15 Days: South Coast Track [ST-Walk16]
Starting at
$4,720
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Sydney (1 Night), Hobart (2), South Coast Track (8), Hobart (1), Melbourne (1)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Sydney, Melbourne to Los Angeles
  • US Domestic Flights - Not Included (as per your own arrangements)
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Sydney to Hobart, Hobart to Melbourne
  • Day Tours - Sydney: Opera House Tour, Harbour Cruise Express
  • Shuttle Transfers - Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return), Melbourne Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
  • What's included in Hiking Trip: 2 professional wilderness guides, 8 nights camping, 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 8 dinners, Food drop provisions along the track, Scenic flight to Melaleuca, Return transport to Hobart by private minibus, National Park fees, Tent and inflatable sleeping mat, Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment, Emergency communications & group first aid kit.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Sydney

Travel to Australia on your vacation. After departing from Los Angeles you will be provided with an evening meal. You can relax, have a drink, watch a movie, review your itinerary or just rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Sydney, Australia. (You lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don’t worry you catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)

Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

(Days 2 to 3) - 1 Night Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night in your studio room apartment.

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

(Day 2) - Day Tour, Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hr)

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theater as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour – a perfect photo opportunity.

Operates
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day 2024

Includes
One hour guided experience.

Need to Know
This tour has 300+ stairs – Low Impact. It is strongly encouraged that you leave bags at your hotel and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an 8×10″ sheet of paper). No luggage or large bags accepted. Videoing is not allowed. There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.

Upgrades
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

(Day 2) - Day Tour, Sydney Harbour Cruise Express Pass

On your vacation explore Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia with this unlimited full day pass, or take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

Hop On and Hop Off at up to seven famous harbour attractions with this unlimited full day pass, or simply take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

The Harbour Express stops at the following tourist attractions:

Fort Denison: The historic island and cafe in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Taronga Zoo: Discover Australia’s amazing wildlife including koalas, platypus and kangaroos.

Shark Island: This island national park is the perfect destination for a BYO picnic lunch, complete with a small beach area for swimming.

Watson’s Bay: Home of Doyle’s famous seafood restaurant and only a short walk to beautiful harbour swimming beaches, HMAS Watson and headland parks.

Luna Park: Sydney’s famous fun park with rides and games, or walk across the Harbour Bridge from Milsons Point station.

Darling Harbour: Aquarium & Wildlife World, Australian Maritime Museum, shops, restaurants and only a short stroll or Monorail to Sydney Tower, Star City Casino, Powerhouse Museum and China Town.

Circular Quay: The Rocks historic precinct, weekend markets, Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Harbour Bridge pylon. (Additional Fees apply for Park Entry to Fort Denison, Shark Island & Taronga Zoo).

(Day 3) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

(Day 3) - Australian Domestic Flight, Sydney to Hobart

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania.

(Day 3) - Taxi from Airport to Hotel (pay as go)

Travel by taxi or ride share from the airport to your vacation accommodation (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

Make your way from the Airport Baggage Claim area to the Taxi Stand. Taxi’s are available on demand. Pay as you go.

(Days 3 to 5) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Hobart

Travel to your accommodation in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your vacation accommodation is located in the city centre, only two blocks from the main shopping mall. The hotel features a bar and restaurant and local artwork in a contemporary setting, while the rooms have recently been redecorated to create a modern fresh feel and offer either city or mountain views and WiFi wireless Internet access. Hobart is a pretty city located on the Derwent River with many waterfront restaurants and cafes. In Salamanca Place, stroll around the 1830’s era sandstone warehouses now converted to galleries, shops, and restaurants. Every Saturday this area is a bustling outdoor market featuring live music, stalls with locally made crafts, artisinal cheese, honey, lavender products and more. Take a drive to the summit of Mt Wellington for unsurpassed views over Hobart and enjoy one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks in the Mt Wellington Reserve.
Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Stuart Crossett

(Days 5 to 13) - 9 Days/8 Nights on the South Coast Track in Tasmania

Wild unspoilt wilderness, remote untouched beaches, rugged mountain ranges, pristine rivers, and towering rainforests – this is wilderness at its best. Originally an escape route for shipwrecked sailors, the South Coast Track now doubles as an escape route from modern life. The trip begins with a spectacular flight to the remote airstrip at Melaleuca in the heart of the wilderness. From here you will trek east for nine days along the 80 km track, following the coast and finishing at Cockle Creek. The generous time frame built into this itinerary allows for side trips and a complete rest day for swimming and relaxing on an empty beach. You will walk 10-15kms per day carrying packs up to 20kgs; no special skills are required other than excellent fitness and an open, flexible approach to being in remote areas for consecutive days. Amidst this truly wild area you will discover a land with a history of early pioneers and indigenous Australians that is occupied by an abundance of wildlife including wombat’s, pademelons, quolls and the rare orange-bellied parrot.

