Southern Tas Walk

[johnat]

I'm interested in the Melaleuca to Lake Pedder (and possibly also melaleuca back to Cockle Creek - but not on the same trip ) .
Does anyone have any suggestions, ideas, do's and/or don'ts, etc??
Ta, in advance.
John

[Azza]

Perhaps get the John Chapman SW Tasmania Guidebook for starters.

I haven't done the entire Melaleuca to Scotts Peaks, but its wouldn't be high on my list of recommendations, it tends not to be held in high regard. 4 days of muddy button grass.

[gregm]

Started bushwalking in 2008 (Age 56) & South Coast Track was my second walk. Stared at Cockle Creek & finished 7 days later at Melaleuca. In 2009 it was a well defined track most of the way & we met a few other walkers each day. We experienced very strong headwinds & showers/light rain for the last couple of days. Luckily the weather cleared as we arrived at the summit of the Ironbound Range for awesome views. This is a beautiful walk with great forest, mountain & coastal views. Because of my inexperience (my pack weighed 30kg at the start), inappropriate shoes & lack of 'hiking' fitness I admit that at times I struggled; mainly with sore feet; but it wasn't difficult.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, I just love hiking in Tas, but next time I would allow a couple more days to really see the area properly. With a little more experience, more suitable shoes & much improved hiking fitness, I have since completed a couple of 10 day hikes (2010) in Tassie & did these comfortably, although the warm & dry weather conditions made walking much easier.
On one of our walks in 2010, we linked up with the SW Cape track at the western end. This is a well defined track and in dry conditions was a very easy walk. Be aware however that (From local reports) heavy rain can quickly make some of the creek crossings along the beaches impassable for some time. The views along this track are great & I hope to do this walk again one day. Beware the camp quolls at each beach site.
Walking in Tasmania is a very rewarding experience with fantastic views nearly everywhere you look but be aware that weather conditions, even in summer, can be extremely cold & wet, with sleet & light snow not uncommon. My best advice is to prepare for the worst possible weather because even on day walks the weather can quickly turn foul. However, with appropriate clothing, I have still enjoyed the experience of hiking in light snow, sleet & strong winds (This was February/March 2011).
Good luck with your preparation & have a great time wherever you decide to go.
Cheers Greg

[Maelgwn]

Port Arthur Track {moderating hat on..} I believe this should read "Port Davey Track" - port arthur track is in a different area... liam is not high on my list of recommendations. The views of Bathurst Harbour are good but the rest of the walk is a bit of a struggle through "Button-grass plains" (Chapman's code for bog).

The South Coast Track is much much better.

[north-north-west]

Port Arthur Track is not high on my list of recommendations. .

Port Davey Track. The OLD Port Davey track, to be really pedantic. Though you're right about the mud and buttongrass and just about everything else being a better option.

[johnat]

@ Greg,
Beat you!! I was 63 when I did my First Tas walking trip. That was the Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair last April, and I am hooked!!!

Thanks for your insights into the South Coast Walk. Much appreciated.

John