South Coast Track - Tasmania's Most Iconic Bushwalk

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.