South Coast Track Walking Tours

I have just walked the stunningly wild and unspoiled South Coast Track in Tasmania with the company Trek Tasmania in February/March of this year. I chose them because I had enjoyed their sister company, Trek Larapinta, which I had used for a fantastic 16-day walk on the Larapinta Trail out of Alice Springs in August 2016 (In fact, I wondered whether I was physically capable of doing the South Coast Track so I had asked one of my Larapinta guides at the end of that hike who, having assessed me—carrying just a light pack—over 260 km, said that I would be up to the South Coast Track). This 9-day full pack hike was challenging (so I did a lot of training, especially with a full pack) but thoroughly enjoyable because of the meticulous planning by the company but, above all, because of the quality of our guides. Both Jacob and Kenna are Tasmanians and they have an intimate knowledge of their “backyard” and an enormous pride in the wild parts of Tasmania. They have really good people skills and are very encouraging, making sure that everybody enjoys the walk. When problems arose—Blisters? Mostly prevented through good advice, but when some popped up, they were quickly patched and pain-free from then on. Medical emergency? Out comes the satellite phone, and advice is received and acted on. Crisis averted. And, like the guides on the Larapinta, they are fantastic cooks—although on the South Coast Track they lacked the Larapinta luxuries of refrigeration and camp ovens—they were still able to turn out tasty, nutritious and energy-filled meals using very simple equipment. And the coffee they made every morning I can honestly say is some of the best I’ve ever had. Jacob and Kenna carried very large (and heavy) packs and that made our lives a lot easier, even though our packs were fairly heavy. The guides gave us clear briefings of what to expect—what the terrain would be like, how much water to carry, how to preserve the environment. I’m from Western Australia and this is my third walk in Tasmania in just over two years (after independently walking the Overland Track and then the Three Capes Track). Even though I have done a fair bit of hiking, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to tackle this iconic walk on my own because of its isolation, potential for bad weather and creek crossings (and, let’s face it, because of my age)—and if I had, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as I did with Jacob and Kenna, and a wonderful group of six other adventurers. Highly recommended. Arthur

- Arthur Wright on the South Coast Track February 2017

Warrick, Jacob and Benni looked after us very well, informed us of the dangers or what to look for prior to starting the daily walk. It was an overall challenging, gratifying and wonderful experience thanks to the trio. Thanks heaps for the adventure, falls and laughs. The highlight was careful manoeuvring of everybody through the trees and also crawling up to the top of the iron bound ranges - the best feeling! As a first timer on a long trek I loved the gear that I hired, especially the pack. It was fantastic and it saved my back; great contour and support for the back. The tent was very easy to set up and dismantle. The guides were friendly, composed, knew about the fauna and flora, the leadership was fantastic. Campsites were amazing.

- Olga on the South Coast Track (December 2016)

I really do feel a part of the Trek Tasmania family and that is because of the way every member of the Trek Tasmania Team goes out of the way to make our trekking experiences so special – from the way you respond to all our questions in such a timely way and with such helpful advice, to the way the guides shape the trek to take into account the needs of the group (and always pick the right moment to bring out the chocolate), to the way Holger just appeared on both our trip briefing/gear check and on the last day to pick us up for lunch and to take us back to Hobart . It is all those little touches that mean I will keep coming back to Trek Tasmania for more and more. I had a wonderful, exhilarating, awe-inspiring South Coast trek. We certainly did get to experience all the South Coast can offer in terms of weather conditions – hail, blustering winds, rain and glorious sunshine. Dealing with those conditions made the trek all that more memorable for me, but it was only because of the brilliant leadership of our guides – Jacob and Warwick – that I had the confidence to complete the South Coast track (something I have been yearning to do for ages). Nothing I write could reflect just how highly I think of Jacob and Warwick. They were absolutely wonderful. I really appreciated their positive attitudes, good humour and calmness in the face of pretty wild weather conditions and some serious mud/leeches/water crossings. It was so reassuring to have two guides who were prepared to handle every situation the trek threw at us. They were true jacks-of-all-trades - being navigators, rowers, doctors and chefs (just to mention a few!). It was such a luxury to have our camps prepared and meals made for us every day. We earned the envy of all the independent walkers for the food we were served. The rest day was particularly memorable – pancakes, sushi and a curry with fresh naan bread…seriously yummy after our experience on in the Ironbound Ranges. My tastebuds have also been awakened to the pleasure of Bengal spice tea – when I drink it now it always brings back memories of camp. I will definitely be travelling with Trek Tasmania in the future.

- Kate Johnston on the South Coast Track (February 2016)

I would like to pass on my thanks for a great South Coast Track walk. Guides Brad, Jacob & Eric were fantastic, great cooks and inspired a lot of confidence on a challenging trek. A wonderful experience.

- Dennis Gribbin on the South Coast Track (March 2015)

Walking the South Coast Track with Trek Tasmania provided us with a truly unique opportunity to experience this magnificent walk with professionals happy to share their vast knowledge, passion and experience. The logistics of the trip were handled smoothly and without fuss. The food was incredible and Holger and Brad's ability to dish up the most amazing and delicious meals in true wilderness has to be be tried to be believed. Thank you Trek Tasmania - because of you we loved our trip from start to finish and all parts in between. We look forward to our next trip with you.

- Arthur and Deb on the South Coast Track (March 2012)

A great trip. I loved it and felt great afterwards. Highlights were the beach walking, seeing the Elephant Seal, the New River Crossing and eating the fresh crayfish and abalone. Already

- Kat on the South Coast Track (February 2013)

What a great experience. We saw and experienced things that we would never have done if we weren't on the tour. The highlight was the walk up and down the Ironbound Range and swimming in the lagoon at Osmiridium. Oh, and also eating fresh crayfish and abalone! Thank you.

- James on the South Coast Track (February 2013)