Climbing the South Coast Monitor Tasmania [2025]

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Some think about the South Coast Monitor the second-best hike in Tasmania behind the Overland Monitor. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless rated as one of many greatest climbing trails in Australia.

I believe climbing the South Coast Monitor with the Port Davey Monitor makes a way more scenic and distant path. Bushwalking these two trails combines a few of the greatest climbing in Tasmania.

The South Coast Monitor Tasmania is an 85km lengthy hike that almost all bushwalkers full in 5-8 days. The precise time and distance will rely in your climbing expertise, health, aspect trails, and the climate.

South Coast Monitor Transport

There are a few transport choices for climbing the South Coast Monitor:

• Take a flight with Par Avion from Hobart to the beginning of the Path at Melaleuca
• Take a bus or hitchhike to Cockle Creek
• Begin climbing the Path at Scotts Peak Dam by way of the Port Davey Monitor

Most individuals fly to the beginning of the South Coast Monitor utilizing a flight to Melaleuca airstrip by the airline, Par Avion. They fly this route and may provide Gas or Fuel canisters to hikers (they aren’t allowed on the aircraft).

The tip of the South Coast Monitor is at Cockle Creek. Most individuals use one of many a number of Climbing Transport corporations to move them to Hobart.

I’ve used pre-arranged transport from the bushwalking bus corporations, I’ve hitchhiked and I’ve met buddies who’ve given me a raise to get to the beginning of climbing trails in Tasmania.

If hitchhiking remember that this a part of Tasmania doesn’t see loads of transport, nevertheless, you may be capable to pay for a spare seat on one of many bus corporations which are choosing up different hikers. Par Avion also can choose you up by bus on the finish of the path.

Another choice is to begin or end your hike at Scotts Peak Dam by way of the Port Davey Monitor. I’ve used this feature and think about it the most suitable choice, nevertheless it takes a little bit bit extra time and planning.

The Port Davey Monitor is pretty straightforward and makes an incredible introduction to South West Tasmania. A meals and gasoline drop might be organised for Melaleuca Airstrip with Par Avion.

The price of meals and gasoline drops in 2025 is $5.50 per kg, gasoline prices $6 per litre and gasoline canisters value $15. For these flying into the Melaleuca Airstrip, the associated fee is round $300 per individual.

South Coast Monitor Gear Record

Here’s a information to some nice light-weight climbing gear choices for climbing the South Coast Monitor. It is very important put together for rain, wind, and most of all numerous mud. equipment of light-weight gear will make the journey simpler on the physique.

Attempt to pack light-weight if attainable. Listed here are some evaluations of one of the best light-weight and ultralight climbing gear.

Finest Locations to Purchase Outside Gear in Australia:
Snowys.com.au | Macpac | WildEarth

Climbing the South Coast Monitor

South Coast Monitor Weblog – Day 1

There’s a free hut at Melaleuca Airstrip that I used on the primary evening of this hike. I arrived with my climbing buddy Valerie after we hiked the Port Davey Monitor. Our resupply field with meals and gasoline was ready for us once we arrived.

After spending the evening on the free hut Valerie and I began bushwalking the South Coast Monitor with clear skies and ridiculously scorching temperatures. The path out of the airstrip is straightforward and principally very flat. Most individuals goal to make it to Level Eric for his or her first evening camp.

We selected a detour from the conventional observe and headed to New Harbour for the primary evening which is a part of the South West Cape Monitor.

We had heard it was an incredible seashore so we determined to see if the rumours have been true. It was a brief detour off the South Coast Monitor and set us up for a surprising climb over the Harbour Ranges the next day.

There was little wind, blue skies, and silky white sand on the seashore. A protracted lifeless seal greeted us on the far finish of the seashore. With such nice climate, we determined to arrange camp on the seashore and revel in the remainder of the afternoon. With clear evening skies, we left the fly off the tent at evening with the hope of seeing the uncommon Aurora Australis often known as the Southern Lights, nevertheless it didn’t present itself.

Stats

12km in 3 hours together with all relaxation breaks and so on

South Coast Monitor Day 2

We once more woke to good climate and determined to take a shortcut again to the South Coast Monitor by climbing over the Harbour Ranges. There have been no tracks however the day earlier than I famous that there was not an excessive amount of vegetation on the vary and it seemed just like the climb wouldn’t be too robust or an excessive amount of of a bush bash. So off we went.

It took about 2.5 hours to achieve the summit of the vary at 556m. Nice views over the coastal cliffs and seashores and inland by way of the valleys and excessive mountains.

