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.
- 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 the southernmost point of the mainland of Tasmania but not 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. The cape is also a reference point for sectors of the southern coastline of Tasmania. Much sea traffic passes near it, and many ships and boats have been wrecked or grounded there.
Reader's Guide
For sailors, it is one of the five southernmost capes that can be rounded in the earth's southern regions, making it a notable navigational landmark. The cape's proximity to shipping lanes has resulted in numerous shipwrecks and groundings, contributing to its maritime history.
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.
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