Day 1 Hobart to Cox’s Bight (Point Eric) Via Melaleuca
Our adventure begins early today as we are transferred to Cambridge Airport. The scenic flight into Melaleuca in the remote south western corner of Tasmania is a definite trip highlight. After a quick look around we begin walking to the coastline and today’s destination, Point Eric. On arrival at our water-front campsite we pitch our tents, collect drinking water and settle in with a hot drink and time for a game of beach cricket, a swim or just a wander along the beach before dinner.
Walking Distance 12km
Walking Time 3-4 hours
meals: L,D

Day 2 Cox’s Bight (Point Eric) to Louisa Creek
After breakfast and packing up camp we head out along the beach. Tides dictate this morning’s
timing as we skirt around a rocky headland before climbing up onto Sedge and Melaleuca clad
plains that draw us inland. There are a number of suitable lunch spots where the tannin stained
fresh water trickles through the ancient quartzite hills. We have a short but steep climb and descent over Red Point Hills and enjoy wonderful panoramic views from the top – today’s high point. In the afternoon we make our muddy way toward Louisa Creek where, depending upon our timing, we may camp beneath the towering trees that border this beautiful watercourse.
Walking Distance 11km
Walking Time 5-7 hours
meals: B,L,D

Day 3 Louisa Creek (Louisa Bay) to Louisa River
Today’s destination is Louisa River which flows close by the base of the impressive Ironbound
Range. If timing and conditions are favourable we can enjoy a side trip to the stunning Louisa
Bay. Here we can explore, swim and enjoy morning tea before continuing our journey towards the
looming Ironbound Range. Our night’s camp is located in the wonderful eucalypt forest that lines the Louisa River. It is a stunning campsite that sets us up for the following day’s early start. The broad river is a favourite swimming spot if the afternoon is warm and a major obstacle after rainfall.
Walking Distance 6km
Walking Time 2 hours
meals: B,L,D

Day 4 Louisa River to Little Deadman’s Beach via the Ironbounds
The mighty Ironbounds!!! Our high point is almost a thousand metres above where we start and
finish today. Your guides will have breakfast ready in the predawn darkness and be busy to get
the group on the track by sun-up. We climb up the exposed western slopes, over open ground and vegetation stunted by the prevailing westerlies. In fine weather there are plenty of great rest spots where the views are spectacular beneath us. From the top of the range we may be lucky enough to see the Eastern and Western Arthur Ranges including Federation Peak, through to Mount Anne and all the way to formidable South West Cape and Maatsuyker Island. The broad top of the Ironbound Range commonly receives the harshest conditions known in Tassie and snowfalls, gale force winds and pelting sleet are never unexpected.
This is a long and demanding day and the top is not even half way, the slippery and muddy descent is through a tangle of lush rainforest which in turn becomes thick Teatree bush as the last few kilometres follow the coastline to a very welcome sight – our campsite at Little Deadman’s Bay.
Walking Distance 13km
Walking Time 7-10 hours
meals: B,L,D

Day 5 Rest day at Little Deadman’s Bay
Today is the only full rest day on the tour and the only place along the track where an open fire is
permitted. It’s a wonderful treat to sit by the glowing embers, read a book, play some cards and let
your body relax and recover from the last few days’ activity. Your guides will spend some time today re-supplying from our nearby food-drop.
meals: B,L,D

Day 6 Little Deadman’s Bay to Osmiridium Beach
Feeling refreshed, we look forward to tackling some of the track’s best mud holes, a challenging
rowboat lagoon crossing and walking along the coast’s longest beach. We trek over broad sand
dunes, wade across watercourses and climb over headlands letting no obstacles stand in our way! There are a few campsite choices for tonight and your guide’s will decide where to stay based on the availability of fresh water, the fitness of the group members and their own personal favourite spots where they may know special sights and hidden points of interest.
Walking Distance 11km
Walking Time 4-5 hours
meals: B,L,D

