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One of the best hikes in the world is the
SOUTH COAST TRACK
Do you know this hike? This page is a "stub". Contact us through the email links below if you have comments to add.
Walk the spectacular coastline of the South-West National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Hikes in this region also known as:
- South-West Beaches and Plains
- Port Davey Track
- Western Arthurs
AT A GLANCE
SOUTH WEST WILDERNESS, TASMANIA 
 One of the most inaccessible wilderness areas of the world
- access only by foot, air or sea
- 7-nights recommended
- min. 83km (51.5mi) carrying a pack
- cross two mountain ranges
- about 1000 walkers / year
- very muddy, difficult sections
- Nov - Mar best months
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
South Coast Track is by far the most popular hike in the South West Wilderness.
- Tasmania is 40%+ protected wilderness
- excellent chance to see unique, indigenous wildlife including wombats and wallabies
- fishing is good, both fresh water and surf casting
- reasons why this area was never settled: foul weather, remoteness, ruggedness and infertility of soil
- the history of Melaleuca and Deny King is fascinating
- a few kms of board walk are a pleasant break
- drinking water is easy to find
- travel in Tasmania is a pleasure
- wonderful beach vistas are unforgettable
- ... add a comment here
sunset from beach campsite
CONSIDERATIONS
The South Coast Track follows the coast, when possible. But you cannot see the ocean from many parts of the route.
- normally the weather is terrible
- Tasmania is latitude 40°S, directly in the path of the "Roaring Forties" winds.
- no huts once you leave Melaleuca. You must carry a well-tested waterproof tent. (Chapman recommends a ground sheet INSIDE the tent.)
- many streams to cross, no bridges (so bring a rope)
- streams flood after heavy rain so anticipate on being delayed a day-or-two, just in case
- hard to believe, but The South Coast Track is the "easiest" walk in the S.W. Wilderness
- still, solo hiking is strongly discouraged.
- Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is a fungus pest that can be spread by hiking boots
- muddy sections sometimes a mile long
- you can lose your shoe in an unexpected thigh-deep mud hole
- the most difficult section is crossing the Ironbound Range because the weather can change rapidly. Expect high winds, hail, sleet and snow. Estimate 10hrs.
- in 2007 when we were there the most challenging day (due to mud) was Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet
- New River Lagoon requires a row boat crossing (beware of high winds and tidal surges)
- no roads, no radio phones or rangers on the Track itself
- a few (smelly) pit toilets at major campsites.
- The public phone at Cockle Creek only takes a Telestra phone card. It does not take coins or credit cards (2008).
- no open fires allowed in most sections, except to warm yourself in case of emergency
- running water along the track is considered safe to drink and many don't bother treating. Much is "tea stained", however, and looks less than appetising.
- hypothermia is a real danger
- being washed to sea by a "rogue" wave a slight risk
- store your food securely or animals may chew holes in your tent. Mice and the like may get into your food.
- many biting insects (mosquitos, wasps, flies, ants, etc.) pester hikers.
- you are likely to see venomous snakes sunning on the trail. Wear sturdy boots and thick gaiters if this worries you.
- one hiker told us he was bitten by Jack Jumper ants (only in Australia would ants LEAP at you on the trail)
- long sleeves offer some protection from the vegetation often overgrowing the trail
- Rangers told us the track is unlikely to be "improved" much in the future due to cost
- ... add a comment here
Happily, no trekking permit is required (unlike the Overland Track ).
But you do need a National Park pass . Best value for most is a 2-month Backpacker Pass (A$30 in 2007) which provides entry to all national parks.
Walker registration:
For your safety please record your trip intentions in the registration book (near the start of your walk). Your entry may save your life should you become lost or overdue. However, the books are not checked regularly and a search will only be mounted if someone else reports you as being overdue. So, leave details of your trip with a reliable friend or relative. Be sure to advise this person when you have completed your trip. Accurate log book information also provides the statistical basis for proper management of the area. Please remember to sign out at the end of your walk.
Park advisory
ROUTES
Most hikers do the standard route — Melalueca to Cockle Creek — highly advised if you have not hiked in this region before.
Fly into Melalueca air strip from Hobart. Then hike east to Cockle Creek, the southern end of the public road system.
Chapman recommends this 7-night itinerary:
1. Melaleuca airstrip to Cox Bight, 13km
2. To Louisa River, 18km
3. To Deadmans Bay over the Ironbound Range, 12km
4. To Prion Beach boat Crossing, 9km
5. To Granite Beach, 12km
6. To South Cape Rivulet, 10km
7. To Cockle Creek, 12km
The best strategy is to start the hike with enough food for at least 9 nights, then decide your exact route as you go based on the weather.
You might take 8 nights. You are unlikely to take fewer than 5 nights.
Of course there are many variations and more challenging itineraries if you know the lay of the land. John Chapman, author of South West Tasmania suggests a number of alternative options for experienced hikers.
The most popular is:
- add Port Davey Track: Scotts Peak Dam to Melalueca 70km (3-5 days) with a food drop by air at Melalueca
- possible sidetrip - Precipitous Bluff from New River Lagoon (2 to 3 days)
- ... add a comment on hiking routes here
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
Most on the South Coast Track are independent, experienced hikers, confident in their survival skills.
If that's not you, check the guided options:
LOGISTICS
If you sign on with a guided trip, logistics will be organized for you. This section is for independent hikers.
- most hikers travel from the mainland by air: Qantas and its subsidiary JetStar, or Virgin Blue. (The ferry is considered too expensive.)
- Tassielink is the most popular bus company. In 2007 they charged only A$10 to transport and store gear you do not want to take on the South Coast Track. That's a great deal!
- the jumping off city is Hobart, where you can catch the charter plane to Melalueca. (You can actually book your flight through the tourist information bureau in downtown Hobart.)
TasAir - charter Hobart to Melaleuca (A$176.00 per person one way in 2007)
Par Avion - charter Hobart to Melaleuca (A$155.00 per person one way in 2007)
- a minimum number of people are required for each flight, though you may be able to join up with others travelling the same day
- you finish the South Coast Track at Cockle Creek, 130km (81mi) south of Hobart connected by hiker's shuttle bus. (The Tassielink bus does not come every day, therefore you need time your exit for the correct day.) The public phone at Cockle Creek only takes a Telestra phone card. It does not take coins or credit cards.
- there are other transport options out of Cockle Creek but most hikers use Tassielink. NEW option: Evans Charters - bus transport to trailhead
- Larger hiking groups, for the same price, can call a taxi from Cockle Creek Ranger Station and be whisked away to civilization whenever they happen to finish.
- almost every hiker travels directly back to Hobart at the end of the trip. Cockle Creek has two good campgrounds for tenting, but no restaurant or shops.
- check the Tassielink website for up-to-date bus timetable and prices
- ... add a comment here
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
- Southwest Tasmania - John Chapman. 4th edition is 1998 with on-line updates. New edition expected 2007.
This guidebook is essential. The 4th edition is not widely available as we wait on the next release.
Other guidebooks with more general content:
Check these on-line resources, as well:
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS
We read the excellent Shakespeare book while in Tasmania in 2007. (The story of the convict who died of snakebite was unnerving.)
BEST MAPS
- TASMAP South Coast Walks Map and Notes - 1:100,000 is available widely in Tasmania
On-line
BEST WEB PAGES
After this page, the best links are:
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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