Description

There are two routes you could take for this part of the trail.

The route mapped here is the coastal route and is much more scenic.

It offers great views and you will see more wildlife, but this is the more challenging route.

The inland route is easier, but has much more mud and isn't very scenic.

To decide which route to take, ask yourself how comfortable you are climbing over medium sized boulders with a backpack? For experienced hikers who have done some scrambling before, you will have no trouble negotiating the boulder field.

For new hikers or people with a heavier pack, you may not be as comfortable with climbing over boulders, so the inland route could be a better option. If you take the coastal route then you really need to plan your day around the tide.

You need a very low tide to pass around Owen Point, this could mean you either start very early, or potentially hike later in the day depending on tide times.

Thankfully this section isn't too long, so even if you have to leave later in the day, you should have plenty of time to make it to camp before sunset.

There's a short inland trail when you leave Camper Bay, with a cable car and ladders to warm you up as you leave camp.

This isn't too long and you will soon arrive back at the beach.

The coastline here is very rugged, there are lots of level rock shelves that make for some great hiking, but they do have big surge channels that you will have to find a way around.

Some of these you can step over, others you need to head back towards the forest to get around. Once at Owen point, you get spectacular views in all directions, it's a very unique coastline here and totally different to other parts of the trail.

Seals seem to enjoy this area too, so if you look at the shoreline you will see lots of them playing around in the water.

Soon after you have passed Owen Point, the boulder field starts.

For people comfortable with boulders, this will just be rock hopping down the coastline, trying not to slip on the wet rocks.

For many people though, this is a challenging and long boulder field, requiring hands-on scrambling as you work your way through.

The boulders here vary in size, most are medium sized, meaning they are big enough to not move, but small enough to easily be able to walk on and off.

There are some larger ones but you can navigate around most of these.

The boulder field does eventually end, to reveal the beautiful Thrasher Cove.

The campground here doesn't feel too remote, as you can see the lights from Port Renfew at night, but you get great views from here and it has a really nice beach too.