Getting there is half the fun

South Coast Track, Tasmania

After 2 weeks in Tasmania there is a lot to write about, but since photos do a better job of portraying what it was like I'll use them instead. We spent 8 days in the bush, of which it rained for 7, sometimes heavily. So sadly not enough pictures were taken, mostly because the beautiful landscape was shrouded in clouds most of the time, and the odd glimses we did get didn't make for nice pictures. Anyway, here's the photo diary of the trip!...

We took an hour long bush plane flight in from Hobart to an airstrip named Melaleuca. It's in the middle of nowhere. Nobody lives within hundreds of miles. But there is a Ranger station and a parrot watching station there. And you can also fill up your fuel bottes there since you're not allowed to take in on the plane. The flight was quite a ride though. It started off fun, but after about 20 minutes we all started to feel sick. At around half an hour Greta and I both had our puke bags open and ready. Only I had to use mine though. Twice. It's the worst feeling just before you puke, but feels sooo much better after! Alastair also puked right after getting off the plane. Lucky for me the pilot saved me the trouble of carrying my puke sachet on the hike!


Besides the puking, the flight in was very scenic.


Our flight followed the coast so we got to see our route. We hiked to this beach the first day and camped on the headland in the middle. It poured rain during the night.


Up a valley and towards the coast from Melaleuca to Cox Bight on the first day.


Whilst cooking dinner a Wombat trotted past our camp on the beach. We followed it for 100 meters before it found a bush it decided to chew on. It didn't mind us coming close at all.


Day 2 started with a beach walk beneath threatening clouds.


The weather changed every 10 minutes. One minute it was raining, the next we'd be sweltering in the sun. Then it would start to hail.


Soon we had our first of many creek crossings. Our boots stayed wet for the rest of the hike.


In addition to the rain and numerous creek crossings there was heaps of mud to contend with. This is by far the muddiest hike I've ever done. Some pits were waist deep. If you were lucky it would only be knee deep.


Greta at yet another creek crossing.


The group scrambles to put on rain gear as the hail pounds us.


Louisa River: This was the largest river crossing. It was thigh deep in parts and flowing swiftly. We were worried about being swept down so we almost camped at the other side to wait for it to drop. Luckily we hadn't as the river rose 8 inches during the night and probably continued to do so with all the rain we got. Don't be fooled by the sunshine in the pic.


The Ironbounds: The highest of the mountains we had to cross at 1000m. It was a wet and slippery slog.


Day 4/5? We finally had one night without rain so could dry stuff a little before it started raining again before lunch.


Greta enjoying yet another creek/swamp crossing.


The author. This was the only day where it was hot enough to bring out the 'muscle shirt'. The sun only lasted 2 hours though:(


Janie rowing across New River Lagoon. There is a rowboat on each side which you use to shuttle yourselves across.


Day 6: This was the worst day. We woke to a storm, packed quickly without eating brekky and hiked in the bonechilling wind and rain. The wind would blow the sand across the dunes and it would sting any exposed skin. We got completely soaked that day. They need to invent better Goretex.


Greta and Evan. Can't remember which day/beach.


Aussie Hottie.


Sunset from the cliffs above New River Lagoon.


We saw many Wallabies and Potteroos on the hike. At first it was a huge novelty and I was so excited. But it was still cool seing them hopping around our camp trying to steal food. They were quite persistent and not scared at all. We also had a small thing called a Quoll one night that managed to steal some garbage. No pics though.


Greta scrambling. See the trail marker above the cliff?!


Me filling water. All the fresh water in this part of Tasmania is dyed tea brown by either tannin from the buttongrass moorlands or from Tea Trees, can't remember which is correct.


Drinking water, no need to treat.


More mud. This was a daily occurance.


Having fun with the camera. Twilight reflection on the brown water of a lagoon.


Alastair was crazy enough to pack a spear and snorkelling gear, complete with flippers. His pack weighted about 35kg! But it was worth it though. He went spear fishing twice in the frigid waters and both times caught a small fish in less than 10 minutes. None of us knew what the fish were though, but they tasted quite good!


Developing a bit of a snoob? Yes, I have passed puberty.


The gang (minus Sam) at the trailhead 8 days later!! L to R: Tom, Evan, Alastair, Janie, Greta.

Posted by Evan at 2:56 AM