Starting from the car park across the bridge at the end of Cockle Street, Southwest National Park, this walk takes you to South Cape Bay. Beginning at Australia's southernmost street, this walk forms the relatively gentler eastern end of the challenging South Coast Track. The trail passes through forests, marshlands and coastal heathlands with abundant wildflowers, ending at the edge of a cliff overlooking South Cape, Lion Rock and the ocean. If conditions allow, you can head down the steps onto the beach and walk towards the creek at the far end, where campgrounds and toilets are located. The trail is extensively duckboarded and has mostly gentle slopes, but some sections are muddy, rocky and overgrown. Take care along the cliffs and near the water's edge, as the beach is known for having dangerous rips. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Hastings Caves Road, C636 then drive for 27.2 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park across the bridge at the end of Cockle Street, Southwest National Park, walk towards the bridge for about 30m, passing a 'The End of the Road' sign (to your left). Turn left onto the South Coast Track just before reaching the bridge, passing a 'No Dogs Allowed' sign (to your left). Follow the South Coast Track ahead, keeping Cockle Creek to your right, and continue the South Cape Bay Walk.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
After another 50 m turn left.
After another 50 m veer right, to head along South Coast Track.
After another 9 m pass the toilet (20 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
Then pass the toilet (20 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
After another 30 m pass the car park (25 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along South Coast Track.
After another 5.6 km cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 440 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 1.9 km turn right.
About 60 m past the end is a toilet.
About 75 m past the end is "South Cape Bay Campsite".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 8.1 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
South Cape Bay
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
16.2 km
Time
4 h to 5 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Some facilities on route
Camp site: There is one 8.1 km from the start.
Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4 km apart with the largest gap of 8.1 km.
Bushwalk
4 h to 5 h
Camp site: There is one 8.1 km from the start.
Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4 km apart with the largest gap of 8.1 km.
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Find the car park at the start.
Continue straight, to head along South Coast Track.
