Western Arthur, South Coast and Southern Ranges planning

[Channas]

Hey guys,

I'm heading down to Tassie to do Western Arthurs traverse and South coast. I'm just wondering how is it with mosquitos down there? Should i bring a repellent and mesh along? Has anybody done Southern ranges track? I was just wondering how is the wading through New River Lagoon? Is it better to go bare feet or get wet the hiking boots? Was anybody buying fuel in Melaleuca? Is it usual gas bottle available in there? Is it reception in Cockle creek or Lune river for Optus or should I buy Telstra SIM card?

Thank you for helping me out with my planning.

[pazzar]

To answer a few questions for you:

1) Mosquitoes exist here. It is personal preference as to whether you use deet and a net. I usually don't bother.
2) Wading New River Lagoon - I found it easiest walking with boots on, but you could easily just pack a pair of neoprenes or light runners. There are a few sticks and slippery rocks underneath, and there is a creek that requires you to follow a creek upstream for a distance to cross it. Footwear would be recommended.
3) Heaps of people buy fuel at Melaleuca, but you need to prearrange this with Par Avion before you go out there. You can't just rock up and give them cash.
4) No Optus reception until Dover. Better off getting a Telstra sim if you are relying on a phone call to get a lift out. There is a phone box there though.

Cheers,

Pazzar

[bumpingbill]

I'm just wondering how is it with mosquitos down there? Should i bring a repellent and mesh along?

Mosquitos are around, and can be annoying. A little bit of repellant might be useful, if you want to carry it.

Has anybody done Southern ranges track? I was just wondering how is the wading through New River Lagoon?

I haven't waded the lagoon. I've done the South Coast Track though, so I've been close. From what I've read the lagoon can be waded. And I'm betting the water levels are down significantly at the moment, due to the drought. Much less water through the system than usual - according to the weather bureau anyway. As to what you should wear, I reckon you'll need boots.

Was anybody buying fuel in Melaleuca? Is it usual gas bottle available in there?

I have bought fuel from there. You can organise it in advance with Par Avion. You can grab a bottle from the pilot when they land. There are sometimes half used canisters in the hut you can use too, but obviously that can't be relied on. You can also usually freight food in too, to save weight. Check it out here: http://paravion.com.au/flights/bushwalking/

Is it reception in Cockle creek or Lune river for Optus or should I buy Telstra SIM card?

For the best reception in Tasmania, go Telstra. There is reception at Cockle Creek - usually. But only when you get very close. It's not available from very far away.

[north-north-west]

Never heard of anyone doing the New River Lagoon wade barefoot. It's a fair way and the risk of slipping or of cutting a foot is high. Some sort of footwear is best.
There are a few creek crossing between there and South ape Bay as well. Plus all the mud. Your feet are going to get wet no matter what you wear, so you might as well do the wade in boots and save your feet the risk of injury.

[hikingoz]

I agree with getting a Telstra sim. I found I could get signal from many of the peaks in SW.

I wore shoes walking along new river towards PB. Much of the South Coast track was wet anyway so it was no big deal. The damp scrub and exposure on the southern ranges past PB was probably more of a concern.

[GraemeSpedding]

Have walked PB/ Southern Ranges a few times- boots in the lagoon recommended. Lots of logs and rocks. Not a place for bare feet. It is a good ready wade though and at low tide pretty cruisey. The drought prob means even lower water levels.
There is a pay phone at Cockle Creek ( or there used to be).
The range beyond PB is relatively easy going tho the Scoparia may drive you mad.