OT in August

[tekismo]

Im planning to walk the track in August for the first time by myself, mainly due to this being the only time i can get off work. I just have a few questions.

I was thinking of walking the track south to north since its possible during this time of the year. IS this a good idea or should i stick to the usual north to south direction.

Is a solid 3 season tent going to be enough? I have a vango helium 100, which will only be for emergencies, but am open to buying a new tent for this trip if need be.

The last time I was in Tassie i noticed the customs dogs checking bags for food, will i be able to bring prepared food in from Sydney or will i have to buy it In Tas?

Also are snow shoes are a must during this time?
Thanks..

[frenchy_84]

I was thinking of walking the track south to north since its possible during this time of the year. IS this a good idea or should i stick to the usual north to south direction.

Doesn't make much difference to the experience, going south to north means that you don't have to climb up marians lookout with a full pack on (but thats only the first half an hour anyway)

Is a solid 3 season tent going to be enough? I have a vango helium 100, which will only be for emergencies, but am open to buying a new tent for this trip if need be.

This time of year it is highly unlikely that there won't be room in the huts. As for tents, the tent sites are reasonably sheltered to so you don't have to worry to much about wind just rain and snow.

The last time I was in Tassie i noticed the customs dogs checking bags for food, will i be able to bring prepared food in from Sydney or will i have to buy it In Tas?

You can't bring in fresh fruit and veg, plants or fish and shellfish. The inter web will have plenty of info on whats allowed

Also are snow shoes are a must during this time?
Thanks..

I wouldn't say snow shoes are a must but you never know at that time of year. The only thing you can predict about the weather is that it will be cold, whether you get lots of rain or snow you just never know. The snow never lasts long in Tas unfortunately. Ive done it in july and only come across snow on Ossa summit and was able to spend an afternoon sun baking on the beach at echo point.

[MountainMadness]

We did it in Aug a few years back (from the north and back). Frenchy is pretty much on the money.

Just re-iterating:

Yes the weather is highly variable. Our first day was relatively warm and our third and final day it was cold, and snowing heavily above 700m. The first 2 days I was happy not to have to cart snow shoes but on the last day it was very difficult without them.

We saw only 2 groups the whole 3 days, so you should have hut space (try to plan your days with huts to camp in). Saying this you should also carry a tent just for emergency purposes.

We aquired all our food here in Sydney prior to flying to Taz. Mind you we didn't bring any fresh food as we were traveling light.

Have a look at the thread below - there is plenty of info there including pics that I took. I'm sure there is other relevant threads too.

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2297

[tekismo]

awesome thanks for the info guys.!!