South Coast Track, Wilderness hiking trail in Southwest National Park, Tasmania
The South Coast Track is a wilderness walking route spanning 85 kilometers through coastal heathlands, mountain ranges, and untouched beaches between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek. The trail crosses diverse landscapes including protected temperate rainforests and exposed coastal sections.
The trail follows ancient paths used by Aboriginal communities through Tasmania's southern wilderness for thousands of years before European arrival. These routes connected and sustained indigenous peoples across the challenging terrain.
The route passes through lands where Tasmanian Aboriginal communities lived for thousands of years, leaving behind shell middens and other archaeological signs of their presence. These traces remain visible to walkers today.
Hikers must fly to Melaleuca to reach the starting point and carry all supplies for six to eight days of walking. Water crossings at New River Lagoon need careful planning based on weather and tide conditions.
The route crosses the Ironbound Range at 905 meters elevation, offering expansive views of the coast and surrounding terrain. Rare plant species thrive in the protected rainforests accessible only to walkers who travel this path.
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