South Coast Track

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Description

Summon up a map of Tasmania and take a good look. You'll find Hobart in the southeast with plenty of roads leading north to Launceston and Devonport. Then take your eye down to the southwest of the island to see a large swath of green. Look closer. There are no roads, no towns and only one tiny port on the southwest tip of the island. You're marveling at Southwest National Park and all of its wild glory. You'll find the South Coast Track along its southern edge.

Spanning 85 kilometers from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek, this walk takes 6 to 8 days to complete. It meanders through some of the wildest lands on planet Earth, and, because of this wildness, it is recommended that you gain experience on some of Tasmania's other difficult walks before challenging yourself on the South Coast Track. The Overland Track in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park serves as a good warmup.

While there is a rugged road to Cockle Creek, there are no roads to Melaleuca. The small encampment on the southwest side of Southwest National Park has a small airstrip and Port Davey for the landing of boats. You can only fly, boat, or walk your way out of Melaleuca. Boats and planes can be arranged in the west coast town of Strahan.