Warrnambool BushWalkers

Tasmania: South West Cape 15-23/2

Walkers: Linda (leader), Irene, John, Glenda, Julie and James (Grampians Bushwalking Club), and Karen (Hobart Bushwalking Club)

Photos: Irene's -     

Karen's -  

Report:

“A WALK IN THE WILDERNESS”

 We all met at Hobart on the Sunday night for an introductory meal. We all did not know each other so it was a good ice breaker. Boy did we have fun that night!

The following morning we all met at Cambridge airport and after paying various fees etc we boarded. The flight was truly magnificent. There was no down or up drafts so it was smooth flying to Melaleuca. Flying over the various ranges gave quite an interesting perspective of the wilderness we were headed into.

After alighting, the valley we were in was actually nothing like I had expected. Button grass was the main vegetation with the occasional outcrop of heavy vegetated knolls and rises.

We found the Nissan Huts for walkers and some camped in one whilst others camped in their tents. One of the huts was the original built by Deny King especially for walkers. That evening we were visited by the resident Spotted Quoll which kept us entertained for some time.

The next morning we all headed off towards Cox Bight. The first 2 hours was spent on duck boards which keep you off the mud and helps to protect the vegetation underneath. The last 1 1/2 hours was on a well defined track which gradually wound its way down to the Bight.

There was cloud cover all the way but as soon as we hit the beach out came the sun and it was quite warm. Tents were pitched and we all explored the environs. Point Eric was to the far East of the beach where there was another camp site. Beyond Point Eric the South West Coast Track heads towards the Iron Bound Ranges which rise in the distance. Behind the camping area was Freney Lagoon containing fresh water. It was truly a pristine environment. The following morning we made our way back towards Melaleuca to the junction which would take us west to the Cape. The view back to the ocean which we had left was breathtaking.

From the junction we started to have to wade through sections of thick, black mud, some of which was relentless. The vegetation was changing. There were more sections of dense growth where water was flowing down gullies and not quite as much button grass. By mid afternoon we came out at New Harbour. The track came out at the junction of a small river, before we knew it James and Julie were in the ocean. We all recuperated and walked along sand to the other side of the Bay where we found the camp sites, but no toilets (it was a matter of dig a big hole). Once again tents erected and off to explore. Just fantastic! Along the edge of the sand there were numerous animal footprints, wombats, quolls, lizards and probably Tassie devils. Unfortunately the ocean had a red algae bloom. Along the waters edge there were 2 types of oyster catchers, hooded plovers, plovers and seagulls. There were pippies in the sand which the birds were having a feast on. During the afternoon fishermen, who were anchored in the Bay, came in with a box of tinnies and a bag of chocolate coated sultanas. Just amazing! We cooked tea on the beach as the sun was going down and you truly felt like you were the only people in the world.

Next morning it was decided to split the group into 2.  Three of the walkers were going to continue on and stick to the original itinerary whilst the other 4 had to alter their plans. Everyone, bar one, walked onto Hidden Bay. The walk over only took 2 hours but it was through some forest areas with huge trees untouched by man (or woman).  If I was overcome by New Harbour this Bay blew me away. The sand was white and squeaked as you walked on it. The river beside the camp site was crystal clear and we were able to take some wonderful photos. Reluctantly John, Irene and me walked backed to New Harbour leaving the other 3 to continue.

This left 4 of us to spend another night at New Harbour. The following morning we started the long trek back to Melaleuca where we were greeted by the volunteer Yellow Bellied Parrot watchers. Volunteers stay there for 2 week periods and tag and record the activities of these most precious birds. There is quite a substantial bird hide, where we were able to spend some time observing the activities of many types of birds.

It was a long wait before the other group returned to Melaleuca with some fantastic photos. They were certainly tired but full of chatter about where they had been. The last night in the hut was a nightmare for all 10 occupants. There were 5 snorers, 3 farters, and 10 sleeping bags which rustled every time someone moved. We were all waiting for the first light as an excuse to finally get up. Two planes arrived at 8am and wanted to return with passengers. We were not scheduled to return until 10am so there was a mad panic whilst 3 of us quickly packed up and caught the plane.

I could keep writing but lack of space will prohibit that. I would like to finish off by saying that this trip has left me in awe of the area and the early settlers, most importantly the King family. There is a description in the book which best sums it up: “The size and the scale of the landscape evokes a profound sense of wonder, but also induces a keen awareness of the insignificance of the individual.”

Little incidents that happened:

Irene: “My god you look like Dick Smith” as some poor unsuspecting male was grabbed and swung around. “No not me” was the reply. Then “Yes I am, yes I am!!!” Irene replied “Well g’day, I’m Irene H...” as she grabbed his hand and shook it.

James: “Julie, where did you get that hat!” After a rebuff by Julie, we then had to instruct James on relating to women to earn brownie points.

Julie: Referring to James as Daryl all the time. (Not his name!!!)

Linda: “Irene I just want you to keep walking and not stop or look back” Irene stops. Linda louder “Irene, just keep walking!” Irene panics and does a little dance on the spot. Linda shouts “JUST KEEP WALKING”. Yes a snake was between us!!!

Karen: Returned from a walk on the sand with 2 fishermen. What’s more, Cray fishermen, but NO crays?

Linda 

Return to Reports