Some contemplate the South Coast Observe the second-best hike in Tasmania behind the Overland Observe. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless rated as one of many greatest climbing trails in Australia.
I believe climbing the South Coast Observe with the Port Davey Observe makes a way more scenic and distant path. Bushwalking these two trails combines among the greatest climbing in Tasmania.
The South Coast Observe Tasmania is an 85km lengthy hike that the majority bushwalkers full in 5-8 days. The precise time and distance will rely in your climbing expertise, health, aspect trails, and the climate.
South Coast Observe Transport
There are a few transport choices for climbing the South Coast Observe:
- Take a flight with Par Avion from Hobart to the beginning of the Path at Melaleuca
- Take a bus or hitchhike to Cockle Creek
- Begin climbing the Path at Scotts Peak Dam by way of the Port Davey Observe
Most individuals fly to the beginning of the South Coast Observe utilizing a flight to Melaleuca airstrip by the airline, Par Avion. They fly this route and might provide Gasoline or Gasoline canisters to hikers (they don’t seem to be allowed on the airplane).
The top of the South Coast Observe is at Cockle Creek. Most individuals use one of many a number of Climbing Transport firms to move them to Hobart.
I’ve used pre-arranged transport from the bushwalking bus firms, I’ve hitchhiked and I’ve met buddies 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 a number of transport, nevertheless, you would possibly be capable to pay for a spare seat on one of many bus firms which are choosing up different hikers. Par Avion may choose you up by bus on the finish of the path.
An alternative choice is to start out or end your hike at Scotts Peak Dam by way of the Port Davey Observe. I’ve used this selection and contemplate it the best choice, however it takes just a little bit extra time and planning.
The Port Davey Observe is pretty straightforward and makes an awesome introduction to South West Tasmania. A meals and gas drop may be organised for Melaleuca Airstrip with Par Avion.
The price of meals and gas drops in 2025 is $5.50 per kg, gas prices $6 per litre and gasoline canisters price $15. For these flying into the Melaleuca Airstrip, the associated fee is round $300 per individual.
South Coast Observe Gear Record
Here’s a information to some nice light-weight climbing gear choices for climbing the South Coast Observe. It is very important put together for rain, wind, and most of all a number of mud. A great equipment of light-weight gear will make the journey simpler on the physique.
Attempt to pack light-weight if doable. Listed below are some opinions of the perfect light-weight and ultralight climbing gear.
Finest Locations to Purchase Out of doors Gear in Australia:
Snowys.com.au | Macpac | WildEarth
Climbing the South Coast Observe
South Coast Observe Weblog – Day 1
There’s 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 Observe. 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 Observe with clear skies and ridiculously scorching temperatures. The path out of the airstrip is simple and principally very flat. Most individuals intention to make it to Level Eric for his or her first night time camp.
We selected a detour from the traditional monitor and headed to New Harbour for the primary night time which is a part of the South West Cape Observe.
We had heard it was an awesome seaside so we determined to see if the rumours have been true. It was a brief detour off the South Coast Observe 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 seaside. An extended lifeless seal greeted us on the far finish of the seaside. With such nice climate, we determined to arrange camp on the seaside 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 often known as the Southern Lights, however it didn’t present itself.
Stats
12km in 3 hours together with all relaxation breaks and so on
South Coast Observe Day 2
We once more woke to good climate and determined to take a shortcut again to the South Coast Observe by climbing over the Harbour Ranges. There have been no tracks however the day earlier than I famous that there was not an excessive amount of vegetation on the vary and it appeared just like the climb wouldn’t be too robust or an excessive amount of of a bush bash. So off we went.
It took about 2.5 hours to achieve the summit of the vary at 556m. Nice views over the coastal cliffs and seashores and inland via the valleys and excessive mountains.
Regardless of the chilly and typically intense wind, we lingered on the prime for a really very long time. We didn’t wish to depart till it appeared that some dangerous climate could also be coming. It solely took an hour to descend again all the way down to the South Coast monitor proper subsequent to the seaside on Cox Bight. From there it was a pleasant straightforward stroll alongside the seaside to our camp for the night time at Level Eric.
Stats
9km in 5.5 hours together with all relaxation stops, photograph breaks, lunch breaks and so on
South Coast Observe Day 3
A not so early begin as we have been one of many final to go away. 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, nevertheless, when it burnt off the temperatures once more soared and it was fairly scorching. By the point we exited the seaside and climbed the Purple Level 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.
Whereas bushwalking we flushed a number of Floor Parrots from the aspect of the monitor. They’re so nicely camouflaged. After many makes an attempt, one of many Floor 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 below the boardwalk. I needed to leap 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. Whereas strolling on the boardwalk sections my line of imaginative and prescient tends to soak up the surroundings greater than my footsteps!
Once I first hiked the South Coast Observe 20 years in the past there have been few sections of boardwalk and plenty of sections of knee-deep mud. Though there are nonetheless many muddy sections it’s a huge enchancment which makes for a lot simpler and faster climbing.
Simply as we reached the campsite there was a crack of thunder and rain began to fall. We crossed the river and arrange camp rapidly. Inside 5 minutes the rain had stopped and blue sky appeared. You simply can’t choose what the climate will do down right here.
