South Cape Bay Walk
- August 20, 2026
One of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, crossing duckboarded forest, marshland and heath from Cockle Creek to dramatic cliffs at…
An Easy Boardwalk to a Flooded Sinkhole
The Duckhole Lake Walk is an easy and peaceful forest walk near Ida Bay in Tasmania’s far south, leading to a striking tea-coloured lake formed within the region’s limestone karst landscape. Much of the route follows boardwalk and formed track through regenerating forest, making it a gentle option for walkers who want to experience the distinctive geology of the Hastings and Ida Bay area without tackling a long or difficult hike. Duckhole Lake is essentially a flooded sinkhole connected to the same broader limestone landscape that produces the caves and underground formations around nearby Hastings Caves. The dark, still water and surrounding forest create a particularly tranquil destination, especially on calm days when the trees reflect across the surface of the lake.
See Also:
The track begins from the Creekton Road trailhead and follows a gentle route through regenerating forest toward Duckhole Lake. Much of the walk is on boardwalk, with additional sections of formed track linking the raised timber sections together. The gradient is generally mild, with no major climbs or difficult scrambling. The easy terrain allows walkers to concentrate on the forest, birdlife and unusual geology rather than on steep or technical walking.
Duckhole Lake is an easy Grade 2 walk suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness. The largely boardwalked surface and gentle grades make it much easier than many walks in Tasmania’s national parks. The main thing to watch for is slippery timber after rain. Take your time on damp boardwalk sections and wear footwear with reasonable grip.
The destination is the beautifully still and dark Duckhole Lake. The lake sits within the limestone karst landscape of Tasmania’s far south and is generally described as a flooded sinkhole. Its tea-coloured water reflects the surrounding forest particularly well on calm days. The peaceful setting makes the lake feel much more remote than the relatively easy walk required to reach it.
The Ida Bay and Hastings area is renowned for its limestone geology. Rainwater moving through soluble limestone over extremely long periods has created caves, sinkholes and underground drainage systems throughout the region. Duckhole Lake offers an easy way to see one of these unusual landscape features without having to enter a cave.
The track passes through forest that has regenerated following earlier disturbance. This creates an interesting contrast with the older forests found elsewhere in southern Tasmania. Ferns, young eucalypts and dense understorey surround much of the boardwalk and create a quiet, enclosed atmosphere.
Calm weather can transform Duckhole Lake into a natural mirror. The dark water often produces excellent reflections of the surrounding forest and sky. If photography is one of your reasons for visiting, a calm morning can be particularly rewarding.
Duckhole Lake is an easy walk, but there are still a few things to keep in mind:
Yes.
The gentle terrain and extensive boardwalk make Duckhole Lake a good choice for families and younger walkers. There are no steep climbs or difficult boulder sections, and the lake provides a clear destination for children to walk toward. Close supervision is still recommended around the water and on wet boardwalk sections.
No. Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted within Southwest National Park.
Duckhole Lake is located in Tasmania’s far south near Ida Bay and Hastings. From Hobart, drive south through the Huon Valley toward Geeveston, then continue through Dover and Southport toward the Hastings and Ida Bay area. From the main road, follow Creekton Road toward the signposted Duckhole Lake trailhead. The final section of Creekton Road is unsealed. Drive to the conditions, particularly after heavy rain.
Duckhole Lake pairs particularly well with a visit to Hastings Caves State Reserve. The caves provide an opportunity to explore the limestone landscape underground, while Duckhole Lake shows what the same karst geology can produce at the surface. The thermal pool at Hastings also makes a relaxing addition after the walk. Together, the two destinations make an easy and varied half-day or full-day outing in Tasmania’s far south.
The wider Ida Bay area also has an interesting industrial history. The historic Ida Bay Railway was associated with the transport of limestone from nearby quarries and is another reminder of the industries that once operated throughout this remote part of southern Tasmania. If the railway is part of your itinerary, check its current operating status before travelling specifically to visit it.
There are no substantial facilities at the Duckhole Lake trailhead or at the lake itself.
Bring your own:
Visitor facilities and toilets are available in the wider Hastings Caves area. It is sensible to use those facilities before heading to the Duckhole Lake trailhead.
Duckhole Lake can be visited throughout the year. Summer offers longer daylight hours and generally milder conditions, while the forest can be particularly lush following periods of rain. For photography, calm conditions are ideal because the still lake can produce beautiful reflections. Regardless of season, be prepared for cool and wet weather in Tasmania’s far south.
Duckhole Lake is a great example of a walk that does not need to be difficult to be interesting. The easy boardwalk route leads through quiet regenerating forest to an unusual lake created by the limestone geology hidden beneath the landscape. There are no huge climbs or dramatic mountain summits here. Instead, the appeal lies in the still water, reflections, forest and unusual geology. It also fits perfectly into a day exploring Hastings, Ida Bay and Tasmania’s far south.
For families, casual walkers and anyone looking for an easy forest walk with an unusual destination, Duckhole Lake is well worth the detour.
One of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, crossing duckboarded forest, marshland and heath from Cockle Creek to dramatic cliffs at…
An easy, wheelchair-friendly boardwalk beside a thermal pool with a good chance of spotting a platypus — and a rare…
Two short, easy strolls at the end of the road — a bronze whale sculpture marking Cockle Creek"s whaling history,…
An easy coastal walk from the end of the road at Cockle Creek to the ruins of an 1843 pilot…
A five-minute stroll to a sweeping lookout over the Wellington Range and Huon Valley, and one of the easiest ways…
A short, easy walk through alpine herbfield and snow gum woodland to a pretty cascade on the Arve River —…
A moderate climb through sub-alpine moorland to a glacial lake fringed with King Billy pine, with views of Hartz Peak…
A demanding climb through glacially carved terrain to a 1,255-metre summit with views toward Tasmania"s south-west wilderness — the standout…
