Jessica and George Cox complete 200km King Island coastal walk

Jessica Cox and her husband George returned to their Charles Street home in Currie on Tuesday after walking more than 200 kilometres around King Island’s coastline and raising almost $10,000 for the Black Dog Institute.

The pair completed the winter circumnavigation in seven days, three days earlier than the maximum time Ms Cox had allowed.

Their 14-year-old black dog Bella, who accompanied them for much of the journey, joined them at the finish as family, friends and supporters applauded their arrival.

Ms Cox had wanted to complete the challenge for several years and used the walk to raise funds and awareness for young people experiencing mental ill-health.

The couple followed the coast as closely as safety and conditions allowed, negotiating soft sand, rivers, waterlogged ground, steep hills, cliffs and rock faces, often without an established track.

They agreed the southern coastline was the most difficult, particularly the section beyond Grassy where they encountered sheer rock faces while carrying heavy packs.

“We would come to a sheer cliff face and tighten all our straps and say, ‘Time to become one with our pack’,” Ms Cox said.

Tour operator Ian Allan joined them through part of an earlier difficult section, using his knowledge of the terrain to help them find a safer route.

Ms Cox said his assistance saved time and made the crossing safer.

The long northern beaches presented a different challenge, with George describing Nine Mile Beach as one of the most mentally demanding sections.

“That beach never ends,” he said.

“You are walking and the point doesn’t get any closer. Then you get there and realise it just keeps going around.”

Ms Cox made up songs and introduced some dancing to break the monotony of the long, straight stretches and ease their sore muscles.

The Sea Elephant River crossing proved less difficult than expected.

“We thought we might have to swim part of it, but it was just a socks, shoes and pants-off affair,” Ms Cox said.

The walkers were fortunate with the winter weather, encountering strong winds on the first day, rain during the opening night and another windy period near the end, but avoiding prolonged severe conditions.

Highlights included a sunrise over Disappointment Bay, powerful swells near Bold Head and reaching isolated bays rarely visited by people other than adjoining landowners.

The walk also included an escorted crossing of the Dolphin Tungsten Mine site and managing a sprained ankle Ms Cox suffered on rocks during the first day.

Her pack weighed about 18.5 kilograms at the start and gradually became lighter as food was consumed.

Ms Cox advised anyone considering the journey to train, plan the route carefully and allow eight or nine days.

“There is literally no track,” she said.

“We got ourselves into some pretty hairy situations.”

Ms Cox initially hoped to raise $7500 but increased the target to $13,000, a “baker’s dozen” in recognition of being a baker’s daughter, after reaching the first goal.

Donations remain open at www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/jessicacox/king-island.