Stats
17km in 6 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch stops, photograph periods and so on
South Coast Observe 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 bushes above continuously bombarded the tent, even earplugs didn’t assist. I cooked the morning breakfast within the vestibule of the tent and sheltered from the rain. Proper once we have been prepared to start out climbing the rain cleared and we set off to clear skies.
Ironbound Vary Tasmania
The Ironbound Ranges have a popularity as being the toughest part of the South Coast Observe. It’s not 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 primary hour of the climb we made good time after which the drizzle and wind began. Not an issue as I had all the correct 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 below 3 hours and deliberate to cease and have an early lunch however as an alternative 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 most likely 5 levels on the prime, however with the 40km/h winds it felt a lot colder. Once 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 right now.
The descent via the rainforest was a battle for some happening. The slippery rocks and uncovered tree roots brought about a number of issues. There was little in the best way 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 Observe Day 5
We set off from the campsite alone. All the opposite hikers that crossed the Ironbound Vary with us on the day gone by have been having a relaxation day to fish, dive for crayfish and Abalone, and drink tea. There have been some muddy sections on the path early. The worst of the mud was knee-deep. More often than not attempting 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 seeking a dry line.
By mid-morning, we have been strolling on Prion Seashore. That is the longest seaside stroll for the entire bushwalk. It’s wonderful to stroll on a abandoned seaside with no different footprints. All of the earlier days footprints have been both blown away by the wind or erased by the tides.
Every now and then I needed to flip round to soak up the view from behind. More often than not the Ironbound Ranges have been cloud coated. Close to the top of the seaside, we needed to cross the New River Lagoon by row boat. It’s a 200-meter crossing. This isn’t a straightforward crossing in sturdy wind. We struggled to get throughout. Preserve that in thoughts if crossing New River Lagoon in excessive wind.
Osmiridium Seashore
We had lunch on the campsite and continued to just a little visited seaside campsite known as Osmiridium Seashore. The water within the creek was solely simply flowing and was the color of a powerful cup of tea. It tasted wonderful and we didn’t get sick. The campsite was affected by garbage from hikers too lazy to hold out their used wrappers or bottles. It was critically disappointing to see it. Once I went to the bathroom, which by the way has not solely an awesome view however is nice for birdwatching, I appeared into the pit and observed that folks began to make use of it as a garbage bin. As soon as once more disenchanted. Please follow leaving no hint when climbing. Should you carry it in, then carry it out.
We walked to the seaside for a swim within the afternoon however a mixture 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, photograph stops, and rowing backwards and blaming the wind!!
South Coast Observe Day 6
The plan was a brief, considerably lazy day of climbing to Granite Seashore. The primary cease was Shock Bay. Valerie is aware of why it received its title. She was ‘Stunned’ twice by incoming waves. She was not paying consideration. Though it was hilarious on the time, if the tide and seas have been offended it may have been a lot worse than moist footwear, 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 seaside the place there’s a rivulet she was caught once more. When you’re moist you’re moist.
The campsite at Shock Bay was nice, overlooking the seaside, headlands, and Ocean. We stayed and made a cup of tea and a protracted sluggish lunch then wandered in direction of Granite Seashore. It took us 45 minutes to get to the seaside. Virtually as quickly as we entered the seaside we noticed what we thought was both a beached Whale or a lifeless Seal.
It wasn’t till we have 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 photograph session, we left her in peace and continued alongside Granite Seashore to the campsite.
A Noticed Quoll which typically goes by the title of Tiger Quoll frequented the campground, I like seeing wildlife and have been so blessed on this journey thus far.
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 Observe Day 7
It promised to be one other slog day right now. Plenty of mud, tree roots, and common sluggish journey. Valerie and I had mild backpacks by now and made fairly straightforward work of the monitor. By the point 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. Once 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 top of the monitor at Cockle Creek. By the point we have been on the final seaside 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, photograph stops and needlessly stopping to placed on rain gear stops.
So ended our 166km Journey from Scotts Peak Dam, the Port Davey Observe and the South Coast Observe.
Finish of the Path
Whereas 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 Observe with them a few weeks in the past. I knew they’d be within the space they usually knew we have been within the space, however undecided when or if we’d meet.
The greetings have been heat and so was the hospitality as we have 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 Observe was a part of an 11-day / 166km hike that began at Scotts Peak Dam and a hike on the Port Davey Observe earlier than linking up with the South Coast Observe. 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 have been type sufficient to feed us. We have been by no means hungry (though I craved recent meals).
The climate on the journey was distinctive The rain was brief and by no means sufficient to make us remorse being outdoor, if something there have been instances it was extremely popular and water consumption was excessive. A extremely beneficial stroll.
Have You Hiked the South Coast Path? Bought a Query about climbing the path? Go away me a message within the feedback part under.
Finest Locations to Purchase Out of doors Gear in Australia:
Snowys.com.au | Macpac | WildEarth
BikeHikeSafari Gear Assessment Course of
The writer, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial adventurer and outside gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is just not half of a big weblog community and is proudly impartial. All opinions on this web site are impartial and trustworthy gear opinions of out of doors merchandise by the writer.
The writer, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an out of doors retail retailer and could be very skilled in what’s necessary when utilizing and testing gear for opinions like this.
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