Regardless of the chilly and generally intense wind, we lingered on the high for a really very long time. We didn’t wish to go away till it appeared that some unhealthy climate could also be coming. It solely took an hour to descend again all the way down to the South Coast observe proper subsequent to the seashore on Cox Bight. From there it was a pleasant straightforward stroll alongside the seashore to our camp for the evening at Level Eric.

Stats

9km in 5.5 hours together with all relaxation stops, photograph breaks, lunch breaks and so on

South Coast Monitor Day 3

A not so early begin as we have been one of many final to go away. A industrial tour group was the final one there. The day began with low fog migrating out of the valley from Bathurst Harbour, by way of Melaleuca, and out to sea. A shocking sight, nevertheless, when it burnt off the temperatures once more soared and it was fairly scorching. By the point we exited the seashore and climbed the Purple Level Ranges I used to be consuming round 1 litre of water an hour and sweating profusely. It felt considerably tropical. Come ready for something within the far South of Tassie.

Whereas bushwalking we flushed a number of Floor Parrots from the aspect of the observe. They’re so properly camouflaged. After many makes an attempt, one of many Floor Parrots stayed nonetheless lengthy sufficient for a photograph alternative.

By late afternoon we reached the boardwalks over the sodden plains close to Louisa River campsite. There was a Tiger Snake below the boardwalk. I needed to leap over it, I couldn’t see its head and needed to guess as I jumped. I didn’t really feel like I used to be in any hazard however I’m not eager to argue with a Tiger Snake. Whereas strolling on the boardwalk sections my line of imaginative and prescient tends to absorb the surroundings greater than my footsteps!

Once I first hiked the South Coast Monitor 20 years in the past there have been few sections of boardwalk and plenty of sections of knee-deep mud. Though there are nonetheless many muddy sections it’s a huge enchancment which makes for a lot simpler and faster climbing.

Simply as we reached the campsite there was a crack of thunder and rain began to fall. We crossed the river and arrange camp rapidly. Inside 5 minutes the rain had stopped and blue sky appeared. You simply can’t choose what the climate will do down right here.

Stats

17km in 6 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch stops, photograph periods and so on

South Coast Monitor Day 4

Sleep was missing final evening because of the close to fixed rain in a single day. When it was not raining, the drops of water from the timber above continuously bombarded the tent, even earplugs didn’t assist. I cooked the morning breakfast within the vestibule of the tent and sheltered from the rain. Proper once we have been prepared to begin climbing the rain cleared and we set off to clear skies.

Ironbound Vary Tasmania

The Ironbound Ranges have a fame as being the toughest part of the South Coast Monitor. It’s not a lot that there was a 900-meter climb that was the problem, however the transition from sub-alpine surroundings to rainforest on the descent that promised to check most hikers.

The primary hour of the climb we made good time after which the drizzle and wind began. Not an issue as I had all the fitting tools and was ready for any climate that Tassie might throw at me.

The drizzle didn’t final lengthy however the chilly wind did. We reached the highest in below 3 hours and deliberate to cease and have an early lunch however as a substitute determined to have a light-weight snack, we solely lasted 10 minutes as there was no place to shelter from the wind and chilly.

It was in all probability 5 levels on the high, however with the 40km/h winds it felt a lot colder. Once we mentioned the climb days earlier we needed to go previous the summit saddle to the summit of the Ironbound Ranges one other couple of kilometers additional on, however the climate was not cooperating with us right now.

The descent by way of the rainforest was a battle for some taking place. The slippery rocks and uncovered tree roots triggered loads of issues. There was little in the best way of views from inside the rainforest.

We made it to Little Deadmans Bay in good time. It was nonetheless fairly chilly so we relaxed with a cup of tea whereas staring on the distant dolphins taking part in out within the ocean.

Stats

12km in 7 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch stops, slips on the muddy tree roots and so on

South Coast Monitor Day 5

We set off from the campsite alone. All the opposite hikers that crossed the Ironbound Vary with us on the day prior to this have been having a relaxation day to fish, dive for crayfish and Abalone, and drink tea. There have been some muddy sections on the path early.  The worst of the mud was knee-deep. More often than not making an attempt to keep away from the mudholes. I simply plowed proper on into them. Why destroy the path extra by making different trails or making it wider in quest of a dry line.

By mid-morning, we have been strolling on Prion Seashore. That is the longest seashore stroll for the entire bushwalk. It’s superb to stroll on a abandoned seashore with no different footprints. All of the earlier days footprints have been both blown away by the wind or erased by the tides.

Now and again I needed to flip round to absorb the view from behind. More often than not the Ironbound Ranges have been cloud lined. Close to the top of the seashore, we needed to cross the New River Lagoon by row boat. It’s a 200-meter crossing. This isn’t a simple crossing in sturdy wind. We struggled to get throughout. Maintain that in thoughts if crossing New River Lagoon in excessive wind.

