania's largest wilderness area and a significant portion of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (1982). The remoteness and pristine condition have made it a flagship location for wilderness conservation in Australia. Historically inaccessible except to experienced bushwalkers, the Melaleuca airstrip (established mid-20th century) opened limited fly-in tourism from the 1980s onwards.
Sources & References
Getting There
Fly-in access via Melaleuca Airstrip (light aircraft only, bookings through charter operators based in Hobart or Launceston) or multi-week bushwalking entry from Port Davey Track trailhead near Strahan. Road access to trailheads via Strahan (approximately 240 km southwest of Hobart). No public transport to park.
Visitor Tips
- •Book flights to Melaleuca well in advance—demand far exceeds supply. Bring all food, fuel, and supplies; resupply is impossible once in the park. Weather changes rapidly; pack waterproofs and warm layers regardless of season. Register your bushwalk plans with Parks Tasmania before departure. Fishing requires a valid Tasmania fishing licence. Expect extreme isolation—satellite communication recommended for safety.
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- World Heritage
Plan Your Visit
- Duration
- Multiple days (fly in/walk in only to most areas)
- Best Time
- December to February for longest daylight and most stable (though still unpredictable) weather. April to September sees extreme rainfall, wind, and cold. Avoid June–August unless experienced in sub-zero alpine conditions. Mid-week flights generally easier to book than weekends.
- Hours
- 24/7; extremely remote
Location
- Region
- Southwest Tasmania
- State
- Tasmania
Good to Know
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- Adults and experienced teen bushwalkers only; extreme remoteness, weather exposure, and multi-day wilderness conditions unsuitable for young children or inexperienced hikers
- Shade/Cover
- Limited shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
BYO all food and cooking supplies essential; no facilities available in park. Melaleuca campsite has no food services.
Features
Facilities
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