South East Cape

South East Cape is a special place at the southernmost tip of Tasmania, which is the southernmost state in Australia. It is found in the southern and south-eastern part of the Southwest National Park, inside the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This area is very important because it is protected and has many natural wonders.

The cape is about 94 kilometres (58 miles) southwest of Hobart, the main city in Tasmania, and around 65 kilometres (40 miles) east and a little south of South West Cape. South East Cape has a very special job: it is the official point where the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet, making it a very interesting place for nature lovers and explorers.

Location and features

South East Cape is the southernmost point of the mainland of Tasmania but not of the entire state. Nearby islands, like the Maatsuyker Islands and the Pedra Branca island group, lie even farther south. Farther away is Macquarie Island, which is about 1,600 km southeast of South East Cape.

This cape is one of the five southernmost capes that sailors can round in the far southern parts of the world. Many ships and boats pass close to it, and some have ended up wrecked or stuck on the rocks there.