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7
Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 7 days trekking with a full pack
  • Scenic flight to Melaleuca
Accommodation
  • 7 nights camping
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

ON SALE

8 Days$4095AUD

View Inclusions
Trip Code: SCT

South Coast Track Trip highlights

  • Scenic flight to Melaleuca
  • Camping, swimming & trekking along isolated and pristine beaches
  • Traversing the impressive Ironbound Range
  • A full rest day at Little Deadman's Bay
  • Learn of the ancient Aboriginal history of the area
  • Discover the unique animals and plants that call this remote wilderness home

Why Book With Us

  • Most experienced operator on the trail
  • Flexible itinerary that allows for a rest day and exploration
  • Lightweight tent provided

Tasmania's South Coast Track is one of Australia's finest long-distance walks. On this guided South Coast Track trek you'll be carrying a full pack along the unspoiled wilderness of Australia's southernmost shores. The 85 kilometre walk offers a spectrum of Tasmanian scenes, from empty beaches to towering rainforests and the alpine heights of the Ironbound Range. The South Coast Track is a place of wild scenes and wildlife, with the chance to see wombats, quolls and possibly even the orange-bellied parrot, one of the world's rarest bird species. After a spectacular flight along the coast or mountains to the remote airstrip at Melaleuca in the World Heritage-listed Southwest National Park, you will walk 10 to 15 kilometres each day, carrying up to 22 kilograms and camping at night. The walk has a flexible itinerary that allows for a rest day and time for swims or exploration along the succession of south-coast beaches. Following in the footsteps of early Indigenous Australians and ancient seafarers - the South Coast Track was built as an escape route for shipwreck survivors - our knowledgeable guides will lead you through a true wilderness experience and the challenge of a lifetime. If you have a thirst for full pack hikes, have excellent fitness and an open, flexible approach to being in remote areas for multiple days then Tasmania's South Coast Track is the perfect hiking adventure for you.

Activities:

Carbon Footprint

14kg of CO2-e PP per day

(95kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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The trip starts with the briefing at 8am at the Rock it Climbing Centre, 54 Bathurst St in Hobart. Following this briefing you will be taxied to Cambridge Airport for your flight at 11:30am. The scenic flight by light aircraft into Melaleuca in the remote south west corner of Tasmania is a definite trip highlight. This afternoon we begin walking to the coastline and today’s destination, Point Eric. On arrival at our waterfront campsite we pitch our tents, collect drinking water and settle in with a hot drink and time for a game of beach cricket, a swim, or just a wander along the beach before dinner. Walking Distance 12km | Walking Time 3-4 hours **You will need to arrive into Hobart the day before the trip in case there are any last minute changes to the flight to Melaleuca.

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast and packing up camp we head out along the beach. Tides dictate this morning’s timing as we skirt around a rocky headland before climbing up onto Sedge and Melaleuca clad plains that draw us inland. There are a number of suitable lunch spots where the tannin-stained freshwater trickles through the ancient quartzite hills. We have a short but steep climb then descent over Red Point Hills and will enjoy wonderful panoramic views from the top – today’s high point. In the afternoon we make our muddy way toward the beautiful watercourse of Louisa Creek and onwards to Louisa River flowing close by the impressive Ironbound Range where we will make our camp in the wonderful eucalypt forest, ready for tomorrow's early start. Walking Distance 17km | Walking Time 7-9 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

The mighty Ironbounds!!! Our high point is almost a thousand metres above where we start and finish today. Your guides have breakfast ready in the predawn darkness and be busy getting the group on the track by sun-up. We climb up the exposed western slopes, over open ground and vegetation stunted by the prevailing westerlies. In fine weather there are plenty of great rest spots where the views are spectacular beneath us. From the top of the range we may be lucky enough to see the Eastern and Western Arthur Ranges including Federation Peak, through to Mount Anne and all the way to the formidable South West Cape and Maatsuyker Island. The broad top of the Ironbound Range commonly receives the harshest conditions known in Tasmania and snowfalls, gale force winds and pelting sleet are never unexpected. This is a long and demanding day and the top is not even half way, the slippery and muddy descent is through a tangle of lush rainforest which in turn becomes thick Tea Tree bush as the last few kilometres follow the coastline to a very welcome sight – our campsite at Little Deadman's Bay. Walking Distance 13km | Walking Time 10-12 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is the only full rest day on the tour and is a well earned break after some big days. It’s a wonderful treat to read a book, play some cards and let your body relax and recover from the last few days’ activity.

