Trek Description

A crossing of Bass Strait via the Eastern Islands – including the Furneux Group is considered the safest method to attempt the crossing.

The longest open water stretch is only 70 km and each island group has some fresh water and shelter.

The PWC and rider will arrive at Port Welshpool as soon as the modifications to the vessel are completed and tested..

The vessels will be fitted with long range fuel tanks based on the design experience of the Oztrek2000 Around Australia Team and capable of a 220km range at speeds of up to 100km/h.

Rider fatigue, fuel and weather are the main limitations of the trip.

The departure will occur on both the visible presence and Bureau of Meteorology prediction of suitable conditions. Basically the rider will wait for a clear and calm morning to depart Victoria (Port Welshpool) and should arrive at Killiecrankie bay on the northern end of Flinders Island in the early to mid afternoon.

There will be short stop off’s along the way with a break at the Hogan Group of islands to sign the visitors book at the hut.(60km)

Another 35 km’s will put the rider at the Kent Group for lunch and a short break then off to Killiecrankie Bay.(60km)

Times and tides will determine water depth enough to travel from Killiecrankie Bay into Whitemark. (66km)

It is proposed that a rest day will ensue at either Killiecrankie Bay or Whitemark along with one on the mainland of Tasmania at the final port of call (either Tomahawk or Bridport)

On the return journey a base will be established at Whitemark for circumnavigation and exploration of the Furneux Group in relation to the stated secondary aims.

Further Exploration will also take place at the Kent and Hogan groups of Islands on the return passage.

There is no set return date as all of the work is to be done in safe conditions only.

The return Victorian landfall will be land back at Port Welshpool and the vessel trailered to a suitable location outside the heads of Melbourne. A short crossing of Port Philip Bay via the west channel will allow arrival at a public reception venue under any weather conditions.

A date for arrival and arrangements for formal greeting for publicity purposes will be set by the Austin Hospital.