Southern Ranges info.

[Mechanic-AL]

At the first hint of some clear spring weather I would like to take a walk along the southern Ranges taking in a few side trips along the way. My knowledge of this area is pretty limited so I would like to know what are side trips, campsites etc that people familiar with the area might recommend?
I would also like to know how difficult the route finding/scrub bashing is between Pindars and PB. Obviously crap weather and limited visibility create increased navigational challenges so I'm just talking in terms of clear to average conditions.

Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

AL

[stepbystep]

Hey Mech-Al

There is exposed camping everywhere from Hill 1 Pigsty, obvs it's the windiest place ON EARTH so sometimes shelter is super important. There's good sheltered sites near Reservoir Lakes.

Sidetrips to Moores Garden, The Hippo, La Perouse, Pindars, VC are all highly recommended....the area is worth multiple visits. Route finding is easy all the way through...it's a little vague in the forest off PB but not difficult if you pay attention. I walked between La Perouse and Ooze Lake in -10, windy, snow everywhere, clagged in and still found nav easy.

There are several areas with sensitive vegetation so it's worth being mindful of that when camping or walking off track.

It's a remote area that cops the worst weather so full 4 season prep necessary. The conditions I described were in November or December...can PM more details if needed.

[Tortoise]

Looks like I should get a wriggle on to finally finish my Southern Ranges report...

[pazzar]

I think the place where people have the most issues is at Leaning Tea Tree Saddle. I think it just pays to walk through the clearing on the pad first before sitting down for a break, that way you don't get confused by all the other pads in the area. I've known of people that camped here, but I'd advise pushing on to Wylly Plateau if you have the time, it is much nicer there.

[north-north-west]

Pandani Knob can be confusing whichever direction you're going. Otherwise, if you're going right through the easiest spot to loose the route as at PB Low Camp, where there's a jink to the left that is not at all obvious.

[Mechanic-AL]

Looks like I should get a wriggle on to finally finish my Southern Ranges report...

Yes please Tortoise........you can be assured your efforts will be appreciated !!

[ILUVSWTAS]

The Abels book has good info as does Chapman's SW Tasmania guide book. Chapman's breaks up the stages day by day and is fairly accurate.

[Tortoise]

Looks like I should get a wriggle on to finally finish my Southern Ranges report...

Yes please Tortoise........you can be assured your efforts will be appreciated !!

Hi Al,
Been a few months coming - more a book than a report. But it will include some extremes of Weather, and there will be some photos. I'm away for a few days, staying indoors (!) between day walks. Hoping to finish it off.
And we only went as far as Pindars, so I'm sorry it won't include the bits you really want.

[Mechanic-AL]

Thanks all for your knowledge.
I have already devoured the Abels information and Chapmans book as well.
SBS kindly provided me with a bit of first hand info that wasn't covered in either of these.
Tortoises upcoming novel sounds really interesting and i'm looking forward to it.

As usual the fickle S.W. weather will once again be the biggest variable...........
Can't wait to get amongst it again !!!