The Deep South: Piotr Babis in Southwest Tasmania
Ryan Slater takes us deep into Piotr Babis’ 88-hour traverse through Tasmania’s most remote and unforgiving terrain.
(Words and Images by Ryan Slater from Trail Run Magazine Issue 59)
Southwest Tasmania is not for the faint hearted. An adventure here can scar your memory, as well as exposed limbs, clothing and equipment.
In late January 2026, Piotr Babis and his support crew undertook the unthinkable: traversing some of the southwest’s most iconic, though unforgiving, terrain.
As fast as possible.
This photo, taken 48 hours into his 88-hour traverse, captures the almost normal composition of Piotr when undertaking adventures like this – strict routine, efficient movement, minimal dialogue intertwined with some trailside banter. All happening as if this were a day-to-day occurrence, not an extraordinary feat of physical and mental endurance.
However, what was notable at the time of this shot were the pre-adventure nerves from 48 hours all completely gone. The subtle smile lets us know Piotr is relishing the next 150km, while still having mindfulness to connect with the land he’s about to traverse.
Camera Specs
Nikon D850 with Nikon 14-24mm
14mm f5.6 1/400 1000ISO
