Skip to content
Menu
TasTrails.com
  • Home
  • The Trails
  • – by Location
    • Central Tasmania
    • East Coast Tasmania
    • Hobart and Surrounding
      • Clarence
      • Hobart City
      • Sandy Bay and Surrounding
      • Wellington Park (kunanyi)
    • Launceston and Surrounding
    • Northeastern Tasmania
    • Northwestern Tasmania
    • Southern Tasmania
      • Bruny Island
      • Huon Valley & Surrounding
      • Kingborough
      • Mount Field and Surrounding
    • Southwestern Tasmania
    • Tasman Peninsula
    • Western Tasmania
  • – by National Park
    • Ben Lomond
    • Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair
    • Freycinet
    • Hartz Mountains
    • Maria Island
    • Mount Field
    • Mount Williams
    • South Bruny
    • Southwest
    • Tasman
    • Walls of Jerusalem
    • Wild Rivers
  • About / Contact
    • About Tastrails
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer and Privacy Policy
    • Our Flickr Gallery 1
    • Our Flickr Gallery 2
    • Safety
    • Information Key
TasTrails.com
Southport Lagoon

Ida Bay to Southport Lagoon

Walked on January 10, 2017September 30, 2020

Introduction

Leaving from Elliott Beach at the end of the Ida Bay Railway at Lune River in Tasmania’s far south; this medium difficulty walk offers unique coastal hiking experiences mixed with pioneer history. This return hike takes in coastal railways systems, sandy buttongrass heathlands and vast lagoon and ocean vistas.

Getting There


View Google Map Directions
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). Continue on this road (changing to Lune River Road soon after) for an additional 7km until you reach the Ida Bay Railway. The Ida Bay to Southport Lagoon walk begins from the access road adjacent to the railway line.

The Trail

The Ida Bay to Southport Lagoon track begins opposite the Ida Bay Railway Station at Lune River. As of 2019, the Ida Bay Railway is not operating. However, please check before beginning the walk.  The rail track begins via the flat gravel road adjacent to the railway line. The railway line is then followed through its entirety to Elliott Beach 7km away. The railway passes through coastal dry sclerophyll forest.

Once at Elliott Beach a day-use shelter and jetty are found, this is an ideal spot for lunch before continuing on to Southport Bluff Beach and Southport Lagoon via more rugged walking tracks. From Elliott Beach, the trail heads across sandy buttongrass heathland towards the far coast. After a gentle but steady climb the apex of the heathland is reached and the trail continues downhill through open bushland to Southport Lagoon. Shortly before reaching the Lagoon the junction to Southport Bluff Beach is passed. The trail opens up to a beached section of Southport Lagoon and offers vast peaceful views of the lagoon and the Southern Ranges beyond. Take your time to explore the inland coast before returning via the same trail to the Southport Bluff Beach turnoff.

The 2km return walk to Southport Bluff Beach from the junction is similar to the conditions already experienced with some more gentle inclines includes. Once you have experienced the rugged ocean views, return to the trailhead via the same track and railway line.

Trail Map

Southport Lagoon Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania.

Photos

Ida Bay Railway Line
Ida Bay Railway Line
Elliotts Beach, Southport Track
Elliotts Beach, Southport Track
Southport Lagoon
Southport Lagoon

View more Ida Bay to Southport Lagoon photos

External Links

  • Southport Lagoon Conservation Area – Parks and Wildlife
  • Ida Bay Railway

Quick Search

Trail Location

Nearby Trails

  • Cape Queen Elizabeth

    Cape Queen Elizabeth, Bruny Island Walk Grade: Easy | Time: 3 Hours Distance: 12km | Parks Pass Not Needed

  • Hartz Peak

    Hartz Peak, Hartz Mountains Walk Grade: Easy | Time: 4 hours Distance: 8km | Parks Pass Needed

  • South Cape Bay

    South Cape Bay, Cockle Creek Walk Grade: Medium | Time: 5 Hours Distance: 16km | Parks Pass Needed

  • Junee Cave Track

    Junee Cave Track, Maydena Walk Grade: Easy | Time: 30 Minutes Distance: 1km | Parks Pass Not Needed

  • The Needles

    The Needles, Southwest National Park Walk Grade: Medium | Time: 2 Hours Distance: 3km | Parks Pass Not Needed

©2025 TasTrails.com | Follow us:

This website is intended as a guide only. See Disclaimer and Privacy Policy
It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.