Osmiridium Seashore

We had lunch on the campsite and continued to a little bit visited seashore campsite referred to as Osmiridium Seashore. The water within the creek was solely simply flowing and was the color of a powerful cup of tea. It tasted advantageous and we didn’t get sick. The campsite was plagued by garbage from hikers too lazy to hold out their used wrappers or bottles. It was critically disappointing to see it. Once I went to the bathroom, which by the way has not solely an incredible view however is nice for birdwatching, I seemed into the pit and observed that individuals began to make use of it as a garbage bin. As soon as once more disillusioned. Please apply leaving no hint when climbing. Should you carry it in, then carry it out.

We walked to the seashore for a swim within the afternoon however a mix of chilly water and powerful seas meant a brief dip was all that we did.

Stats

13km in 6 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch breaks, photograph stops, and rowing backwards and blaming the wind!! 

South Coast Monitor Day 6

The plan was a brief, considerably lazy day of climbing to Granite Seashore. The primary cease was Shock Bay. Valerie is aware of why it bought its identify. She was ‘Stunned’ twice by incoming waves. She was not paying consideration. Though it was hilarious on the time, if the tide and seas have been indignant it might have been a lot worse than moist sneakers, socks, gaiters, shorts, and shirts.

First whereas crossing between two rocky outcrops she was busy filming with the GoPro when she was caught by waves. The second time on the different finish of the seashore the place there’s a rivulet she was caught once more. When you’re moist you’re moist.

The campsite at Shock Bay was nice, overlooking the seashore, headlands, and Ocean. We stayed and made a cup of tea and a protracted sluggish lunch then wandered in direction of Granite Seashore. It took us 45 minutes to get to the seashore. Virtually as quickly as we entered the seashore we noticed what we thought was both a beached Whale or a lifeless Seal.

It wasn’t till we have been proper subsequent to it that we observed that it was a really alive feminine Southern Elephant Seal, which doesn’t appear to make it to Tassie fairly often. She was indignant at our intrusion and after the photograph session, we left her in peace and continued alongside Granite Seashore to the campsite.

A Noticed Quoll which generally goes by the identify of Tiger Quoll frequented the campground, I really like seeing wildlife and have been so blessed on this journey thus far.

Stats

8km in 4 hours together with all relaxation breaks, tea brewing breaks, wildlife viewing breaks and getting swamped by the ocean breaks to dry moist boots!!

South Coast Monitor Day 7

It promised to be one other slog day right now. Plenty of mud, tree roots, and common sluggish journey. Valerie and I had mild backpacks by now and made fairly straightforward work of the observe. By the point we made it to South Cape Rivulet, it was lunchtime. We traveled quick over the mud holes and tree roots on today.

Some folks take 10 hours to hike from Granite Bay to South Cape Rivulet. Once we arrived it was early and we nonetheless had tonnes of power. We determined to push on and see if we might stroll to the top of the observe at Cockle Creek. By the point we have been on the final seashore and previous Lion Rock, it began to drizzle. As quickly as my rain gear was on the rain stopped. We made it to Cockle Creek by 5 pm.

Stats

20km in 9.5 hours together with all relaxation breaks, lunch breaks, photograph stops and needlessly stopping to placed on rain gear stops.

So ended our 166km Journey from Scotts Peak Dam, the Port Davey Monitor and the South Coast Monitor.

Finish of the Path

Whereas strolling to the free campsites on the finish of the stroll I noticed a familiar-looking VW Campervan. It belonged to Laurence and Jen. We had walked the Overland Monitor with them a few weeks in the past. I knew they’d be within the space and so they knew we have been within the space, however undecided when or if we’d meet.

The greetings have been heat and so was the hospitality as we have been fed with copious quantities of meals and drinks. We camped with them for the rain-soaked evening and as public transport was days away they gave us a raise to Dover from the place we hitched a raise to Huonville and took the native bus to Hobart.

The South Coast Monitor was a part of an 11-day / 166km hike that began at Scotts Peak Dam and a hike on the Port Davey Monitor earlier than linking up with the South Coast Monitor. We each misplaced about 3kg in weight over the 11 days. We ate all of the meals that we purchased with us besides the final meal at Cockle Creek. Laurence and Jen have been variety sufficient to feed us. We have been by no means hungry (though I craved recent meals).

The climate on the journey was distinctive The rain was quick and by no means sufficient to make us remorse being outdoor, if something there have been instances it was extremely popular and water consumption was excessive. A extremely really helpful stroll.

Have You Hiked the South Coast Path? Bought a Query about climbing the path? Go away me a message within the feedback part under.

Finest Locations to Purchase Outside Gear in Australia:
Snowys.com.au | Macpac | WildEarth

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