South Coast Track

[dinna89]

I'm looking to do the South Coast Track in January, I don't have a good idea of how the weather will be at that time of year, observations from Dover show overnight temperatures of about 10 degrees, with a range of 5-15 degrees http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/ ... _All.shtml
Is this a reasonable reflection of typical overnight temperatures? I imagine the coast is more exposed so temperatures might be lower than this?

Also, Parks and Wildlife advise carrying in water, i'm guessing this is not needed?

[philm]

No need to carry water. There is normally plenty to be found in the creeks draining into the ocean etc. The water can be brackish so if you are inclined just filter it - we used a swayer squeeze.

Weather can be variable as everywhere else in the SW. We did the walk in Feb and it was hot with very mild nights (10 degrees C ) and up to 25 degrees during the day. You should be prepared for any weather and rain is common at some stage along the track - so know how to deal with and stay dry in wet weather.

[dinna89]

Yep, I'm definitely ready for wet weather, my main concern with temperature is bringing the right sleeping bag, i feel that I'll be sweating in a 0 degree bag, but a 10 degree bag might not be warm enough if I've misjudged the temps

[philm]

Take the zero degree bag and open it up as a loose quilt if it is warm. You are always better with a warmer bag and regulating with zips and opening up but you can’t make a cooler bag warmer.

[north-north-west]

Night temperatures could be anywhere between 15 and -5. Best option is a quilt so you can open it right up on the warmer nights. Or take the lighter bag and extra thermals/down jacket etc for the possible colder nights.
In other words, whatever you take it won't be perfect.

[dinna89]

Yeah, I think I'll got he zero degree bag, err on the side of warmth

thanks for he help, I'm sure I'll have more questions later

[Stamina]

Just got home from doing this hike with a couple of buddies. Had good weather with only a light shower one morning. I thought there would be quite a few mosquitos but saw bugger all really.

The only suggestion I'd make is taking waterproof socks and perhaps a few more pairs than normal.

[wander]

@Stamia how were the river / creek crossings?

[north-north-west]

wander: Creeks and rivers down there tend to rise and fall fairly quickly, so if it was mostly dry they shouldn't be too bad. Unless all the rain was up in the catchments rather than near the track.

[Stamina]

The creek crossings were pretty tame but you will get wet feet unless you want to change into sandles. I imagine if there is a lot of rain they could come up very quickly. There are ropes to hang onto also.

[Stamina]

At South Cape Rivulet campsite there was a Pademelon which has obviously been fed by hikers. It might be a good idea to hang your pack with food as my hiking companion left his out and had holes chewed in it.

Ripping campsite though!

[Last]

South Cape Rivulet is notorious for rats. It is them chewing through tents/packs/whatever. You need to hang your food from a string between two trees

[north-north-west]

And Louisa River has quolls. You can't leave your gear unattended for even a second, but at least they''re cute
little buggers.

[dinna89]

I think I read in the Chapman somewhere that there's areas that aren't passable at high tide - is there a local tide chart, closest I can find is cockle creek
https://www.fishranger.com.au/tides/sun ... rche%20Bay

[north-north-west]

I think I read in the Chapman somewhere that there's areas that aren't passable at high tide - is there a local tide chart, closest I can find is cockle creek
https://www.fishranger.com.au/tides/sun ... rche%20Bay

Prion Beach and Granite Beach can be a bit awkward if both tide and seas are high. There's a massive bridge at Milford Ck now so that crossing is no longer affected. South Cape Rivulet is more of a problem with high seas than high tide, in my experience. The low level route around Coal Bluff is not passable with higher tides and is also dodgy in a big swell.

For charts, try willyweather. For instance, this is for Granite Beach:
https://tides.willyweather.com.au/tas/southern/granite-beach.html

[dinna89]

Thanks NNW

Do I need sand pegs at all or are normal pegs okay?

[north-north-west]

I've never bothered with sand pegs down there. The official sites are often on sandy soil, but it's pretty hard packed and well sheltered.