Port Davey Track

Port Davey and the associated Bathurst Harbour in Tasmania ranks as one of the most stunning landscapes in the world and as wild as you can find.  Mountains, ocean and plains all merge and mix.

Only reachable by boat, plane or on foot.

To walk take the Port Davey Track, start at Scotts Peak just over two hours from Hobart and end at Melaleuca where it meets the more popular South Coast Track. This 70km track was built in 1898 as an overland escape route for shipwrecked sailors. Exit at Melaleuca by a small plane.

Often you might not see another person in the four days. For those with less time the Port Davey Track can be done in three days. For those wanting a longer walk extend along the South Coast Track by walking in from Scott’s Peak to Melaleuca and then the 9 day trek to Cockle Creek or do it all in reverse.

Port Davey is an inlet on the south west coast of Tasmania. It is next to Bathurst Harbour and is protected from the Roaring Forties.  The Port Davey Marine Reserve has more than 500 species of marine invertebrates.

Four significant rivers and many creeks cut through gorges and snake around open plains, draining rusty looking water. Tiny islands are scattered over the waterways defined by clean white sands. Mt Rugby is the most significant peak rising out of Bathurst Harbour.

There are no huts. Campsites are available at Huon River Campground at Scotts Peak, Junction Creek, Crossing River, Spring River, Bathurst Narrows and Melaleuca.

At Scotts Peak the Port Davey Track starts adjoining to the Huon Campground and at Melaleuca it begins from the north end of the airstrip.

The first part of the Port Davey Track to the Crossing River is scenic, with the highlights being, Junction Creek about three hours from the start, the Western Arthurs and the Crossing River.  There are views back over Lake Pedder to Mount Anne, the tallest peak in the south-west wilderness.

It's the Western Arthurs that provide much of the walking interest in the early days.  Much of the effort is crossing the buttongrass plain, yellowed tussocks on top of the mud. Hard work if the ground is wet and one of the challenges of the Port Davey Track.

The later part of the Port Davey Track follows the Spring River towards Bathurst Harbour where beautiful vistas emerge. 

To cross the Bathurst Narrows, the National Parks have provided a row a boat.  Then through the buttongrass plains to Melaleuca.

Melaleuca has a campsite and huts to stay in but nothing else.

Par Avion offers a regular pre-booked air service from Melaleuca to Hobart so you can be either dropped off or picked up at Melaleuca. Food can be delivered to the airstrip at Melaleuca by Par Avion if you are continuing on along the South Coast path. Par Avion also operates passenger boats at Melaleuca. Camping fuel can be purchased at Melaleuca from Par Avion who do not allow on the plane.

Image Credit Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman