Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

© Catherine Sutherland | Lonely Planet
on the Overland Track, a boardwalk section winds through Cradle Valley
FREYCINET PENINSULA CIRCUIT
Against stiff competition, arguably Tasmania’s most magical beach fringes the
Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast. Wineglass Bay is just one of several glorious
strands lining this two-day circuit. Despite the long stretches of surf-lapped sand,
don’t expect pancake-flat walking – the trail crosses hilly inland areas and the
craggy Hazards Mountains, and you must carry your tent and all food. But the
rewards are luminous: ample paddling potential at the beaches of Hazards, Cooks
and Bryans (a short detour), far-reaching views from Mt Freycinet, bustling birdlife
and of course the perfect crescent of sand at Wineglass Bay itself. If time or energy
are limited, take a shortcut along the Isthmus Track between Hazards Beach and
Wineglass Bay for a delightful five-hour outing.
Start/End // Wineglass Bay car park
Distance // 19 miles (30km)
More info // www.parks.tas.gov.au
SOUTH COAST TRACK
Overland Track not challenging enough? Try tackling this trail snaking along the
coast of isolated, untouched Southwest National Park. For experienced
bushwalkers only, this six-to eight-day trek is tricksy right from the off – there are no
roads to the trailhead at Melaleuca, so you must either fly or hike in. You’ll need to
bring camping gear, wet-weather and warm clothing, all food and a hardy
constitution: weather can be wild, trails muddy, beach and creek crossings
unpredictable, leeches persistent and ascents demanding, not least the 2970ft
(905m) haul up the Ironbound Ranges. But what a trek. You’ll traverse pristine,
empty beaches, dense forests and soaring peaks, and watch rare wildlife –
including in summer, if you’re really lucky, critically endangered orange-bellied
parrots, which breed in tiny numbers only at one spot.
Start // Melaleuca
End // Cockle Bay
Distance // 53 miles (85km)
More info // www.parks.tas.gov.au