Trail Fast Facts

The Port Davey Track is a 70km, grade 5 hike in the Southwest National Park, Tasmania. The hike takes approximately 4-5 days to complete in one direction.

Length: 70km

Duration: 4-5 days

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: One Way

Start: Huon Campground

End: Huon Campground

Location: Southwest National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: Florentine

From state capital: 152km

Latitude: -43.03838538

Longitude: 146.29863113164902

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Weather

Reviews

Warning

The Port Davey Track, situated in a remote location with challenging terrain, variable weather conditions, limited facilities, potential navigation challenges, wildlife encounters, and specific permits and regulations required, demands careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the potential risks involved for any adventurer considering the journey.

Hike Overview

Deep in Tasmania's Southwest National Park lies the Port Davey Track, a challenging 70-kilometer trail for experienced hikers. Nicknamed the "Old Port Davey Track," it winds through remote wilderness, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Site.

The track is considered demanding due to its remoteness and lack of facilities. The Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service recommends this as a "wilderness walk" best suited for seasoned bushwalkers. Hikers can expect 4-5 days to complete the track one-way, carrying all necessary supplies as there are no huts along the route. Campsites are available, but self-sufficiency is crucial.

The Port Davey Track offers a true wilderness experience. Hikers traverse ancient rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, and pristine river valleys. Cascading waterfalls, panoramic vistas, and diverse plant and animal life create a captivating journey.

For the adventurous, the track goes beyond physical challenge. It's a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. The serenity of the wilderness fosters introspection and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The Port Davey Track requires experience, preparation, and a healthy dose of self-reliance. The terrain is demanding, with steep and muddy sections in some areas. The remote location necessitates being well-equipped for all weather conditions, as help may be far away in case of emergencies.

Hikers should be experienced with Tasmanian walking tracks before attempting the Port Davey Track. This will help prepare them for the challenges of the wilderness environment.

The Port Davey Track starts from the Huon Campsite, near the end of the Scotts Peak Road. This is reached via Maydena and Frodshams Pass, approximately a 2-3 hour drive west of Hobart. There are no roads to Melaleuca, the end point of the track. Hikers must fly, sail, or walk in and out.

Combining with the South Coast Track (Optional): While this description focuses on the Port Davey Track, for the truly adventurous, it can be combined with the South Coast Track for an epic 8-14 day trek, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of Tasmania's dramatic southwest coast.

The Port Davey Track is more than a hike; it's an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and immersion in nature. As you traverse its wild beauty, you'll discover a challenging yet rewarding journey that leaves a lasting impression.

Planning

Research the trail extensively, familiarise yourself with the route, and create a detailed itinerary to ensure a well-organised and safe journey.
Pack appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a reliable tent, sleeping bag, sufficient food, and a water purification system to stay hydrated throughout the trail.
Carry a well-stocked first aid kit, emergency shelter, a map, compass, or GPS device, as well as a personal locator beacon to ensure you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Engage in physical training and prepare for the challenging terrain to build the stamina and strength necessary for the demanding hike.
Stay updated on weather forecasts and be ready for sudden changes in weather by carrying appropriate layers of clothing to adapt to varying conditions.
Educate yourself about the local wildlife, take precautions to prevent encounters, and know the appropriate measures to take in case of any wildlife-related incidents.
Respect the environment and follow the principles of Leave No Trace by disposing of waste properly and minimising your impact on the natural surroundings.
Ensure you have obtained all necessary permits and adhere to the regulations set by the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service to avoid any legal or environmental complications.

Bathurst Harbour Crossing: Important Information

The 300-meter crossing of Bathurst Harbour by rowboat can be challenging, even in calm conditions with low wind and weak currents the three required trips (to return boats) can take 1.5-2 hours.

Here are some key points to consider:

Be prepared to make multiple trips across the harbor, especially with a group or heavy packs. You should always ensure there are boats available on both sides of the crossing.
Leaving backpacks on the opposite side can be risky due to unpredictable weather changes.
There are reportedly four boats in total, two on each side of the harbor. Be aware that other hikers may have moved all the boats to one side. This can create a dangerous situation if you need to return for a left-behind pack or encounter bad weather while crossing.

Safety First:

Swimming across the harbor is not recommended due to potential currents and cold water.
Always prioritise your safety and be prepared to turn back if the weather deteriorates.
If boats are unavailable on your arrival, be aware of the long (57km) return hike to Scott's Peak Dam and plan accordingly. It's crucial to have enough food and supplies for this scenario.

Track Grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Tips

Trail Conditions:

Expect a challenging route. The track is poorly maintained with significant muddy sections, overgrown vegetation, and blowdowns (fallen trees).
While generally easy to follow, getting lost is a possibility, especially in thick undergrowth. Navigation skills are recommended.
Be prepared for mud. It can be much worse depending on recent rainfall.

Campsites:

Finding suitable campsites can be difficult. Most are small, exposed, and uneven.
Several established campsites (Junction Creek, Crossings River, second Spring River site) may be unusable due to flooding or blowdowns.
Wild camping opportunities are limited.
The best campsites are at Forest Camp (dry), Spring River's western bank, and Farrell Point (dry).

Water:

Water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall. While your experience might have had easy crossings, be prepared for deeper water (waist to shoulder height) during wetter periods.
There is now a bridge over Spring River.

Weather:

The weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for a variety of conditions, including sunshine, rain showers, and wind, especially as you approach Melaleuca.

Map and GPX file

Port Davey Track (70km)

Total distance: 73048 m
Max elevation: 352 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 1620 m
Total descent: -1896 m

Download

Trailhead

Getting there

Port Davey Track (70km)

The Port Davey Track starts from the Huon Campsite, near the end of the Scotts Peak Road. This is reached via Maydena and Frodshams Pass, appoximately 2 - 3 hours drive west of Hobart. There are no roads to Melaleuca at the end of the one way journey; walkers must either fly, sail, or walk in and out.

Reaching the Huon Campsite trailhead of the Port Davey Track involves a combination of air and land travel, followed by a specific route to the starting point. For those arriving from outside Tasmania, Hobart International Airport or Launceston Airport serves as the main entry points. From there, travelers can opt for a rental car or a scheduled bus service to reach the closest town or village adjacent to the trailhead.

Once in the vicinity, local transport services or organised tours may offer further assistance in reaching the trailhead. It's advisable to check with local visitor centers or the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service for detailed directions and any updates on transportation options, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free journey to the starting point of the Port Davey Track.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

Tasmania's largest expanse of wilderness is in Southwest National Park, a remote and rugged landscape in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Home to majestic Huon pine, sassafras, celery top and myrtle, the region is awash with the distinctive fragrances of the Tasmanian forest.

The Gordon River Road is a narrow ribbon through the largely untracked region of forests, imposing mountain ranges and buttongrass plains, providing access to the vast expanses of Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon.

In Southwest National Park, you'll find one of Tasmania's most challenging wilderness walks, the multi-day South Coast Track. There are also endless shorter walks to take you up and over mountains and out to the coast. For a real ends-of-the-Earth' experience, travel to Australia's southernmost point accessible by road, Cockle Creek, where a day walk to South Cape Bay allows walkers to immerse themselves in the raw power of this wilderness landscape.

Southwest National Park is vast, wild and spectacular. Rocky coastline, windswept beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, deep harbours and extensive buttongrass plains are home to unique plant and animal species.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Southwest National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Port Davey Track (70km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Warning