Day 3 – Louisa River to Little Deadmans Bay
Louisa River – Little Deadmans Bay (click to enlarge).
The third day consists of the most challenging climb of the South Coast Track, the Ironbound Range 905 metres above sea level. The climb isn’t particularly hard thanks to the well-constructed steps. However it can be extremely tiring and wild weather including snow and high winds may hinder your journey nearing the summit.
Leaving the picturesque Louisa River, the Ironbound is the first challenge of the day as we make our way to Little Deadmans Bay. Taking it slow and steady, the first few hours of the walk are spent passing the foothills and scaling the impressive rock ledges of the mountain range. As you continue many fake apexes deceive your sense of scale until you eventually make it to the summit after an exhausting effort.
Once at the top, the views are breathtaking with panoramic views of the Southwest National Park including Arthurs Range and Federation Peak to take in. To the east, the rest of the South Coast Track is laid out with the South Coast Range yet to be crossed in the distance. Ironbound High Camp is located just beyond the summit point.
From here it is another 7km to Little Deadmans Bay. On the descent your surroundings change dramatically, entering some of the thickest rainforest walking conditions in Tasmania. Careful stepping is required to navigate the labyrinth of muddy buttress roots under foot. After another hour of walking the trail finally arrives at Ironbound Low Camp, just above the coast. For the next 4km going is much easier and flatter, eventually arriving at lovely Little Deadmans Bay camping area. Campfires are allowed here.
The initial stretch before the climb up the Ironbound Range
The Ironbound Range in the distance.
Half way up the Ironbounds! Still a long way to go.
Track conditions coming back down the Ironbound.
Finally back on the coast again at Little Deadmans Bay.