_edited.png)
Duckhole Lake, Tasmania - A Tranquil Walk in the Forest to a Stunning Lake
- Dec 20, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Duckhole Lake, Tasmania - A Tranquil Walk in the Forest to a Stunning Lake
Tucked away in Tasmania’s wild south, the Duckhole Lake walk is a peaceful and rewarding circuit that feels wonderfully remote yet is easy to enjoy. Winding through lush rainforest and alongside a gentle rivulet, this short walk leads to the glassy waters of Duckhole Lake — a hidden gem where reflections of forest and mountains create a scene of perfect stillness. It’s an ideal escape for walkers seeking quiet beauty, birdlife, and a gentle immersion in Tasmania’s wilderness.
A Hidden Lake in the Southwest Wilderness
Duckhole Lake is located within the Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This serene body of water is actually a flooded sinkhole, formed as part of the extensive karst and cave systems that also include the nearby Hastings Caves.
Surrounded by dense forest and backed by distant mountain peaks, the lake feels untouched and timeless. It’s a lovely place to pause, enjoy a picnic, listen to frogs and birds calling from the forest, and — if you’re lucky — spot a platypus gliding quietly through the water.
Duckhole Lake Walk
Distance: 4.2 kilometres circuit - Time: Approximately 1.5 hours - Grade: 2
This well-marked circuit is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, offering a rewarding wilderness experience without steep climbs or technical sections.
Walking Through Ferns and Forest
The walk begins on Creekton Road, around 15 kilometres from Hastings, where a small roadside carpark marks the trailhead. From here, the track starts gently, following the peaceful Creekton Rivulet along a narrow, mostly flat path lined with lush ferns and mossy undergrowth.
After about a kilometre, the track transitions into a boardwalk, weaving deeper into the forest. This section is especially beautiful, with towering trees, filtered light, and a cool, shaded atmosphere that makes the walk feel calm and unhurried.
Reaching Duckhole Lake
As you approach the lake, you’ll cross a small bridge before the forest suddenly opens up to reveal Duckhole Lake in all its quiet beauty. On calm days, the lake becomes a perfect mirror, reflecting the surrounding forest and the silhouette of Adamsons Peak in the distance.
Benches near the water invite you to stop, sit, and simply take it all in. The stillness here is remarkable — a place where time seems to slow and the sounds of nature take over.
Getting There – Directions to Duckhole Lake
From Dover, drive south on the Huon Highway (A6) for 7.5 kilometres to Strathblane. Cross the Esperance River bridge and continue for another 2.9 kilometres, then turn right onto Darcy Link. Turn left onto Creekton Road and follow it for approximately 8 kilometres until you reach the signed carpark. Several sections of the road are unsealed but are generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in good conditions.
A Peaceful Escape into Tasmania’s Wild South
Duckhole Lake is the kind of place that rewards those who slow down. With its easy forest walk, reflective waters, and sense of quiet isolation, it’s a perfect stop for nature lovers exploring Tasmania’s far south. Whether you’re picnicking by the lake, listening to birdsong, or simply enjoying the stillness, this gentle circuit offers a beautiful reminder of Tasmania’s wild and tranquil heart.
Comments