Meals:  B,L,D

Feeling refreshed, we look forward to tackling some of the track’s best mud holes, a challenging rowboat lagoon crossing and walking along the coast’s longest beach. We trek over broad sand dunes, wade across watercourses and climb over headlands letting no obstacles stand in our way! There are a few campsite choices for tonight and your guides will decide where to stay based on the availability of fresh water, the fitness of the group members and their own personal favourite spots where they may know special sights and hidden points of interest. Walking Distance 13.3km | Walking Time 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This is a favourite day for many people as we wander through wet sclerophyll forest from beach to beach. Today’s short distance means a leisurely lunch with time to wriggle your toes in the sand, swim in the ocean, search for Devonian Fossils, or just sit back and relax. A favourite lunch spot is Surprise Beach, which is just a short distance, if not a little steep, to our afternoon's destination Granite Beach. As we descend onto this bay our eyes are drawn out to the incredible fluted dolerite columns of South Cape. At the eastern end of the bay our campsite is perched above the cliffs beneath the Tea Tree and eucalypt canopy. Our water source here cascades off the cliffs onto the beach to make a wonderful, refreshing shower. Walking Distance 10km | Walking Time 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

A big day in the hills – we get an early start to make our way over the South Cape Range to our final night’s camp at South Cape Rivulet. We begin with a lengthy climb through moist forest to the day’s highpoint about 500m above sea level. If we are lucky there are beautiful views back along the coast as far as South West Cape to the mountains of Pindar’s Peak, Mount LaPerouse and Mount Leillateah. This is a deceptive day with our high point being the first of seven hills that we climb and descend before stepping into the sand of South Cape Rivulet where we cross the sometimes deep, outlet of the lagoon to our campsite. This is a wonderful day of wet and dry forests, buttongrass plains, Tea Tree swamps and dazzling coastal views. The beach at our camp is one of the best along the South Coast for a swim and not many people can resist taking an invigorating plunge! Walking Distance 9km | Walking Time 6-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a gentle end to an amazing trip. The morning has us strolling along a couple of picturesque beaches and then up over a headland. The top of the cliffs is a perfect place for a rest while the waves crash below. Our eight day trek concludes at Cockle Creek, Australia’s southernmost town. This quiet blissful bay has a couple of holiday homes and an information shelter, and is where you will be met by our friendly bus driver to be transferred to Hobart. We usually drop you at your accommodation in Hobart at approx 5pm. After a shower and some clean clothes it's common for the group to get together and enjoy a celebratory dinner at one of Hobart's many wonderful restaurants. This is a spectacular and wild trek that we believe will stay with you for a long time to come. Walking Distance 11km | Walking Time 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • 7 nights camping
  • 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
  • Scenic flight to Melaleuca
  • Return transport to Hobart by private minibus
  • National Park fees
  • Tent and inflatable sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit

  • Travel to and from Hobart
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation

Wilderness Campsites

Tasmanian Expeditions provides strong, 2 person, bushwalking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. Our tents weigh between 2.0 and 2.5 kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant. We use a range of high quality 3-4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered on our adventures. Brands that are most commonly used are Wilderness Equipment and Eureka.

Trail Surface

Rugged and remote

The South Coast Track is a challenging bushwalk with some long days, big, heavy packs and trying conditions. The terrain is very rugged and remote. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep (you climb from sea level to 1000m and back down again when crossing the Ironbound Ranges). You should be prepared for creek and river crossings that could be waist deep. while carrying your full pack. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, along beaches, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, through muddy sections that can stretch for kilometres (see below about how muddy it can be) and scramble over rocks. This is a true wilderness walk.

Expect mud

Even after a week of sunshine sections of the track (up to a few kilometres long) can be very muddy. People have been known to fall into sections of mud waist deep. Due to poor soils and high rainfall this is unavoidable on most trips. Experienced walkers will come to accept this is all part of the adventure.

Suitability

Challenging

7

The South Coast Track is a very tough trip and you need to be fit and prepared. Our South Coast Track walking adventure involves trekking in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day, possibly more, over rugged and varied terrain. The tracks may be long, rough and very steep. There will be creek and river crossings, walking on sand and through mud. With remoteness comes potential to encounter variable weather conditions. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a full pack weighing up to 22kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions and remote locations where evacuation may be very difficult. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (up to 22kg). At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise for our challenging treks is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
HS
Holiday Season
Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 December to 15 February, and for any trip that overlaps a public holiday.

Priceper person from

$4095AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Prefer not to share? Your own tent - trek nights onlyAUD$50
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed South Coast Track trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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You need an excellent level of fitness. Days run 8-10 hours, sometimes more, over rugged terrain with 20-22 kg (44-48 lb) on your back. Prepare with an hour of strenuous exercise four times a week, weekly walks carrying a 5-7 kg (11-15 lb) day pack, and demanding bushwalks at full pack weight.

The South Coast Track is graded 7, Challenging, and Parks & Wildlife Tasmania rates it much more difficult than the Overland Track. Expect 8-10 hours of walking a day across 85 km (53 miles), carrying 20-22 kg (44-48 lb), over mud, beaches, river crossings and one 900 m (2,950 ft) range.

