The best reasons why you should hike the South Coast Track!

At the end of the 2021 summer, I was able to hike the South Coast Track in Tasmania, Australia. The memories of this fantastic adventure follow me everywhere until today. I often consider doing it all again; it was such an achievement. I flew from Hobart to Melaleuca and met the most amazing people on the way to Cockle Creek. After telling people why they should commence this track for months, I’ve put this list together. Below the after-movie I made from this amazing hike, you will find the ten reasons why you should hike the south coast track. Enjoy! Were you looking for my review of this trail? Click here!

1. You have to get there by plane.

Access to the remote South Coast Track starts or ends with a panoramic flight from or to Hobart. It gets or takes you from the hand-made airstrip at Melaleuca. Melaleuca is listed as a World Heritage Site and was once home to a legendary tin miner named Deny King! The adventure truly gets you in the clouds, and all you can do is dream away with the terrific views of what’s below! If your hike is so remote that you can only get there by a small plane, you are in for a good time.

A view from the plane on the South West National Park

2. It’s remote, but it’s peacefully remote.

There are plenty of remote hiking tracks in Australia. Even more remote hiking tracks are so populated that you wouldn’t even realise it’s isolated. Things are very different on the South Coast Track. Unlike the more popular Tasmanian overland track, not many people do the SCT. It comes with its advantages and disadvantages. You get the feeling of being alone in the wilderness, and it’s possible to walk it that way. But it’s up to you; finding other hikers to walk together is also straightforward enough. It’s remote, but you make it as secluded for yourself as you wish.

A field, mountains and a walking pad, the South Coast Track

3. The scenery is fantastic!

On the South Coast Track, you are walking Tasmania’s wild southern coastline. Along this 85km hike, you can expect pretty much everything. Get yourself ready to wander over windswept beaches, to climb and scramble over hills and rugged mountain ranges. The endless button grass plains varied by rainforest along the rivers to eventually suddenly find yourself in the middle of a remote untouched beach. The unspoilt landscapes are all there to discover, and every single moment, you think to yourself, this scenery is just fantastic.

4. To drink Tasmania’s finest water.

Water is an essential element to life on earth. Only, in daily life, it is sometimes easy to forget. Every time I go on a multi-day hike, one thing that surprises me is how dependent I am on finding water. The search for clean drinking water suddenly becomes so prominent. Luckily, the water in the Tasmanian wilderness is one of the finest in the world. Because this hike is remote, you can even drink without treating it. I’m not saying you shouldn’t treat it, but I didn’t. Pure water from the source along the way! The map will tell you the best locations to refill your water bottle.

Refilling my water bottle in one of the freshwater streams

5. To truly experience the brutal weather.

Okay, the weather on the South Coast Track can be brutal. Strong winds, heavy rain and even snow, can occur any time of the year. On top of that, there are no shelters on the way! You sleep in your tent. Add the river crossings and the lagoon you have to row across, and you end up with a walk that you can’t commence underprepared. But instead of letting it scare you, embrace it for the time you have over there. The fundamental core of the living spirit is the passion for adventure. Allow yourself at least once to experience the most ancient of human conditions. You will even feel more rewarded afterwards. And in saying that, I had glorious weather for most of my walk, so that’s also a possibility 🙂

6. To challenge yourself!

The greater joy in life comes from our encounters with new experiences. The South Coast Track isn’t the most accessible hike to walk, but that’s precisely why you should do it! Make the southern Tasmanian coastline your home for a week. The walk is a true adventure, strengthening the feeling of accomplishment. Finishing this track is a mental and physical challenge, but there is much more to achieve in life if you can accomplish this. The saying goes, nothing good comes easy, which is why you should challenge yourself with this fantastic hike!

Picture of Yentl Doggen crossing rivers on the South Coast Track

7. To live and be present in the moment.

Daily, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by technology, schedules, work or even traffic. The South Coast Track can be the ultimate detox. There is no mobile coverage in the middle of nature, allowing you to connect with yourself genuinely and fully. Except for walking, eating and sleeping, there is nothing to worry about for at least a week. Combining this with the positive impact exercise has on your brain, you find your mind opening up. Take a moment to enjoy the privilege you have to do a hike like this. Ponder over the most important things to you and make life changes you would usually not have time to consider. Focus on yourself; this is your hike!

8. You will meet great people.

All the people you will meet along the South Coast Track are very like-minded. New friendships originate immediately over there. In the end, you’ve all decided to take on this walk. Hikers might be from different ages and backgrounds, but it is easy to bond with others during your time. Sitting together during meals or meeting at specific rest points is only the beginning. Get ready to learn about their history and background. Embrace the moments where you share all the trials and the triumphs that come with this hike. You are all creating memories here that will last forever.

A groups picture of the people that I met

9. To see the wildlife.

There isn’t much wildlife along the South Coast Track, but the nature there is fantastic. Besides many birds and the rare orange-bellied parrot, this wild setting is home to an array of animals. You are likely to see wombats and pademelons wandering around your tent. During the evening, you get a glimpse of quolls every so often. If you are one of the lucky few, don’t be surprised to pass seals on the beaches!

10. The next continent is Antarctica.

Located in the deep south of Tasmania and even passing the southern point of Australia, it feels like the edge of the world. Let the Antarctic air tingle you. Besides, in the west, you find yourself in the roaring 40’s wind and to the east, the next landmass will be South America. You are walking in the middle of all this. The South Coast Track is your next big adventure! Don’t be surprised either to see the Southern Lights! The best time to see them on the track is late spring or summer.

Beach views on the South Coast of Tasmania

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