Gordon

Understand

Southwest National Park is a very large area in the southwestern part of the island of Tasmania which has been designated a national park. The climate is considered too inhospitable for human settlement, but offers instead a near pristine natural setting.

There is only two settlements in the entire park, , with a permanent population of around 5 people, and the township of that was built for the hydro-electric dam. Neither of these have visitor facilities, and the former does not even have road access.

Get in

Melaleuca on the southwest coast has a small airstrip. It is otherwise only accessible by boat or hiking. Paravion offers flights and tours from Hobart Airport.

is a small town just outside the park, and represents a good base to start exploring.

For the South Coast coastal walk, the small settlement of provides the best access. thumb|center|700px|A road near the park's eastern border

Get around

thumb|South Cape Rivulet thumb|The airstrip at Melaleuca There are roads through the park, but fuel is not available in the park itself.

Do

The is an trail traversing Tasmania's south coast. It usually takes between six and eight days one way.

Buy

There is almost nothing to buy in the park itself. Make sure you come prepared.

Sleep

thumb|300px|The aurora from Lion Rock The aurora is visible during parts of winter. You might need to do a bit of a hike, but it is well worth the effort.