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Port Davey Track

Australia

Starting From

$1,999/person

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Book this tour through our partner: World Expeditions

A superb challenging trek through the isolated south west Tasmanian wilderness

Itinerary

Hobart to Scotts Peak Dam, walk to Junction Creek

We collect you from your Hobart accommodation at approximately 7am and transfer to the Southwest National Park, stopping for coffee on the way. Our walk begins from Scotts Peak Dam and the green shelter of the Huon River Campground. Waving farewell to our transfer vehicle and driver, we begin our journey south through small pockets of rainforest and buttongrass plains. The trail undulates over a series of ridges before we cross Junction Creek and a Phytophthora (root rot) wash down station. Junction Creek marks the meeting point of McKays Track and the Port Davey Track. Our camp for the evening is located on a protected knoll close to here and Junction Creek.Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: 4hrs | Driving Time: 3hrs

Junction Creek to Crossing River via Mt Hesperus

Today we are provided with great views of the western extreme of the Arthur Range. In good weather the optional side trip up Moraine Alpha (A) towards the high peak of Mt Hesperus (1098m) is offered. We hide our packs behind glacial erratics and scramble to the top to be rewarded with expansive views of the Frankland and White Monolith Ranges, including Wombat Peak, Sculptured Mtn and Stonehenge Peak.Returning to our packs, we continue to skirt along the western rim of the Arthurs. We trek through open country of Swamp Melaleuca and buttongrass and climb through a broad saddle with the White Monolith Range to our west. Tonight we pitch our tents at the southern side of the Crossing River.Walking Distance: 9km + 6km side trip | Walking Time: 5hrs + 4hrs side trip

Crossing River to Watershed Camp

The walking today is spectacular: low scrub beside the track allows unobstructed views of the magnificent surrounding peaks, and a great chance to see some of the many bird species that call this remote part of the world home. The trail leads us around Mt Robinson and along the vast Crossing Plains with its large water catchment. We traverse up to eight different creeks, which in wet weather can extend this day's walking immensely. Small pockets of resilient south west rainforest are encountered and we arrive at camp approximately two hours after the last major creek crossing. We make camp at Watershed campsite and settle in with a hot drink and nibbles while our guides prepare a well earned evening meal.Walking Distance: 11km | Walking Time 5-8hrs

Watershed Camp to Spring River

The phrase ‘being in the middle of nowhere’ definitely rings true here; pristine wilderness spreads as far as the eye can see, and a spellbinding sense of real isolation spreads through all bushwalkers. Today is a long day with relatively easy trekking and expansive views along the course of the Spring River, Bakers Ridge and Mt Braddon. A distinctly Tasmanian quartzite track leads us up onto the Lost World Plateau after negotiating several creeks. A brand new (much needed!) foot bridge takes us over Spring River to our waterfront campsite. At dusk, the bridge is the perfect place to sit and watch for platypus. Walking Distance: 14km | Walking Time 6-8hrs

Spring River to Joan Point or Farrell Point

Today commences by climbing on top of a spectacular ridge just after gaining the high peak of Border Hill. We continue along the ridge and descend steeply into paperbark forest and into a deep rainforest gully. This gully harbours the most dense and biodiverse rainforest of the entire track.Lunch is often enjoyed in this refuge of shade before climbing back up to the exposed ridgeline, around Lindsay Hill exposing Mt Rugby to our east and immense views over the entire Bathurst Harbour. Depending upon the tidal update from our Tasmanian Expedition base and current weather conditions, the Bathurst Narrows are crossed late this afternoon in rowboats. If a crossing is not possible, we make camp at Farrell Point on the northern side of the Narrows.Walking Distance: 10km | Walking Time: 5-7hrs

Joan Point or Farrell Point to Melaleuca

After a relatively leisurely sleep-in, we begin our last day of trekking to the tiny post tin mining era outpost that is Melaleuca. Your guides may offer an excellent side trip down to the waters of Bathurst Harbour affording expansive views north and into the harbour and a chance for an invigorating swim. We walk into Melaleuca mid-afternoon with time to kick back and reflect on the journey behind us and the present beauty at hand!Walking Distance: 12km | Walking Time: 4-6hrs

Melaleuca to Hobart

Following a hearty breakfast, and dependent on flight schedules, there may be sufficient time to explore the historic mining and conservation surrounds of Melaleuca. Spend some time bird watching and catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered orange bellied parrot, or walk up to the inlet and go for a swim. We then board our plane and enjoy the spectacular scenic flight across the Southwest National Park; viewing the mighty peaks and expansive wilderness from the air is an unforgettable end to our journey. We aim to return you to your Hobart accommodation by around 5pm. After a hot shower and donning clean clothes, your group may like to meet at one of Hobart's great pubs to celebrate over a drink and a meal.

Additional Information

The Port Davey Track is a challenging bushwalk in the remote south west of Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness area. Trekking out from Scotts Peak Dam the group will skirt the imposing Western Arthurs. Surrounded by the ancient peaks of the White Monolith Range, you will camp on the banks of the mystical Crossing and Spring Rivers. Rare pockets of rainforest with ancient Celery Top Pines and Sassafras are a contrast to the open skies of the Lost World Plateau. A boat crossing of Bathurst Harbour at the Narrows leads to a walk to the isolated outpost of Melaleuca where you will prepare for an exhilarating flight back into civilization. This tour can be combined with our nine day South Coast Track trip, creating a sixteen day traverse of the entire south west of Tasmania, one of the world's greatest wilderness experiences.

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Starting From

$1,999/person

Book Now

Details

Duration

7 Days

Starts

Australia

Group Size

5-6

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