South Coast Track Tasmania. 9days, 84.6km, grade 5. Capped at 6 ppl.

Tasmania’s wild southern coastline is your home for this 6-8 day spectacular and challenging walk. Along this 85 km track you will wander windswept beaches, scramble around rocky headlands, climb hills and mountain ranges, and often find yourself muddy and wet-footed after crossing the buttongrass plains. This walk is a true adventure; the memories created and the feeling of achievement when you complete it will last a lifetime.

This walk is much more difficult than the popular Overland Track. There are no huts once you leave Melaleuca. Strong winds, steady rain, and snow in elevated areas can occur at any time of the year. In one location, walkers are required to row a dinghy across a lagoon outlet. South Coast walkers need to be experienced and completely self-sufficient. 

Direct access to Melaleuca is via light plane or private boat.

Par Avion operate from Cambridge, a 15 minute drive east of Hobart, and offer daily and custom flights to Melaleuca. More information can be found on their website.

Whilst it is possible to walk the South Coast Track in either direction, flights are weather dependant and pick up is not guaranteed; most people choose to fly to Melaleuca and walk out.

There are two bushwalkers huts at Melaleuca but no other huts along the South Coast or Port Davey tracks.

Southwest National Park is a Fuel Stove Only area and campfires are not permitted on the South Coast Track. There are restrictions with carrying fuel on the flight to Melaleuca. Check with Par Avion at the time of booking.

There are several guide-books and maps with notes available that provide useful and detailed information on the South Coast Track, optional side trips and the natural history of the area. 

Non-treated rainwater water is available from tanks in the Cockle Creek campgrounds. Limited supply and high seasonal demand at Cockle Creek may limit water availability, please bring your own water. PWS does advise visitors to boil water before drinking.

Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

How to book.

STEP ONE - Contact the leader to express interest and check availability. You MUST be a member of MVB, have experience with multi day hiking and have completed at least one overnight hike with our club to be approved to join a grade 5 hike.

STEP TWO - Book your flight from Hobart to Melaleuca at Par Avion, phone 0362485390, website www.paravion.com.au plane tickets are limited and once they are booked out they are gone. The flight leaves at 14:30 hours on Friday 14th February and costs $350 per person.

STEP THREE - Book your spot on the bus back from Cockle creek on the 22nd of February, with Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences. Phone Rohan on 1300882293 or 0477480383 or email info@twe.travel $110 each person.

STEP FOUR - Organise your flights to and from Hobart and any accomodation. Join the messenger group to share details, car pool, share hotel rooms etc.

STEP FIVE - National Parks Pass can be bought on the day from Par Avion or online directly, the cost is $46.60 per person. Gas or fuel must be pre paid for at Cambridge airport before we fly, they will give us the gas when we land at Melaleuca. There is a 20kg maximum allowed weight for your backpack. Lighters, matches, power banks, and batteries must be on your person, not in your backpack before we fly.

We have elected to follow the Slower Hiking recommended itinery, I highly recommend having a look at their very detailed blog South Coast Track Planning and Tips — Slower Hiking

PLANNED ITINARY (plans may change for safety reasons at any time)

DAY 1 - Hobart to Melaleuca. Explore Melaleuca museum, walk to the lake, 3km, free time.

DAY 2 - Melaleuca to Buoy creek, 16.4km, approx 5-6 hours.

DAY 3 - Buoy creek to Louisa River, 13.8km, approx 6-8 hours.

DAY 4- Louisa River to Ironbounds Low Camp, 9.1km, approx 8-10 hours.

DAY 5 - Ironbounds low camp to Turua Beach, 4.9km, approx 2-3 hours.

DAY 6 - Turua Beach to Osmiridium Beach, 12.2km, approx 6 hours.

DAY 7 - Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach 7.7km, approx 4 hours.

DAY 8 - Granite beach to South Cape Rivulet, 9.1km, approx 7-10 hours.

DAY 9 - South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek, 11.4km, approx 4 hours.

Overnight Event Packing list

Current Medical Information Form LOGIN FIRST  and then it can be FOUND ON THE WEBSITE HERE  

• Tent (sharing sections of the tent with a partner is an option)
• Tent footprint (optional but recommended)
• Sleeping Bag rated to 0 degrees comfort level minimum, -5 recommended.
• Sleeping bag Liner
• Mattress
• Pillow 
• Bed Clothing (suggest using your thermals for bedding)
• Thermals - top and bottom
• Second layer - top and bottom
• Spare dry socks and spare undies
• Keep clothing in a water tight bag - zip lock - dry bags etc.. 
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Gaiters
• Down jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Warm Gloves and Water Proof Over Gloves
• Beanie
• Suitable walk hat
• Boots in good condition 
• Water crossing/camp shoes
• Essential toiletries
• Tooth Brush and paste
• Any medication (please inform leader if necessary of allergies etc)
• Personal first aid kit
• Snake bandage 
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Whistle
• Space blanket
• Head torch and batteries/charger
• Water to drink and prepare meal (Leader will inform the group re water supply each day)
• Tablets or filter for water treatment (be safe rather than get a bug) (water purification tablets)
• Toilet paper and trowl to dig appropiate hole.
• For females a pstyle and or bushcloth is highly recommended, otherwise please carry used wet toilet paper in a ziplock bag to dispose of in the toilets at trailhead campsites.
• Hand sanitiser
• Dehydrated food for weight considerations
• 3 Meals, plus snacks, per day. 
• Stove and gas (another item that can be shared with a partner) 
• Lighter or matches
• Plate/bowl and cuttlery 
• Cup for warm drinks, soups etc
• EXTRA ITEMS
• Hiking poles - highly recommended
• Fully charged and credit loaded up phone
• Camera
• Charged powerbank plus charging cords
  THE LEADER MUST TAKE A RESCUE BEACON