![Hiking the South Coast Track Tasmania [2025]](https://bikehikesafari.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_0719.jpg "Hiking the South Coast Track Tasmania [2025]")
Some think about the South Coast Track the second-best hike in Tasmania behind the Overland Track. However, it’s nonetheless rated as one of many finest climbing trails in Australia.
I believe climbing the South Coast Track with the Port Davey Track makes a way more scenic and distant path. Bushwalking these two trails combines a number of the finest climbing in Tasmania.
The South Coast Track Tasmania is an 85km lengthy hike that the majority bushwalkers full in 5-8 days. The actual time and distance will rely in your climbing expertise, health, facet trails, and the climate.
South Coast Track Transport
There are a few transport choices for climbing the South Coast Track:
- Take a flight with Par Avion from Hobart to the beginning of the Trail at Melaleuca
- Take a bus or hitchhike to Cockle Creek
- Start climbing the Trail at Scotts Peak Dam through the Port Davey Track
Most folks fly to the beginning of the South Coast Track utilizing a flight to Melaleuca airstrip by the airline, Par Avion. They fly this route and might provide Fuel or Gas canisters to hikers (they aren’t allowed on the aircraft).
The finish of the South Coast Track is at Cockle Creek. Most folks use one of many a number of Hiking Transport corporations to move them to Hobart.
I’ve used pre-arranged transport from the bushwalking bus corporations, I’ve hitchhiked and I’ve met associates who’ve given me a raise to get to the beginning of climbing trails in Tasmania.
If hitchhiking remember that this a part of Tasmania doesn’t see plenty of transport, nonetheless, you would possibly be capable to pay for a spare seat on one of many bus corporations which might be selecting up different hikers. Par Avion may decide you up by bus on the finish of the path.
Another possibility is to begin or end your hike at Scotts Peak Dam through the Port Davey Track. I’ve used this selection and think about it the best choice, nevertheless it takes slightly bit extra time and planning.
The Port Davey Track is pretty straightforward and makes an important introduction to South West Tasmania. A meals and gas drop could be organised for Melaleuca Airstrip with Par Avion.
The value of meals and gas drops in 2025 is $5.50 per kg, gas prices $6 per litre and gasoline canisters value $15. For these flying into the Melaleuca Airstrip, the fee is round $300 per individual.
South Coast Track Gear List
Here is a information to some nice light-weight climbing gear choices for climbing the South Coast Track. It is necessary to organize for rain, wind, and most of all plenty of mud. A very good equipment of light-weight gear will make the journey simpler on the physique.
Try to pack light-weight if doable. Here are some evaluations of the very best light-weight and ultralight climbing gear.
Best Places to Buy Outdoor Gear in Australia:
Snowys.com.au | Macpac | WildEarth
Hiking the South Coast Track
South Coast Track Blog – Day 1
There is a free hut at Melaleuca Airstrip that I used on the primary night time of this hike. I arrived with my climbing buddy Valerie after we hiked the Port Davey Track. Our resupply field with meals and gas was ready for us once we arrived.
After spending the night time on the free hut Valerie and I began bushwalking the South Coast Track with clear skies and ridiculously sizzling temperatures. The path out of the airstrip is straightforward and largely very flat. Most folks intention to make it to Point Eric for his or her first night time camp.
We selected a detour from the traditional observe and headed to New Harbour for the primary night time which is a part of the South West Cape Track.
We had heard it was an important seashore so we determined to see if the rumours had been true. It was a brief detour off the South Coast Track and set us up for a surprising climb over the Harbour Ranges the next day.
There was little wind, blue skies, and silky white sand on the seashore. An extended lifeless seal greeted us on the far finish of the seashore. With such nice climate, we determined to arrange camp on the seashore and revel in the remainder of the afternoon. With clear night time skies, we left the fly off the tent at night time with the hope of seeing the uncommon Aurora Australis also referred to as the Southern Lights, nevertheless it didn’t present itself.
Stats
12km in 3 hours together with all relaxation breaks and so on
South Coast Track Day 2
We once more woke to good climate and determined to take a shortcut again to the South Coast Track by climbing over the Harbour Ranges. There had been no tracks however the day earlier than I famous that there was not an excessive amount of vegetation on the vary and it seemed just like the climb wouldn’t be too powerful or an excessive amount of of a bush bash. So off we went.
It took about 2.5 hours to succeed in the summit of the vary at 556m. Great views over the coastal cliffs and seashores and inland via the valleys and excessive mountains.
