Few questions for a first Tasmania "walker"

[Sphinx]

hi everybody!

After spending a year in Sydney for studying, I really WANT to spend time by myself! As I like hiking in Italy (I sometimes walk 1 or 2 days hiking paths along Appennini in Italy), I would love to try Tasmanian great walks !

details:
My idea is to go to Tasmania by myself, from the 11 to the ... don't know! I was thinking 3 weeks maybe would be good! After research on internet, on the website http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/ , and on Googe Earth to inspect the area mentioned in this website, I decided to try the Frenchmans Cap, and the South Coast from Mealeuca to Cockle Creek.

I would like to fit everything in my back pack, as I already tried to fit everything I think i'll need, and here is the question: I've never done anything like that on my own, and I'd like to know what I should take with me, without the possibility of sharing food and water and tent.
Especially I'd like to know how many liters of water I should carry with me, to be sure I wont run out of it before I find a creek to refill my water sack.
And maybe if u can just give me a short idea of how much food, it would be easier for me to plan better my trip. I've read about the Frenchmans Cap takes about 5 days to complete, and the South Coast in that point i want to do, around 6-8 days. ... sooo .. urchk!

PS the south Coast , i read something about a couple of boat crossing points ... the big question is ... how does the boat go to the first shore once someone used it to get to the opposite one??
PS2 the only way to get to Meleuca is by plane? Do I have to book a private flight to there?

Thank you very much!
For now .. I'm just training myself and trying to smoke less until completely being a not smoker (again). Hope it will be useful!

cheers!!
ciao!
Luca

[Chrisbulldog]

My first thoughts are that you seem inexperienced , so might not be a good idea to go to the areas your suggesting by yourself. Maybe go with some experienced people or find less remote places. Good luck if you do go.

[frenchy_84]

hi everybody!

PS the south Coast , i read something about a couple of boat crossing points ... the big question is ... how does the boat go to the first shore once someone used it to get to the opposite one??

There is a boat at each end and if you have to row across once and collect the other boat then row back with both boats and then row back to the side you wanted to get to with the other boat, essentially crossing 3 times so there is still a boat at both sides.

As far as the others questions go, prepared to get a fair bit of critism from other people, there does seem to be general discouragement by some regarding limited experience. I personally think that if your fit and you are aware of what can happen (this website is a good place to start) then go for it.

The water question really depends on where your are walking, i would take water sterlising pills for the sct. I have never walked with more than 3 litres at any time.

As far as flights go google Par Avion and see when they fly.

Good luck

[nakedape]

Hi,

Given the lack of experience I'd suggest you try this:

Walk the Overland Track first - that will give you an idea about the gear you need/ don't need, fitness level, and a little taste of walking in Tas.

If that goes well head to Frenchmans & then SCT if your still keen.

Solo walking can be very rewarding - and the decision to go is yours alone. If you do go PLEASE stay safe - and enjoy yourself.

N

[Sphinx]

hei ! thank you everybody! thank you Frenchy!

I know my limits and I am trying to get information to be aware of what to find during these walks. That's why I am looking on youtube for videos about the tracks, reading whatever I find, and reading this forum in all its parts, and asking for your help: to get more information! If you think I should avoid doing it, ok it's fine, but please answer my questions so I can make an Idea myself!
I was first thinking of doing the Overland but it takes ages, very long, and I can't carry so much food for 8 days or longer! (8 may be ok, but more might be difficult!).

Frenchy! How can I row 2 boats if I'm alone? there is a way to tide them up ?
I do have water sterilizing pills, but I was still wondering how much water should I bring, coz I want to try my backpack and try to fill it up with everything and see if it's good enough if I need bigger one or whatever!
I have no idea of how many creeks I can find along the path! I ordered the maps online, maybe with them I'll have an answer and a better vision of what i'll face.

anyway, i'll hire one of the GPS alarms, so ... !

thank you again!
ciao!
Luca

[Son of a Beach]

You have to row across three times. Firstly to pick up the other boat, secondly to row both boats (towing) back to where you started, and thirdly row one back to the other side again.

[Nuts]

I was first thinking of doing the Overland but it takes ages, very long, and I can't carry so much food for 8 days or longer! (8 may be ok, but more might be difficult!)
Luca

Luca, If the Overland track took 8 days you would expect to need 12 or more for the South Coast Track. The usual way to do the Overland is 6 relatively easy days.
The distance to Frenchmans and back is less than either but the effort i would think is not much less than the OT
You wont need to carry a lot of water, i'd hesitate to say how much but I think the most I carried on either of them was around 1 litre. You shouldn't need to treat the water.
If you can take mostly dried food ad snacks then 6/700grams a day is common. Youll need to allow a couple of extra days on each for delays....

That said, I too wouldnt advise starting on either Frenchmans or The SCT. I dont see all the others advice as criticism at all

[srforum112]

My suggestion is to purchase the John Chapman books on the walks your interested in. They provide track notes and lots of useful information regarding the walk, how to get there and out, water, campsites etc. You can purchase them directly from John Chapman's website or from some outdoor stores like Paddy Pallin.

Its interesting that you say the overland track is takes ages, as this walk can be done in 5 days. People walk the south coast track on average over 7 days, as its a harder and longer walk.

If walking alone taking a personal EPIRB (personal locater) is a really good idea.

I hope you enjoy walking in Tassie.

Have you walked Cinque Terre? Would be interested in finding out more about the walks and towns as my I am planning to visit and walk around the five towns later this year?

Sonja