Day 7 Osmiridium Beach to Granite Beach
This is a favourite day for many people as we wander through wet sclerophyll forest from beach to
beach. Today’s short distance means a leisurely lunch with time to wriggle your toes in the sand,
swim in the ocean, search for Devonian Fossils, or just sit back and relax. A favourite lunch spot
is Surprise Beach, which is just a short distance, if not a little steep, to our afternoons destination
Granite Beach.
As we descend onto this bay our eyes are drawn out to the incredible fluted dolerite columns of
South Cape. At the eastern end of the bay our campsite is perched above the cliffs beneath the tea tree and eucalypt canopy. Our water source here cascades off the cliffs onto the beach to make a wonderful, refreshing shower.
Walking Distance 10km
Walking Time 4-5 hours
meals: B,L,D

Day 8 Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet
A big day in the hills – We get an early start to make our way over the South Cape Range to our final night’s camp at South Cape Rivulet. We begin with a lengthy climb through the moist forest to the day’s highpoint about 500m above sea level offering beautiful views back along the coast as far as South West Cape if we’re lucky and into the mountains of Pindar’s Peak, Mount LaPerouse and Mount Lilateah. This is a deceptive day with our high point being the first of 7 hills that we climb and descend before stepping into the sand of South Cape Rivulet where we cross the sometimes deep, outlet of the lagoon to our campsite. This is a wonderful day of wet and dry forests, buttongrass plains, tea tree swamps and dazzling coastal views. The beach at our camp is one of the best along the South Coast for a swim and not many people pass through without enjoying one.
Walking Distance 8Km
Walking Time 6-8 hours
meals: B,L,D

Day 9 South Cape Rivulet to Cockle Creek
Today is a gentle end to an amazing trip. The morning has us strolling along a couple of picturesque beaches and then up over a headland. The top of the cliffs is a perfect place for a rest while the waves below crash at the base of our lookout. Our 9 day trek concludes at Cockle Creek – this quiet blissful bay has a couple of holiday homes, an information shelter and a bus & driver waiting to take the group to Hobart. We usually drop you at your accommodation in Hobart at approx 5pm & after a shower and some clean clothes it’s common for the group to get together, to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. An astonishing trip that will truly stay with you for some time to come.
Walking Distance 11km
Walking Time 3-4 hours
meals: B,L

(Days 13 to 14) - 1 Night Accommodation in Hobart

Travel to your accommodation in Tasmania, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your vacation accommodation is located in the city centre, only two blocks from the main shopping mall. The hotel features a bar and restaurant and local artwork in a contemporary setting, while the rooms have recently been redecorated to create a modern fresh feel and offer either city or mountain views and WiFi wireless Internet access. Hobart offers a variety of vacation activity. You can travel to Cradle Mountain-St.Clair National Park, a mecca for bush walkers and nature lovers. Magnificent cliffs line the South Ask River. Only a short walk away is Salamanca Place, an 1830 sandstone warehouse converted to galleries, shops, and restaurants which offers many diversions from your travels. For the more adventurous, take a jet boat ride on the Derwent River.
Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Stuart Crossett

(Day 14) - Taxi from Hotel to Airport (pay as you go)

Travel by taxi or ride share from your vacation accommodation to the airport (as per your own arrangements, pay as you go). Uber is available in most major cities.
Other Australian ride share options are:
-Ola
-DiDi
-Shebah
-GoCatch
-Bolt

(Day 14) - Australian Domestic Flight, Hobart to Melbourne

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Hobart to Melbourne.

(Day 14) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Melbourne, Australia.

(Days 14 to 15) - 1 Nights Accommodation in Melbourne

Travel to your accommodation in Melbourne, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Its suites are equipped with kitchenettes, air conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. Most are facing on to the hotel’s private European style courtyard. The vacation accommodation is close to Chinatown. Or perhaps stroll to the Southern Cross Station and travel by tram throughout the city. For the less adventurous, Melbourne is the perfect launching pad for day tours to such places like Phillip Island and Penguins, or perhaps the Great Ocean Road.

(Day 15) - Shuttle Transfer, Melbourne Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation to the Airport in Melbourne, Australia.

(Day 15) - International Flight, Melbourne to Los Angeles

Your International Flight arrives in Los Angeles on the same day of departure from Australia, due to your crossing of the International Dateline.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.