Despite the chilly and typically intense wind, we lingered on the high for a really very long time. We didn’t wish to go away till it appeared that some dangerous climate could also be coming. It solely took an hour to descend again right down to the South Coast observe proper subsequent to the seashore on Cox Bight. From there it was a pleasant straightforward stroll alongside the seashore to our camp for the night time at Point Eric.
Stats
9km in 5.5 hours together with all relaxation stops, picture breaks, lunch breaks and so on
South Coast Track Day 3
A not so early begin as we had been one of many final to depart. A industrial tour group was the final one there. The day began with low fog migrating out of the valley from Bathurst Harbour, via Melaleuca, and out to sea. A shocking sight, nonetheless, when it burnt off the temperatures once more soared and it was fairly sizzling. By the time we exited the seashore and climbed the Red Point Ranges I used to be consuming round 1 litre of water an hour and sweating profusely. It felt considerably tropical. Come ready for something within the far South of Tassie.
While bushwalking we flushed a number of Ground Parrots from the facet of the observe. They are so effectively camouflaged. After many makes an attempt, one of many Ground Parrots stayed nonetheless lengthy sufficient for a photograph alternative.
By late afternoon we reached the boardwalks over the sodden plains close to Louisa River campsite. There was a Tiger Snake underneath the boardwalk. I needed to soar over it, I couldn’t see its head and needed to guess as I jumped. I didn’t really feel like I used to be in any hazard however I’m not eager to argue with a Tiger Snake. While strolling on the boardwalk sections my line of imaginative and prescient tends to absorb the surroundings greater than my footsteps!
When I first hiked the South Coast Track 20 years in the past there have been few sections of boardwalk and plenty of sections of knee-deep mud. Although there are nonetheless many muddy sections it’s a huge enchancment which makes for a lot simpler and faster climbing.
Just as we reached the campsite there was a crack of thunder and rain began to fall. We crossed the river and arrange camp rapidly. Within 5 minutes the rain had stopped and blue sky appeared. You simply can’t decide what the climate will do down right here.
Stats
17km in 6 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch stops, picture periods and so on
South Coast Track Day 4
Sleep was missing final night time because of the close to fixed rain in a single day. When it was not raining, the drops of water from the timber above consistently bombarded the tent, even earplugs didn’t assist. I cooked the morning breakfast within the vestibule of the tent and sheltered from the rain. Right once we had been prepared to begin climbing the rain cleared and we set off to clear skies.
Ironbound Range Tasmania
The Ironbound Ranges have a repute as being the toughest part of the South Coast Track. It just isn’t a lot that there was a 900-meter climb that was the problem, however the transition from sub-alpine surroundings to rainforest on the descent that promised to check most hikers.
The first hour of the climb we made good time after which the drizzle and wind began. Not an issue as I had all the proper gear and was ready for any climate that Tassie may throw at me.
The drizzle didn’t final lengthy however the chilly wind did. We reached the highest in underneath 3 hours and deliberate to cease and have an early lunch however as a substitute determined to have a lightweight snack, we solely lasted 10 minutes as there was no place to shelter from the wind and chilly.
It was in all probability 5 levels on the high, however with the 40km/h winds it felt a lot colder. When we mentioned the climb days earlier we wished to go previous the summit saddle to the summit of the Ironbound Ranges one other couple of kilometers additional on, however the climate was not cooperating with us at this time.
The descent via the rainforest was a wrestle for some taking place. The slippery rocks and uncovered tree roots brought about plenty of issues. There was little in the way in which of views from inside the rainforest.
We made it to Little Deadmans Bay in good time. It was nonetheless fairly chilly so we relaxed with a cup of tea whereas staring on the distant dolphins taking part in out within the ocean.
Stats
12km in 7 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch stops, slips on the muddy tree roots and so on
South Coast Track Day 5
We set off from the campsite alone. All the opposite hikers that crossed the Ironbound Range with us on the day prior to this had been having a relaxation day to fish, dive for crayfish and Abalone, and drink tea. There had been some muddy sections on the path early. The worst of the mud was knee-deep. Most of the time making an attempt to keep away from the mudholes. I simply plowed proper on into them. Why destroy the path extra by making different trails or making it wider in quest of a dry line.
By mid-morning, we had been strolling on Prion Beach. This is the longest seashore stroll for the entire bushwalk. It’s wonderful to stroll on a abandoned seashore with no different footprints. All the earlier days footprints had been both blown away by the wind or erased by the tides.
Every so usually I needed to flip round to absorb the view from behind. Most of the time the Ironbound Ranges had been cloud lined. Near the tip of the seashore, we needed to cross the New River Lagoon by row boat. It is a 200-meter crossing. This just isn’t a straightforward crossing in robust wind. We struggled to get throughout. Keep that in thoughts if crossing New River Lagoon in excessive wind.
