Theres something deeply gratifying about making your plans, packing your bags, hitting the road and making your way off on an adventure powered by your own feet.
Hiking to an overnight campsite is quickly becoming my new fix, an exciting and fulfilling obsession to get to places that not everyone gets to experience and soak up their remote splendour.
That was definitely the case this last hike we completed out to Sealers Cove in Wilsons Prom National Park as we tackled varied terrain, flora, fauna and local wildlife alike. If you too are interested in making your way out to this remote paradise, read on as I do my best to explain just how we did it and hopefully you can pack your bags and be on your way too.
Wilsons Prom is approx 3 hours from Melbourne CBD, and a little over 4 hours for us living down in torquay. Luckily we had a concert in Melbourne the night before so we decided why not and ventured further to make the most of the time off and the weather.
Planning ahead we booked 2 campsites online at www.parks.vic.gov for a mere $14 each and were on our way, bags packed, boots ready and cameras loaded.
Being an overnight hike you need to take everything with you for a comfortable night out in the “wild”, but when I say wild, I say it very lightly as Sealers cove has dedicated areas to pitch your tents, long drop toilets and fresh (creek) running water, so this makes it a little bit more comfortable to stay. Although it is recommended that you treat your water collected there by either purification tablets or boiling.
Below is a list of 10 essential things I usually pack with me to make sure we have a comfortable hike, our belly full and a good nights sleep:
Hiking Boots - don’t skimp on these, they can make or break your day, I love my Kathmandu TIBER NGX leather hiking boots, comfortable, warm, dry and damn good looking, have a look here to check them out
Merino hiking socks - often overlooked, a good quality pair of socks are actually more important than your boots for ensuring your feet are kept dry and breathe nicely to avoid moisture and blisters.
Lightweight hiking tent - Weight is massive consideration when hiking , so be sure to do your research, and if possible spend a little extra money to get the lightest and most weather resistant tent possible. I currently have a Denali Kakadu 2.7kg tent, a great beginners option but I am definitely looking to upgrade to a lighter more durable option ASAP to cut my pack weight down.
Lightweight Sleeping Mat - i’ve been through a few of these already. Spend the money, get the best you can afford, try them out at home before you go a few hours/ days deep in the bush, a good nights sleep can make or break your experience. I currently use the KLYMIT DOUBLE V for my partner and I and find it pretty dang good, a little extra weight but I don’t mind that for the comfort. in saying that I am alway s researching better options for that all elusive “perfect kit”
Air Pillow - I love this thing, my Sea to Summit Aeros premium deluxe. so light, so comfy.
Gas Boiler - I currently use the Gasmate Turbo Butane stove top and love it, works well in the wind, packs down to nothing and is lots of juice.
Hiking Pack - Essential, for obvious reasons, I am learning this the hard way, I got a cheaper one that definitely gets the job done, but after lots of testing and research I am planning on investing in a lighter, more ergonomic pack to help me reach destinations further into the outdoors.
Sleeping Bag - Try to go as light and as functional as you can, I have a bag rated to -5deg, its pretty good, but I will definitely be upgrading this soon.
Hydration bladder - I like to pack a 3l bladder and some purification tablets so I can refill when needed on the trail from pre determined water locations. Never get caught out.
Puffer Jacket - I never leave home without my Kathmandu Down puffer jacket, it is literally the most functional, packable and reliable piece of clothing I own, as the conditions outdoors can change on a dime, its really good to have something so warm and protective that packs down to nothing.
Gear in check, make your way to the Visitors centre at The Prom where you need to check in for your overnight hike, making sure you have your reservation screen shot on your phone for the Ranger. Make your way to Telegraph Saddle either buy the local free shuttle in the summer or your vehicle in the off peak season to start your hike.
Make your start at the Saddle and the first leg of your 3 hour journey takes you through rugged and beautiful terrain with lots of exposed volcanic rock and dry bush as it exposed to the north and cops a lot of sunlight. You will wind and climb this trail to Windy flat for approx 45mins to an hour where you can stop, smell the flowers and take a much deserved break!
From here on in you descend into dense and thick green forrest for the next hour, passing lush ferns, fallen tree trunks, meandering creek crossings and lots of downhill trekking. It will take you a little over an hour before you reach the boardwalk that takes you over the wetlands for another 45 mins before you break into a clearing, and before you know it you are greeted to your own secluded beach flanked by beautiful mountains and beautiful Australian forrest.
Once you have made it to the end of the track you need to turn right (we turned left…ugh) and walk another 700m along the beach to the campsite. There is a creek crossing here so make sure you time the tide to coincide with low tide or a few hours either side on your arrival to ensure you can make it across the creek, without getting too wet:)
Once there you can scope around all the spots for a little section of your own, we found a lovely little space nestled in the bush and set up camp. Hang your gear out, have a swim, cook some dinner and get all snuggled in for the night as your achy body and the sound of crashing waves lull you to sleep all ready to do it again the next day:)
