Duckhole Lake Tasmania: Complete Guide

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Everything you need to know about the Duckhole Lake Walk, a scenic lake walk in Tasmania's far south wilderness area. The Duckhole Lake Walk is a short, scenic walk near Hastings in southern Tasmania. The main event, Duckhole Lake, is actually a flooded sinkhole that is part of the extensive regional cave and karst system in the area. In this short blog post I want to equip you with everything you need to head to Duckhole Lake in Tasmania. You will also find tons of photos that I took during my visit. alt=“DUCKHOLE LAKE TRACK TASMANIA”> alt=“DUCK ON DUCKHOLE…

Duckhole Lake Tasmania: Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about the Duckhole Lake Walk, a scenic lake walk in Tasmania's far south wilderness area.

The Duckhole Lake Walk is a short, scenic walk near Hastings in southern Tasmania. The main event, Duckhole Lake, is actually a flooded sinkhole that is part of the extensive regional cave and karst system in the area.

In this short blog post I want to equip you with everything you need to head to Duckhole Lake in Tasmania. You will also find tons of photos that I took during my visit.

How to get to Duckhole Lake?

The Duckhole Lake Trailhead is located on a dirt road called Creekton Road, about 15 kilometers from nearby Hastings or 105 kilometers from Hobart.

Getting to the trailhead can be a bit confusing as there are several different road options. The roads are mostly unpaved, but are used by most types of vehicles. Below is a detailed guide to get here using the same route I took. This also leads to the nearby Adamsons Falls Track.

Start towards “Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs”. Just 1.7 kilometers before the visitor center on Hastings Caves Road there is an unsigned dirt road on the right called Tughanah Road. Turn onto this road and follow it until you come to a three-way fork where you must then take the right fork onto Creekton Road. (Do not take the first right onto Facy Road).

Follow Creekton Road for another 2.2 miles until you reach a T-junction with a sign pointing to Adamsons Falls on the left and Duckhole Lake on the right. Of course you have to turn right here. Immediately afterwards you cross an old wooden bridge. The parking area for Duckhole Lake is immediately after this bridge on the right.

The Duckhole Lake Walk

Hiking distance: 4.4 km there and back
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation: Mostly flat
Difficulty: Easy

The Duckhole Lake Walk follows a very well-maintained, mostly boarded path through dense temperate rainforest. It sits right on the edge of Southwest National Park, one of Tasmania's most remote wilderness areas.
alt=“DUCKHOLE LAKE WALK TASMANIA”>
Although the official trail map shows a trail around Duckhole Lake at the start of the hike, this is incorrect. That's why you'll find a few signposts near the lake and one at the start.

The trail begins by crossing a narrow but flat path, past rows of beautiful ferns along a gentle, tannin-rich stream. After less than a kilometer the wooden planks and boardwalk begin. These make the Duckhole Lake trail really easy and enjoyable as you don't have to wade through knee-deep mud along the way.
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After about 2 kilometers you will reach a small wooden bridge just before Duckhole Lake.
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Duckhole Lake

As mentioned, Duckhole Lake is actually a sinkhole that was filled with rainwater. There are usually a few ducks swimming in this natural rainforest pool and if you're lucky you might even see a platypus or two like we did.
alt=“WILD TASMANIAN PLATYPOLIS”>
Right next to the lake, there is a small wooden plank bench in front of a large clearing where you can have a picnic or enjoy the magical reflections of the towering eucalyptus trees.
alt=“DUCKHOLE LAKE SINKHOLE TASMANIA”>
Once you are ready to turn around, follow the same path back to the parking lot. Alternatively, it is possible to continue towards Creekton Falls. Unfortunately we didn't have time for this as we had booked for Hastings Caves, but this waterfall is said to be really impressive, although slightly smaller than the nearby Adamsons Falls. However, keep in mind that this trail is much more difficult and requires bushwalking experience.

Don't miss nearby: Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
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alt=“GIANT TREES IN TASMANIA’S SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARK”>

Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource

I hope you enjoy this blog post. For more Tasmania travel and adventure inspiration, don’t miss my ultimate guides below.

– 62 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania – Where to Stay in Tasmania (Best Places) – 26 Amazing Waterfalls in Tasmania – 35 Must-Do Hikes in Tasmania

Platypus Spotting

Be sure to remain calm if you want to spot a platypus. They are very sensitive to noise and will hide if they believe they are in danger.

Accommodation options near Hastings Caves

Oyster ShackThis incredible lodge is the closest accommodation to Hastings Caves. Located in Hastings, Oyster Shack is also the highest rated lodge in Southern Tasmania and offers a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace and sea views.
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Ashdowns of DoverOne of the best bed and breakfasts in the area is Ashdowns of Dover, just a short drive from Hastings. This spot has some of the best reviews in the area, with guests raving about the breakfast (poached eggs are a favorite).
alt=“Ashdowns of Dover accommodation near Hastings Caves”>
Southern Forest AccommodationIn nearby Southport is a beautiful cottage nestled in the southern woods. This stunningly beautiful place is tranquil and has a pretty garden, beautiful forest, abundant birdlife and pademelons on your doorstep.

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More Tasmanian travel and adventure guides

Did you enjoy this quick and useful guide to the Duckhole Lake Walk in southern Tasmania? For more adventure travel guides with inspiration for hikes, waterfalls, attractions and activities, check out some of the other articles on my blog.

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