Osmiridium Beach
We had lunch on the campsite and continued to slightly visited seashore campsite known as Osmiridium Beach. The water within the creek was solely simply flowing and was the color of a robust cup of tea. It tasted high-quality and we didn’t get sick. The campsite was plagued by garbage from hikers too lazy to hold out their used wrappers or bottles. It was critically disappointing to see it. When I went to the bathroom, which by the way has not solely an important view however is nice for birdwatching, I seemed into the pit and observed that individuals began to make use of it as a garbage bin. Once once more disillusioned. Please follow leaving no hint when climbing. If you carry it in, then carry it out.
We walked to the seashore for a swim within the afternoon however a mix of chilly water and robust seas meant a brief dip was all that we did.
Stats
13km in 6 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch breaks, picture stops, and rowing backwards and blaming the wind!!
South Coast Track Day 6
The plan was a brief, considerably lazy day of climbing to Granite Beach. The first cease was Surprise Bay. Valerie is aware of why it obtained its identify. She was ‘Surprised’ twice by incoming waves. She was not paying consideration. Although it was hilarious on the time, if the tide and seas had been offended it may have been a lot worse than moist sneakers, socks, gaiters, shorts, and shirts.
First whereas crossing between two rocky outcrops she was busy filming with the GoPro when she was caught by waves. The second time on the different finish of the seashore the place there’s a rivulet she was caught once more. Once you’re moist you’re moist.
The campsite at Surprise Bay was nice, overlooking the seashore, headlands, and Ocean. We stayed and made a cup of tea and an extended sluggish lunch then wandered in the direction of Granite Beach. It took us 45 minutes to get to the seashore. Almost as quickly as we entered the seashore we noticed what we thought was both a beached Whale or a lifeless Seal.
It wasn’t till we had been proper subsequent to it that we observed that it was a really alive feminine Southern Elephant Seal, which doesn’t appear to make it to Tassie fairly often. She was offended at our intrusion and after the picture session, we left her in peace and continued alongside Granite Beach to the campsite.
A Spotted Quoll which typically goes by the identify of Tiger Quoll frequented the campground, I really like seeing wildlife and have been so blessed on this journey to date.
Stats
8km in 4 hours together with all relaxation breaks, tea brewing breaks, wildlife viewing breaks and getting swamped by the ocean breaks to dry moist boots!!
South Coast Track Day 7
It promised to be one other slog day at this time. Lots of mud, tree roots, and common sluggish journey. Valerie and I had mild backpacks by now and made fairly straightforward work of the observe. By the time we made it to South Cape Rivulet, it was lunchtime. We traveled quick over the mud holes and tree roots on today.
Some folks take 10 hours to hike from Granite Bay to South Cape Rivulet. When we arrived it was early and we nonetheless had tonnes of vitality. We determined to push on and see if we may stroll to the tip of the observe at Cockle Creek. By the time we had been on the final seashore and previous Lion Rock, it began to drizzle. As quickly as my rain gear was on the rain stopped. We made it to Cockle Creek by 5 pm.
Stats
20km in 9.5 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch breaks, picture stops and needlessly stopping to placed on rain gear stops.
So ended our 166km Journey from Scotts Peak Dam, the Port Davey Track and the South Coast Track.
End of the Trail
While strolling to the free campsites on the finish of the stroll I noticed a familiar-looking VW Campervan. It belonged to Laurence and Jen. We had walked the Overland Track with them a few weeks in the past. I knew they’d be within the space and so they knew we had been within the space, however unsure when or if we might meet.
The greetings had been heat and so was the hospitality as we had been fed with copious quantities of meals and drinks. We camped with them for the rain-soaked night time and as public transport was days away they gave us a raise to Dover from the place we hitched a raise to Huonville and took the native bus to Hobart.
The South Coast Track was a part of an 11-day / 166km hike that began at Scotts Peak Dam and a hike on the Port Davey Track earlier than linking up with the South Coast Track. We each misplaced about 3kg in weight over the 11 days. We ate all of the meals that we purchased with us besides the final meal at Cockle Creek. Laurence and Jen had been type sufficient to feed us. We had been by no means hungry (though I craved contemporary meals).
The climate on the journey was distinctive The rain was quick and by no means sufficient to make us remorse being outdoor, if something there have been instances it was highly regarded and water consumption was excessive. A extremely really helpful stroll.
Have You Hiked the South Coast Trail? Got a Question about climbing the path? Leave me a message within the feedback part beneath.
Best Places to Buy Outdoor Gear in Australia:
Snowys.com.au | Macpac | WildEarth
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