Australian Hiker

242-South Coast Track: Expectations versus Reality

Show notes

In this podcast episode we discuss our pre-trip expectations for the Tasmanian based, 85 km South Coast Track and compare them to reality. While I had certain expectations of the trip, some of which panned out as expected, there were things that ended up going very differently. In this episode we discuss how the trip went and make some recommendations that will help you get the best out of this experience.

Podcast Overview

Podcast and Episode introduction (time index 0:01:30)
Pre and post trip accomodation and Transport (time index 0:01:57)
- Transport
  - To Tasmania
  - To the trailhead in Melaleuca
  - Transport from the Cockle Creek Trail Head back to Hobart
The Melaleuca trailhead (time index 0:06:52)
- Only cabins on the trail
Facilities (time index 0:07:12)
- Toilets
  - No toilet paper
  - Catholes – you wish!
- Campsites
  - Flat ground
  - Typically nothing else with the rare exception
Trail (time index 0:12:23)
- Trail tread consists of a combination of natural trail, beach and rock walking, and occasional timber and mesh boardwalks
  - Constructed
  - Natural
    - The mud, oh the mud
    - Creek beds!
Water (drinking) on trail
- Apart from Melaleuca and Cockle Creek, all natural
Distances (actual figures are approximate) (time index 0:17:58)
- Day 1
  - Planned 23.9km
  - Actual 13.4km
- Day 2
  - Planned 18.6km
  - Actual 18.6km
- Day 3
  - Planned 18.4km
  - Actual 12.3km
- Day 4
  - Planned 12.2km
  - Actual 14.4km
- Day 5
  - Planned 11.4km
  - Actual 10.93km
- Day 6
  - Planned 0km
  - Actual 9.56km
- Day 7
  - Planned 0km
  - Actual 6.98km
Mobile reception (time index 0:24:58)
- A few places only
  - Iron Bound Ranges – text
  - 2nd last day phone
  - Last day approaching Cockle Creek (Telstra is your best option)
- Internet access in a few areas but its weak
Fire free zone (time index 0:26:27)
The scenery / animals (time index 0:28:14)
- Spectacular coastal views and vegetation
- Coastal woodland
- Tasmanian wilderness
- Animal and bird life (time index 0:30:09)
  - Spotted Quolls
    - Food stealers
  - Pademelons
  - Snakes
  - Leaches
Inlet crossings (time index 0:32:53)
- Something many hikers may have never done before
- Carry a tide chart
- All different
When to walk (time index 0:41:07)
The Guidebook (time index 0:41:28)
Things to make the trip better (time index 0:42:57)
- Trekking poles
- Rain pants
- Full length gaiters
- Full length pants
- Clothesline
- Carry extra food
Gill and Tim’s wrap up (time index 0:47:30)
- Who is this trip for?
- ‘Pot luck’ on the trip experience
- Trip highlight
- Trip lowlight
Close (time index 0:53:54)

Resources

Australian Hiker
Tasmanian Parks
- General trail information for the South Coast Track
- Park Pass (Permit)
Transport
- Hobart to Melaleuca
  - Plane
    - Par Avion airlines
- Cockle Creek to Hobart
  - Road transport
    - Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences

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