Our guided trek takes 8 days - 7 days walking with a full pack, 7 nights camping and one full rest day. Independent walkers typically allow 6-8 days and should budget spare days for weather. The rest day sits after the Ironbound Range crossing, the hardest day at 13 km (8 miles) and 10-12 hours.

November to March is the walking season, and our departures run from mid-November to late March when days are longest and creek levels most predictable. Snow, gale-force wind and steady rain are possible in any month on this coast, so the season improves the odds rather than guaranteeing anything.

No booking or permit system applies to the South Coast Track, unlike the Overland Track. You need a valid Tasmanian parks pass, and Parks & Wildlife asks every walker to sign the logbook at Melaleuca and again at Cockle Creek. On our guided trek, national park fees are included.

Walk east, from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek. Almost every walker flies in and walks out, because a flight at the end can be delayed for days by weather or by creeks too high to reach the airstrip. Our trek flies to Melaleuca on Day 1 and finishes on foot at Cockle Creek.

A rowboat crossing of the lagoon outlet sits on Day 5. Boats are kept on both banks, so a party rows across, tows the second boat over, leaves one behind and rows back - every crossing ends with a boat on each side. Wind, not depth, is the usual difficulty.

Day 3 climbs to almost 1,000 m (3,280 ft) and returns to sea level across 13 km (8 miles), taking 10-12 hours. We start before dawn. The exposed tops carry no shade and no shelter, and wind strong enough to knock a walker off the boardwalk is common rather than exceptional.

It is all camping. The only huts on the route are two at Melaleuca beside the airstrip; there is nothing between there and Cockle Creek. Pit toilets sit at every major campsite. Our trek supplies tents and inflatable sleeping mats and carries all group cooking and eating equipment.

Creeks and rivers along the route supply all drinking water; there is no tank water between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek. Parks & Wildlife advises boiling water before drinking. Some creeks near campsites run poorly after dry spells, so our guides fill at the reliable sources rather than the nearest one.

We walk in it. Rain, wind and cold are normal on this coast in every month, and the itinerary carries the time to absorb them. Where a creek is genuinely unsafe our guides wait for it to drop, which is one reason the trip finishes on foot at Cockle Creek rather than on a flight.

Walking the South Coast Track alone is strongly discouraged. Creek crossings, the rowboat crossing and the exposed Ironbound tops are all materially safer with a party, and evacuation from most of the route is very difficult. Our treks run with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10 walkers plus two guides.

The minimum age on our South Coast Track trek is 18. The combination of pack weight, day length and remoteness makes it unsuitable for younger walkers, and it is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, or aged over 60, need a doctor-signed medical form.

The mud and Day 3. Mud is more constant and deeper than photographs suggest and it slows everything down. The Ironbound Range crossing is 10-12 hours with a full pack and no shelter on top. Distance is rarely the problem; arriving under-trained is.

On our guided trek you carry a share of the group food, not all of it, and the guides carry the cooking equipment and do the cooking. Food is the single biggest variable in what your pack ends up weighing, and also whether you have a good time on the South Coast Track or not!

You carry 20-22 kg (44-48 lb) - your clothing, sleeping bag, and a share of the group food and equipment. A 75-90 litre pack is required. Baggage on the light aircraft to Melaleuca is capped, so anything you do not need on the track stays behind in Hobart.

Rugged and remote throughout. You cross the Ironbound Range from sea level to almost 1,000 m (3,280 ft) and back in a day, wade the Louisa River, walk long sand beaches at Prion and Granite, and cross South Cape Rivulet. Between them: buttongrass plain, rainforest, boardwalk and sustained mud.

It is not advised. Previous multi-day experience is essential, and so is previous experience carrying a full pack. If you have not carried 20 kg (44 lb) for a full day and enjoyed it, this is not the walk to start on, and there is no way to shorten it once you begin. Walk the Overland Track first.

Tasmania's south west is renowned for wild, unpredictable weather. Expect strong wind, heavy rain and sunshine, often in a single day, in any month of the season. Snow and gale-force wind are both possible on the exposed Ironbound tops in summer, so wet-weather gear and warm layers are carried every day, not packed for later.

Bad enough that gaiters are essential rather than optional. Expect sustained shin-deep mud through the buttongrass plains and forested descents, and sections up to a few kilometres long where walkers have been known to sink to waist depth. Walk through it, not around it - skirting mud widens the trail and damages the buttongrass.

There is no power anywhere between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek. Bring a power bank sized for eight days and keep it dry, because everything on this track gets wet. Cold nights drain batteries faster than most people expect, so store devices and power banks inside your sleeping bag.

South Coast Track Trip reviews

South Coast Track Videos

Why Trek Tasmania's South Coast Track With Us?

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.