Bushwalk Australia

Hi

Though the SCT is still open, PWS is advising people not to go to remote areas, and the risk of fire in the area according to the fire website is high. Another very hot day is forecast for Sunday ..we are planning to start on Monday 4.

I’m in Sydney so it’s hard to assess the risk level ..I’d like to hear from locals as to whether they think it’s a good idea to start the SCT, a one week walk in a remote area in current conditions which could of course worsen.

Thanks for your help

Currently, part of your problem is that while it may be possible to fly into Melaleuca, it is not possible to drive to Cockle Creek. Northbound traffic is OK, as are resident travelling to and from their properties, but otherwise it's emergency vehicles only. If that continues, you'll have major transport issues at one end.

With the current forecasts and the way the fires are spreading, I personally would not go in there, but then I''m pretty paranoid when it comes to bushfires. Maybe walk somewhere else? If you're after a good coastal walk there's a ripper in the Tarkine, between Pieman Heads and Temma.

Latest track closures update

Tuesday 29 January – 4:30pm
Access to some national parks and reserve areas is being managed for public safety by PWS due to the current fire situation.

Due to the ongoing threat of fires in a number of areas around the state, PWS advises the following:

Southwest National Park – South Coast Track

Due to the current fire situation, restrictions are in place on new walkers embarking on the South Coast Track until further notice.

Access to the track at Cockle Creek is currently restricted due to a road closure at Huonville, and access via Melaleuca is restricted until the current fire emergency has passed.

Walkers currently on the track are under no immediate threat and weather and fire conditions will continue to be monitored. It is intended that walkers will be able to walk out, however plans are in place to relocate walkers should conditions change. A review and assessment will be undertaken on Friday 1 February.

https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=7785

And Par Avion have suspended flights to Melaleuca until the situation eases.

I was planning South West Cape circuit in a week or so.

Obviously that does not require a trip out of Cockle Creek. But I presume the advice to avoid remote areas means such a walk is not possible at present. The forecast does not look very good for rain in the next week

Chris

How would you even get there, by boat?

It doesn't look promising at the moment. I'm at Sydney airport. I cut my visit short and am heading home a month early. I'm very sad for Tasmania. I'll be hoping, praying, dancing for rain from afar.

Actually, Thursday is looking pretty good for rain, particularly the northern half of the state, and with light follow-up showers on Friday and Saturday.

After this Monday, winds will be (generally) light and humidity increasing so hopefully fires can be brought under control.

Thursday does look better. We now have a plan B into the Walls but I wonder how over run that will be with all the closed areas concentrating walkers into a limited area. The fire map of the state makes SW Cape look safer than the Central Plateau mind you.

Chris

cjhfield wrote:Thursday does look better. We now have a plan B into the Walls but I wonder how over run that will be with all the closed areas concentrating walkers into a limited area. The fire map of the state makes SW Cape look safer than the Central Plateau mind you.

Chris

The Walls is also closed. Id be making plans c,d,e and f if I were you..

Some parts of the west coast are still accessible, but there are not a lot of options left at the moment. Going to be a long summer.