South West beach

David

Wonderful picture! Best regards, Gabe

great shot.

David, I hope you can help me. I've got one chance before I die to go on a dream vacation to the southern hemisphere. I am 54 and live in El Paso TX USA. I've been exploring via GE, and discovered to my surprise that the southern coast of Tasmania has many of my requirements - isolation, sea cliffs, beaches, crystal water, English-speakers. How difficult was it to reach the spot where the photo was taken? What major airport would I land at? Are there places to hike along the tops of the cliffs, for example in the South West Cape/ Window Pane areas? How are the insects? ( I HATE biting flies & bugs!) Was thinking of going in the fall, living cheap, backpacking, perhaps hiring a boat to take me places. Wondering about water temps, perhaps doing a bit of snorkeling (in wet suit if needed). Want to see the Magellanic Clouds, so hoping for dark/clear night skies. Any suggestions most welcome!

Steve

Hi there. Thanks for the note. We reached the spot where this photo was taken by a sea kayak and foot, but it is possible to walk there as well.

To get to the south-west you would need to fly to Hobart Airport than take a light plane to the bush airstrip at Meleleuca - or you could walk in via Scotts Peak Dam, although that adds another four days or so to the journey. These are fairly remote areas by most standards, so you could sometimes expect going several days without seeing another person, although at peak times you might see another party or two most days.

Insects shouldn't be a big problem. Mosquitoes are present but not in large numbers.

The best source of information on south-west Tasmania is the book on the area by John Chapman. His website is at http://www.john.chapman.name/

The state parks and wildlife service website is another great source of information.

My suggestion would be the South West Cape circuit mentioned in the book which takes around seven to ten days from memory.

Boat transport to the area is limited and expensive. Snorkelling is possible although the fresh water areas are generally quite dark because of natural tannin. I would advise great care if you were planning to swim alone at one of the coastal beaches.

I hope this is of some help, let me know if I can be of further assistance,

cheers,

David.

Thanks David! I really, really appreciate your taking the time to reply. BTW, I've looked at all your Panoramia photos, great job.