Getting There
Flying with Par Avion:
Due to Melaleuca’s remote location, the beginning of the South Coast Track is most commonly accessed by plane. Par Avion offer light plane flights from just outside of Hobart at Cambridge for both pickup and dropoff of passengers.
Flights depart every day from Cambridge and bookings must be made in advance. Phone: (03) 6248 5390
Prices as of January 1st 2017:
- Hobart to Melaleuca: $300 per person
- Melaleuca to Hobart: $250 per person
Fuel: The Southwest National Park is a fuel stove only area. Cooking fuels are not allowed on the flight to Melaleuca and must be purchased from Par Avion once at Melaleuca. Be sure to arrange this before taking off. Please bring your own empty fuel container. Gas Canisters: $15.00 per 230g canister. Methylated Spirit & Shellite: $6.00 per litre.
Travel to Cambridge:
From Hobart head east over the Tasman Bridge following the Tasman Highway (A3). After 13km take the exit onto Kennedy Drive. Par-Avion is located at 115 Kennedy Drive. View Google Map Directions
Public transport to Cambridge is available only via Taxi (roughly $45).
Directions to Cockle Creek:
From Hobart head south along the Southern Outlet (A6) for 10km. Take the right hand lane at the Kingston Bypass and continue on for 2km before taking the 4th exit to Channel Highway (B68) at the roundabout. Continue through Huonville on the Huon Highway for 70km to Hastings Caves Road (C635). Following this road (changing to Lune River Road soon after) for an additional 22km to get to Cockle Creek.The South Cape Bay walk begins behind the rangers station. View Google Map Directions
Public transport to Cockle Creek is via Tassielink and Evans Coaches. Tassielink Coaches operate from Hobart to Geeveston, Monday to Friday. Evans Coaches operate Geeveston to Cockle Creek on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays during the months of November and March and on Monday to Friday during December till end February. Tassielink departs 64 Brisbane St, Hobart at 08:30 connecting with Evans Coaches at Geeveston for departure to Cockle Creek Ranger Office at 12.30pm.
Bookings are essential and are to be made with both companies independently. Tassielink: call 1300 300 520 or book on line at www.tassielink.com.au and Evans Coaches phone: (03) 6297 1335 or visit www.evanscoaches.com.au