Destinations > Tough Interview

Beyond the Pedder River veer left over a headland to pass the occasional dune blowout on a complex track system around Sandy Cape. Contrary to its name, this cape is fringed with rock, and a lighthouse sits adjacent to Koonya Inlet. Camping is permitted at the Pedder River crossing and Kitchen Camp, both of which have pit toilets. Club 24 Camp has no facilities, but offers a sheltered retreat, ringed with superb coastal forest.
Continuing south, you will reach a rangers shack just north of Native Well Bay and follow a track close to the coastline. Mobile dunes feature on the southern journey, with previous access tracks being fairly indistinct.

You may find it necessary to plot a path on foot first as you decide on the best route forward. Conditions are continually variable and are certainly dependant on current tide conditions and previous storm or flood damage.
In most cases the usual track is obvious as it follows the beach or crosses a rocky headland. Watch for sharp rocks with aired down tyres, especially a gnarly section about ten kilometres south of Sandy Cape. There are a couple of testing dunes enroute, one of which proved to be unscaleable by a heavily laden Cruiser in our group. To our amazement, we were not the first casualties - a steel winch anchor point was already embedded in the sand!


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Other dunes may need run ups, alternative gear choices, or simply a tad less air. Part of this country's appeal lies in being able to overcome the challenges dished out.

When you finally reach the Interview take some time to appreciate its timeless character, unchanged by human intervention. The tannin stained waters have wound their way through inaccessible forests and buttongrass plains to merge with pounding surf at your feet. The Interview is a tough journey, but a compelling destination.

WHEN TO VISIT

The West Coast is best tackled in Summer, when river levels are at their lowest, and the air temperature is at its warmest. Autumn still offers some possibilities for adventurous groups, but the cooler, wetter months are definitely off limits.

THINGS TO DO

Surf and rock fishing is popular along the West Coast, with some boating to be found on the Arthur River. Limited surfing is undertaken near West Point, but only the bravest will appreciate the pounding conditions. Dedicated 4WDers will revel in the remote and challenging conditions.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Parks Wildlife Service Tasmania


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