South Coast Track info

[Drew]

Hi there,

My partner and I are considering coming down from Melbourne to walk the South Coast Track at some stage over the coming summer. A few questions:

- Is there a preferred month weather wise and crowds wise? We were thinking of coming over the New Years period but I'm wondering if it might be quite busy then (also more expensive flights to/from mainland). Or are walker numbers limited by the number of flights in to Melaleuca each day and therefore never too high? Alternatively we could come later in Jan or in Feb. Any issues with water availability later in summer?

- It seems like 7 days is the standard amount taken for the walk. The days look pretty short but if there are nice beaches to laze around on then that's good! Thoughts on this?

- Any up to date info on transport back to Hobart from Cockle Creek? Seems like it can be pretty expensive, especially for a party of 2. If there are any cheaper new options I'd love to hear of them!

Thanks

[Mark F]

Generally the later you go in summer the greater chance of better weather. February is likely to offer the best weather but that does not mean you cannot experience a week of rain. Flights to Melaleuca are only limited by the demand (and the weather) and the availability of aircraft - so book early. Generally Par Avion want to fill the early flights with day trip passengers so walkers are usually put on the midday and afternoon flights - treat this as an opportunity to have a look around Melaleuca rather than immediately heading off on the track.

Usually the olny water issue is too much rather than too little.

[L_Cham_67]

These are some options for public transport back to Hobart from Cockle Creek:
Tasmanian Wilderness Experience: http://www.twe.travel/transport-tasmania/ Seems fairly expensive though
Maxi Cabs (pretty sure this is what we did when I walked the SCT)
Dover Taxico
Huon Valley Taxi Service
Check this link out for more info about transport options to/from Cockle Creek: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=19219

[Drew]

Thanks to you both.

Looks like it's possible to get a bus to Hobart from Dover or Geveston. Although going by the prices I've seen quoted it wouldn't save that much. Dover taxi company apparently charges $200 per vehicle for Cockle Creek to Geveston. Add on $22 x 2 for the bus to Hobart, then taxi to the airport and it's probably as much as the $320 that TWE charge for two people from Cockle Creek to the airport.

Quite an expensive affair! But I am very keen to do the walk before it gets wrecked (sorry, "developed").

[stepbystep]

It's highly probable a tourist will give you a lift from CC to Hobes.

[Drew]

It's highly probable a tourist will give you a lift from CC to Hobes.

True, probably worth a go.

[nicktobin]

we did it in 7 days no problems with that kind of time frame.
heaps of places you could spend a day on the beach and laze about , the beaches and campsites are all lovely guess it depends on the weather
invest in a nice pair of gaiters as its a bit of a mudpit , fantastic walk but rather moist......
we came in via port davey track
also there is a good chance that you will be able to jump in a cab from cockle creek with other people you meet on the track

[Drew]

Thanks nicktobin. Sounds like 7 days is the go, and best to play it by ear for transport at the end.

Not sure if we'll stay in Hobart after or try to get straight on a plane home. Perhaps wise to leave time for a night or two in Hobart just in case. Or I suppose we could shell out extra for flexible flights.

[Mark F]

Always wise to leave a day or two slack at the end. South Cape Rivulet amongst other possibilities can bring your itinerary undone at any time.

[slparker]

It's highly probable a tourist will give you a lift from CC to Hobes.

if you take a cleansing dip in the surf at Cockle Creek beach first, that is....

[Drew]

if you take a cleansing dip in the surf at Cockle Creek beach first, that is....

Yes, probably wise! Hopefull I will have had lots of swims along the way and won't stink. My clothes however...

[cjhfield]

My advice: make the most of it and take 9 days. Do the boat trip on Port Davey and stay a night at Melaleuca in the hut. Check out the Orange Bellied Parrot hide, it may be your last chance to see them in the wild.

Chris

[GraemeSpedding]

Have you now done this?- I just walked it for the umpteenth ( and probably last ) time but have some up to date views and info.

[Guido]

Hi Graeme,

I'm walking the SCT next week, can you share some of your experiences?
Many thanks,

Guido

[GraemeSpedding]

Damn sorry just picked this up...
1. The headland on Coxs bite has had a track cut over it, so you do not need to wade around the rocks. Have a good look around for the track lest you miss it.
2. The duck bards on the approach to Red Pt hills certainly speed up the walk
3. Water at Milford is brackish on a high tide-and water at Prion is poor so carry a but more from Deadmans if you are stopping at Prion.
4. Get an early start from Louisa River to cross Iron bounds, esp if its hot.
5. There is GOOD water were you drop down onto the start of Prion Beach so pick up a load here.
6. The south cape range has at least had a new track cut up it is is a bit less of a slog in the dry.
7 New stairs up from the beach to Cockle creek track are a welcome addition.
8. Worth camping at Surprise Bay and then having a short day to Granite Beach in prep for the South Cape Crossing.
Hope that helps and is not too late.

[MidLifeHiker]

Thanks for those tips! I really appreciate it!