south coast track

[weighty walker]

Hi fellow walkers. I am considering a quiet week away mid January and was thinking maybe a few days on SCT. A couple of days in from cockle creek then the same out. As I have only done day walks in the area I was hoping more experienced walkers could let me know how busy this area gets at this time of year, and average weather conditions. Thanks in advance

[gayet]

I haven't been in recently but did an overnighter at lion rock last year a day before christmas. Cockle creek will be busy with caravans and campers, South Cape Rivulet will be busy with South Coast Track through walkers. I chose to stop at Lion rock because it was a nothing sort of stop. Interesting camp site but too close to Cockle Creek to be a useful stop and too close to South Cape Rivulet camp site to be worth the effort of stopping. I had it all to myself for a day. Although quite a few passers by. I think anywhere along there is likely to be busy as it is a prime walk at this time of year. Track was good although a bit of a slide to get down to the beach - the steps had washed away and it was a thin sandy wet rope down a rocky muddy drop. Weather is southern Tasmania.

I should note my intention then was to escape the office and the hordes (in close proximity) and the laptop and the phone, and then just sit and contemplate the clouds. All of which were successfully achieved by walking no great distance and climbing no mountains.

[sherpa]

Hi weighty walker,
I spent 3 days down there a fortnight ago with my brother. 2 nights at South Cape Rivulet.
We had the whole beach to ourselves. Except for local wildlife, including a quole who had no
respect for personal possessions. Matter of fact it felt like we had the entire coast to
ourselves, as we saw no one the entire time except for a few walkers we passed on our way
back to Cockle. However expect to share share the campsite with many others.
The track from SCR towards Shoemaker Bay is a bit of a slog, it takes you inland up and down
hills on a very muddy track with few scenic views. Although enjoyable in its own right, I would
question my need (you will also have little desire)to walk that leg again. I would ask myself if a
walk from Melaleuca to Cockle might be the go.

[Mechanic-AL]

Hi there Weighty,
Lion Rock is a very popular spot for Tassies surfing population. If your planned trip happens during a spell of light northerly winds and a forcast of small S.Westerly swell you will most likely encounter plenty of the board carrying brigade on the track.

AL.

[bumper]

Hi W Walker,
If you have a week to spare, Fly to Melaleuca and do the whole SC Track, You won't regret it.
I'm heading down early feb to do it again.
Bumper

[weighty walker]

Thanks everyone, I did expect it to be a little busy at this time of year, but its my only chance for a break. I would love to do the whole SCT but i am on my own this trip and i am not sure if i could manage by my self, to many What Ifs.I would love to try but this old grey mare just aint what she used to be .