Creepy Crawly Nature Trail – Southwest National Park

A Fungi-Filled Rainforest Detour on Scotts Peak Road

Named for its dense, moss-draped and slightly otherworldly atmosphere, the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail is a short rainforest walk beside Scotts Peak Road in Southwest National Park. The route winds through cool temperate forest filled with mosses, fungi, fallen logs and twisted branches. It is a popular stop for walkers travelling to or from the Mount Anne Circuit, Western Arthurs Traverse, Edgar Dam or Huon Campground, and is one of the easiest ways to experience the Southwest’s ancient rainforest environment.

Walk Overview

See Also

• Huon Campground Walk
• Edgar Dam Walk

Terrain

The trail follows a narrow boardwalk through dense rainforest filled with moss-covered trunks, tree ferns and fallen timber. Although the walk is short, the route feels adventurous because visitors may need to duck beneath low branches and carefully negotiate logs and tight sections.

The boardwalk is often damp, even during relatively dry weather, and may become very slippery after rain.

Difficulty

Rated Easy, Grade 2, the trail is short and has no major climbs. However, it may not suit visitors who have difficulty bending beneath branches, stepping over logs or managing wet boardwalks and stairs.

Walk Highlights

Fungi Spotting

The Creepy Crawly Nature Trail is one of Tasmania’s best short walks for seeing fungi. Colourful and unusual species often appear beside the boardwalk during cool, wet conditions.

Moss-Covered Rainforest

Ancient trees, fallen logs and almost every available surface are draped in vivid green moss, creating a quiet and atmospheric forest setting.

A Convenient Southwest Stop

Its roadside location makes the trail an easy addition to a visit to Edgar Dam, Huon Campground or the starting points for the Southwest’s longer wilderness walks.

What to Bring

• Sturdy footwear with good grip.
• Warm and waterproof clothing.
• A camera for fungi and rainforest photography.
• Drinking water, as none is available at the trailhead.

Safety

• Take care on wet boardwalks, which can be extremely slippery.
• Watch for low branches and uneven sections.
• Mobile phone reception is limited or unavailable in this remote area.
• Let someone know your travel plans before driving into the Southwest.
• Drive cautiously on Scotts Peak Road, particularly after rain or during poor weather.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes, with supervision. Many children enjoy ducking beneath branches and stepping around logs. The trail is not suitable for prams, and younger children should be watched carefully on slippery boardwalk sections.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted within Southwest National Park.

Getting There

From Maydena, follow Gordon River Road towards Strathgordon. Turn onto the unsealed Scotts Peak Road and continue towards Edgar Dam and Huon Campground. The Creepy Crawly Nature Trail is signposted beside the road.

The drive is remote and includes a lengthy unsealed section, so allow plenty of time and check road and weather conditions before leaving.

Facilities

• Small roadside parking area
• No toilets at the trailhead
• No drinking water
• No rubbish collection
• The nearest basic facilities are at Edgar Dam and Huon Campground.

Why Walk the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail?

For a short and easy introduction to Tasmania’s ancient Southwest rainforest, the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail is an excellent roadside stop. Its vivid moss, colourful fungi and enclosed forest atmosphere provide a memorable contrast to the open mountain and lake landscapes found elsewhere along Scotts Peak Road.