Remote trekking from Melaleuca to Cox's Bright |  <i>Jon Herring</i> Trek from Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet |  <i>Jon Herring</i> Trekkers walking along a section of the South Coast Track |  <i>Michel Gueneau</i>
 
 

Escape it all

on the rugged and remote South Coast Track

Originally an escape route for shipwrecked sailors, Tasmania’s iconic South Coast Track now serves as an escape route from the pace of modern life. Wild unspoilt landscapes, remote untouched beaches, rugged mountain ranges, pristine rivers, towering rainforests - this is untamed wilderness at its very best.

The trek, which follows Aboriginal trade and migration routes, is not for your casual day-tripper. Only fit and experienced walkers should consider setting foot on the famous South-West wilderness trail. With its location in the deep south, at what seems like the very edge of the world (feel the tingle of Antarctic air from the south, turn west into the roaring 40’s wind and the next land mass, to the east, is South America) inclement weather is part of the adventure, so a flexible attitude should also be packed.

Trekking in remote wilderness along the South Coast Track in Tasmania |  <i>Phil Wyndham</i> Walking towards Cox Bight on the South Coast Track |  <i>Stef Gebbie</i> tackling a river crossing on Tasmania's South Coast Track |  <i>Michel Gueneau</i> Spectacular beaches abound along the South Coast Track |  <i>Will Barker</i> Trekking from Cox's Bright to Louisa Creek |  <i>Jon Herring</i> Flying into Melaleuca from Hobart |  <i>Jon Herring</i> Trekking from Little Deadman's Bay to Osmiridium Beach |  <i>Jon Herring</i>

Access to the South Coast Track begins with a spectacular flight from Hobart to the remote, hand-made airstrip at Melaleuca. This World Heritage listed hamlet was once home to the family of a legendary tin miner named Deny King, a man as rugged and inspiring as his surroundings. You can visit the tin shack, which is slowly being reclaimed by the wilderness, from where he would drag up to 70 kilograms of tin - on his back - down the coast to meet the boats.

Luckily, your pack weight shouldn’t exceed more than 20 kilograms if you organise a trip that can cater for food drops and you should have the luxury of 9 days to complete the 80km trail. A generous amount of time should be allowed for inclement weather as well as rest days to swim or relax on the empty beaches, well, empty of people – not wildlife such as seals! There are also many side trip opportunities so if you are likely only to ever treat yourself to this area just once in your lifetime, ensure you do it right.

Along with history, wildlife is also in abundance along the South Coast Track. This wild setting is also home to a plethora of wildlife including wombats, pademelons, quolls and the rare orange-bellied parrot.

Trek from Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet |  <i>Jon Herring</i> A seal on one of the beaches visited along the South Coast Track in Tasmania |  <i>Alysha White</i> Star Fish, South Coast Track, Tasmania |  <i>Gary Hayes</i>

Mud, river crossings and wet feet are a given on this trek. Even your gaiters won’t do their job on certain sections but then this is the attraction for walkers who thrive in such remote regions. As you head east from Melaleuca along your traverse of the Ironbound ranges you’ll encounter pristine beaches, rivers frequently swollen with torrential rainfall and ascend several mountain ranges which climb well above sea level into alpine conditions – complete with snow at certain times of the year!

The South Coast Track is a challenging trek with long days, big packs and trying conditions. That’s what we love about it! The area truly stirs your soul and despite the hardships anyone who takes on this amazing adventure will come away completely inspired and re‑energised.

Why travel with us

INNOVATIVE ADVENTURES

All of our active Tasmanian holidays provide our travellers with ample opportunities to experience Tasmania’s diverse wilderness, combined with the safety, local knowledge and flexibility necessary to operate quality adventure holidays in Tasmania's rapidly changing environment.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Environmental values filter through every aspect of the company, from the minimal impact camping procedures through to the interpretation of environment. Tasmanian Expeditions has Leave No Trace policies in place to ensure destinations retain their natural character and cultural diversity.

ULTIMATE VALUE

Our adventure holidays aim to be fully inclusive. We include park fees, permits, internal flights, meals and camping gear in our trip price, as well as gear such as goretex jackets and sleeping bags when required.

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