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Discussion specifically about the Overland Track should be posted in this subforum, including side trips and the Cradle Mountain day walk area. Alternative access routes and connecting routes belong in the parent forum.

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Overland Track App
An electronic guidebook for planning and walking the Overland Track.
Download this app for loads of information about planning, gear, food, accommodation and much more about the Overland Track.
You will also find topo maps, terrain profiles and track notes for offline use.
$10 -- Discount to $3 until December 15
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Re: Giardia Gastro reported

Sun 21 Jul, 2019 9:18 pm

The first time I came across giardia was when reading Chris Darwin's'' The Social Climbers' - and what a story! And what a terrible infection! Because of this I would have thought that if giardia is able to be contacted in Tasmania's 'wilderness' walks, then I'm surprised that Nat'l Parks or the state health authority doesn't issue warnings. But is it necessarily giardia? I know of one instance where someone was forced to stop for 3 days on the Moonlight Track due to a debilitating stomach upset and diarrhea but it wasn't giardia.
dazintaz wrote:Yes mate, Doc said it was Giardia.
I'm sorry daz and please don't take offense but but unless this statement is backed by of a lab. test, then I don't necessarily accept it. However, with so many people travelling and walking in even remote parts of Tassie these days, I suppose it would be surprizing if giardia was not in places like the OT. I've rarely treated water and never treated tank waters despite them almost invariably having a warning when located in National Parks but perhaps it is time for me to start,

Re: Giardia Gastro reported

Mon 22 Jul, 2019 9:49 am

On the human side, I would expect hygiene has only improved in recent years.


You give fellow humans far more credit than they deserve. Simple hygiene and common sense continues to escape so many.

Re: Giardia Gastro reported

Mon 22 Jul, 2019 5:36 pm

No not usually, the permit system could have only alleviated hygiene problems (at least for those who believe people are the likely source, if any)

Re: Giardia Gastro reported

Sat 10 Aug, 2019 3:13 pm

Just finished the walk on Tuesday.

Didn't treat any water, no problems.

Washed and sanitised hands after number two's and before eating after touching any doorknobs or tables etc in the huts.

I suspect the huts and toilets rather than the water are the likely culprits for infection, particularly in the busy, warmer times of year.

Re: Giardia Gastro reported

Sat 10 Aug, 2019 4:26 pm

Petew wrote:Just finished the walk on Tuesday.

Didn't treat any water, no problems.


It's too soon for definitive conclusions given the incubation periods.

Re: Giardia Gastro reported

Sat 10 Aug, 2019 6:46 pm

Good point, I will no doubt be struck down sometime in the next two weeks after saying I was ok:)

Re: Giardia Gastro reported

Sat 17 Aug, 2019 1:12 pm

Still good, one week to go.
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