South East Cape
Southernmost point of Tasmania's main island; oceanic dividing line.
South East Cape is a cape located at the southernmost point of the main island of Tasmania, the southernmost state in Australia. Situated within the Southwest National Park, which itself is part of the larger Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the cape lies to the southwest of Hobart and is positioned slightly east and a little south of South West Cape. This cape serves as the official boundary between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. While it marks the southernmost extremity of the Tasmanian mainland, it is not the southernmost point of the state of Tasmania as a whole; the Maatsuyker Islands and the Pedra Branca island group, both located just offshore, extend further south, as does Macquarie Island, which lies approximately 1,600 kilometres to the southeast. South East Cape is recognized as one of the five southernmost capes that mariners can round in the Earth’s southern regions. It also functions as a key reference point for delineating sectors of Tasmania’s southern coastline. The waters near the cape see a significant volume of maritime traffic, and the area has been the site of numerous shipwrecks and groundings over time.
- location
- Southernmost point of the main island of Tasmania, Australia
- distance_from_Hobart
- Approximately 94 km (58 mi) southwest
- distance_from_South_West_Cape
- About 65 km (40 mi) east and slightly south
- oceanic_dividing_line
- Between the Pacific and Indian Oceans
- part_of
- Southwest National Park, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
Lore & Background
South East Cape is a prominent headland marking the southernmost extremity of Tasmania’s main island, located within the Southwest National Park—itself part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The cape lies roughly southwest of Hobart and a short distance east and slightly south of South West Cape. Its position serves as the official boundary between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Though it is the southernmost point of the Tasmanian mainland, it is not the southernmost point of the state of Tasmania; the Maatsuyker Islands and Pedra Branca island group, both lying just offshore, extend further south, as does Macquarie Island, situated about 1,600 kilometers to the southeast. South East Cape is recognized as one of the five southernmost capes that seafarers can round in the Earth’s southern latitudes. The cape functions as a key reference for delineating sectors of Tasmania’s southern coastline. Due to its location, it sees considerable maritime traffic, and the surrounding waters have been the site of numerous shipwrecks and groundings over time.
Reader's Guide
South East Cape marks the southernmost point of Tasmania’s main island, situated within the Southwest National Park, itself part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It lies approximately southwest of Hobart and slightly east and south of South West Cape. The cape serves as the official dividing line between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. While it is the southernmost point of the mainland, it is not the southernmost point of the state of Tasmania; the Maatsuyker Islands and Pedra Branca island group, located just offshore, extend further south, as does Macquarie Island, roughly 1,600 km to the southeast. For sailors, South East Cape is recognized as one of the five southernmost capes that can be rounded in the southern regions of the Earth, making it a significant navigational landmark. The cape acts as a reference point for sectors of Tasmania’s southern coastline. Due to the heavy volume of sea traffic passing nearby, the area has a notable history of maritime incidents, with numerous ships and boats having been wrecked or grounded there.
Did You Know?
- South East Cape is the southernmost point of the mainland of Tasmania but not of the state of Tasmania.
- The Maatsuyker Islands and Pedra Branca island group lie further south than South East Cape and are part of the state of Tasmania.
- Macquarie Island, about 1,600 km southeast of South East Cape, is also part of the state of Tasmania.
- South East Cape is one of the five southernmost capes that can be rounded by sailors in the earth's southern regions.
- Much sea traffic passes near South East Cape, and many ships and boats have been wrecked or grounded there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South East Cape?
South East Cape is a headland perched at the very bottom tip of Tasmania's main island in southeastern Australia. It occupies the southern and south-eastern corner of Southwest National Park.
What is South East Cape's most notable geographic distinction?
It is the officially recognised boundary point where the Pacific and Indian Oceans are said to meet. That dual-ocean status gives the cape a unique identity among Australian landmarks.
How far is South East Cape from Hobart and from South West Cape?
The cape sits roughly 94 kilometres (about 58 miles) to the southwest of Hobart. Measured from South West Cape, it lies approximately 65 kilometres (around 40 miles) eastward and just slightly south.
Why is South East Cape important to conservation?
The headland falls inside Southwest National Park, which is encompassed by the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. That designation affords the surrounding landscape international recognition for its outstanding natural values.
What role does South East Cape play in Tasmania's overall geography?
It marks the southernmost point of the island's main landmass, anchoring the lowest latitude on Tasmania's primary island. Its position at the extreme south gives the cape a defining role in the state's shape and orientation.
More in Peninsulas And Capes 1-24
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