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 the south of Tasmania. The main event, Duckhole Lake, is actually a flooded sinkhole which is part of the extensive regional cave and karst system in the area.
In this short blog post, I aim to arm you with everything that you need to head out to Duckhole Lake in Tasmania. You’ll also find loads of photographs that I captured during my visit.
How to Get to Duckhole Lake
The Duckhole Lake trailhead is located on an unsealed road known as Creekton Road, approximately 15 kilometres from nearby Hastings, or 105 kilometres from Hobart.
Getting to the trailhead can be a little confusing since there are several different road options to take. The roads are mostly all unsealed but managed by most vehicle types. Below is a detailed guide to get here following the same route I took. This also leads to the nearby Adamsons Falls track.
Begin by heading towards "Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs". Just 1.7 kilometres before you reach the visitor centre on Hastings Caves Road, there is an unsigned dirt road on your right called Tughanah Road. Turn onto this road and follow it until you get to a three-way fork, where you will then need to take the right fork onto Creekton Road. (don't take the first right onto Facy Road).
Follow Creekton Road for another 3.6 kilometres until you reach a T-intersection with a sign showing left for Adamsons Falls and right for Duckhole Lake. Obviously, you'll need to make a right turn here. Immediately after, you'll cross an old wooden bridge. The car park for Duckhole Lake is immediately after this bridge on your right.
Car Rentals in Tasmania
Unfortunately, the cost of bringing your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania has skyrocketed in recent years.
Now, it is usually cheaper to rent a car on arrival. I recommend using RentalCars.com in Tasmania to compare rates for different vehicles across dealerships.
(Rentals are limited in Tasmania so it's a good idea to book in advance).
The Duckhole Lake Walk
- Hiking Distance: 4.4 km return
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Elevation: Mostly flat
- Difficulty: Easy
The Duckhole Lake walk follows a very well-built, mostly boarded track through dense temperate rainforest. It is located just on the edge of the Southwest National Park, one of Tasmania's most remote wilderness areas.
Although the official trail map at the start of the walk shows a track around Duckhole Lake, this is incorrect. As a result, you'll also find a couple of signposts addressing this near the lake and one at the start.
The track begins by traversing a narrow but flat trail passing rows of beautiful ferns along a gentle, tannin-rich creek. After less than a kilometre, the wooden planks and boardwalk begins. These make the Duckhole Lake track really easy and pleasant as you won't be slogging through knee-deep mud on the way.
After roughly 2 kilometres you'll arrive at a small wooden bridge just before Duckhole Lake.
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What to Expect at Duckhole Lake
As mentioned, Duckhole Lake is actually a sinkhole that has been filled by rainwater. There are usually a few ducks swimming in this natural rainforest pool and if you're lucky, you might even spot a platypus or two like we did.
There is a small wooden plank bench right next to the lake in front of a large clearing where you can have a picnic or enjoy the magical reflections of the towering eucalypt trees.
Once you're ready to turn back, follow the same track back to the car park. Alternatively, it's possible to continue on towards Creekton Falls. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for this as we had a booking for Hastings Caves but this waterfall is said to be really impressive, although slightly smaller than the nearby Adamsons Falls. Keep in mind though that this trail is much more difficult and will require bushwalking experience.
Don't miss nearby: Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
The Ultimate Tasmania Travel Resource
Looking for more Tasmania travel guides & adventure inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive blog posts that will serve as a great free resource for your trip.
Platypus Spotting
Make sure you keep quiet if you would like to spot a platypus. They are very sensitive to noise and will hide if they think they are in danger.
Where to Stay Near Hastings Caves
- Oyster Shack - This incredible lodge is the closest accommodation to Hastings Caves. Located in Hastings, the Oyster Shack is also the best-rated lodge in Southern Tasmania, featuring a fully-equipped kitchen, fireplace and views of the ocean.
- Ashdowns of Dover - One of the best bed and breakfasts in the area is Ashdowns of Dover, just a short drive from Hastings. This place has some of the best reviews in the area, with guests raving about the breakfast (poached eggs are a favourite).
- Southern Forest Accommodation - Located in nearby Southport is a beautiful cottage in the southern forests. This stunningly beautiful place is quiet and features a pretty garden, lovely forest, abundant birdlife and pademelons at your doorstep.
More Tasmanian Travel & Adventure Guides
Did you enjoy this quick and useful guide to the Duckhole Lake walk in southern Tasmania? For more adventure travel guides including inspiration for hikes, waterfalls, attractions and activities, make sure to check out some of the other articles in my blog.