Anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as
hiking and bushwalking should consider taking a trip to the South Coast Track
in Tasmania. This is a large region within Southwest National Park that contains
more than 600,000 hectares of wilderness. This is a journey for adventurous
people who want a challenging hike in truly wild area.
When it comes to getting to Tasmania, you
don’t have to fly. Many people find that the most enjoyable way to travel is via ferry. The Spirit of
Tasmania offers comfortable passage between Melbourne and Devonport. This
option allows you to take your own car and pack as much
luggage as you want. The boat also provides many other benefits not found on
planes, such as gourmet food and entertainment.
Preparing For the Track
The South Coast Track is not a place to go on
a casual hike. It’s one of the most remote and wild places on the planet. It
includes a variety of terrain, including mountains, rain forests, river
crossings, swampland and beaches alongside the Southern Ocean. Completing the
track, which is a journey of 85 km, usually takes between six and nine days.
You must be in good physical condition and bring ample supplies with you. The
South Coast Track begins in Melaleuca, which does not have roads. You must
therefore walk, sail or fly to the starting point. The following are some of
the most essential items you should bring.
Maps
You want to make sure you know where you are
at all times. You should have at least one good map that shows tracks, huts and
other essential information.
Food
You should carry enough food for the trip.
It’s best to pack nutritionally dense foods. You can bring gas canisters for
cooking, as open fires are only permitted in a few select campsites.
Water
Water is plentiful for most of the track, but
it is advisable to bring a filter. There is one section of the trip, the
Inbound Range, where water is not available. You should therefore carry at
least a day’s worth of water for this stage of the trek.
Gear
You will need a quality tent, sleeping bag,
sleeping mat, waterproof clothing, hiking boots, a water bottle and a solid
backpack. You should wear long sleeves, long pants and boots at all times. You
will probably encounter mud, knee-deep water, sharp vegetation and snakes, so
it’s best to keep your body protected.
Although the South Coast Track is a wild and
remote region, it also provides walkers with the tranquility seldom found in
civilization. You also have the ability to walk at your own pace, which can
make the trek more or less challenging. For example, if you don’t feel prepared
or you don’t have the time to hike the entire track you could hike a portion of
it.
You can walk for days without encountering
another person, so be prepared for some solitude or to only have the company of
the person or people you’re walking with. Taking a walk in the South Coast
Track can be used as an opportunity to take a break from your everyday life and
appreciate the beauty of nature.
