Arthur Range Traverse (85km)

The Arthur Range Traverse is an extraordinary and demanding adventure through Tasmania’s Southwest National Park, combining both the Western Arthur Range Traverse and the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse. This challenging trek, set within the renowned Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), provides an unparalleled bushwalking experience through some of Australia's most rugged and remote terrain.

The traverse begins with the Western Arthur Range, renowned for its steep slopes, alpine moorlands, and dramatic glacial lakes. This section of the walk offers a geological marvel, shaped from ancient Precambrian quartzite and quartz schist. Hikers will navigate through narrow corridors and rugged topography, encountering challenging terrain that demands significant bushwalking experience. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, turning even short distances into all-day efforts, requiring thorough preparation and caution.

As you transition into the Eastern Arthur Range, the challenge intensifies, culminating with a possible ascent of the iconic Federation Peak, a 1,225-meter quartzite mountain with sheer cliffs and jagged edges. This section involves advanced rock scrambling and pack hauling, with steep cliff sections that can reach up to 85 degrees. The remote and unforgiving terrain necessitates expert navigation with a map and compass, as the path often becomes unclear. The solitude and breathtaking views offer rich rewards for those prepared to meet the formidable demands of the route.

Stage 1: Western Arthur Range Traverse

The Western Arthurs extend generally east-west from Mount Hesperus to West Portal. This section of the range was first traversed by Europeans in the early 1960s.

Huon Campground to Junction Creek
The track from Huon Campground to Junction Creek is well-marked, with gentle hills and creek crossings that can be tricky after rain. The muddy trail requires hikers to walk through the mud to protect the vegetation. Junction Creek offers a scenic campsite, though it can flood in heavy rain, with drier spots south of the creek. The journey passes through shady forests and vast moorlands, leading to the first potential campsite 8.5 km from the trailhead.

Junction Creek to Lake Cygnus
The trail from Junction Creek to Lake Cygnus begins flat but soon ascends steeply up Alpha Moraine, offering stunning views of the Western Arthur Range. The track involves rock scrambling and steep descents, particularly as you approach Lake Cygnus. The campsite at Lake Cygnus is nestled in a glacial cirque, offering sheltered spots with access to fresh water and basic facilities. This section of the trail, though challenging, rewards hikers with dramatic landscapes and panoramic views.

Lake Cygnus to Lake Oberon
The route from Lake Cygnus to Lake Oberon involves steep climbs and rock scrambling along the Western Arthur Range. The trail passes Mount Hayes, offering views over Bathurst Harbour and the southern ranges. Water can be replenished at a creek halfway through the hike, easing the need to carry large amounts. The final descent to Lake Oberon is steep and challenging, but the campsite offers a tranquil setting with nearby water sources and tent platforms.

Lake Oberon to High Moor
The trail from Lake Oberon to High Moor is rugged and demanding, with steep climbs, scrambling, and pack-hauling required. Navigation relies on intermittent rock cairns, and water is scarce, so hikers should carry enough to reach Haven Lake. The ascent towards Mount Pegasus is technical, with rewarding views of quartzite spires and alpine lakes. High Moor campsite offers basic facilities and stunning views over the Arthur Range, making it a challenging but rewarding stop.

High Moor to Haven Lake
This section is the most challenging, navigating the Beggary Bumps and the Tilted Chasm, requiring careful navigation and possibly pack-hauling. The terrain is steep and rugged, with exposed ridges and no reliable water sources. The descent from Mount Taurus to Haven Lake is tricky, but the campsite offers a welcome respite with tent platforms and fresh water, making it a critical stop on the journey.

Haven Lake to Promontory Lake
From Haven Lake, the trail ascends gently, traversing rocky knolls before descending towards Lake Sirona. The path then crosses moorlands towards Mount Scorpio, offering optional summit scrambles with extensive views. The descent from the escarpment leads to the final ascent to Promontory Lake, where campsites are available along the shores. This section provides a mix of easy walks and challenging climbs, with rewarding views and a serene campsite.

Promontory Lake to Lake Rosanne
The trail from Promontory Lake to Lake Rosanne is demanding, with ascents over The Phoenix and the Crags of Andromeda. The climb to West Portal offers sweeping views of the Western and Eastern Arthurs. After traversing the ridge, the trail descends into a valley, navigating thick scrub before reaching Lake Rosanne. The campsite here is a welcome sight after a challenging day, with suitable spots for tents near the lake.

Lake Rosanne to Strike Creek Plains
The final leg skirts the ridge south of Lake Rosanne and descends the moraine onto the flat Strike Creek Plains. The terrain is more forgiving, offering a long, steady descent out of the mountains. This section marks the transition from rugged mountain trails to the easier plains, providing a gradual return to lower elevations. It also marks the beginning of the next stage of the traverse, the Eastern Arthur Range.

Stage 2: Eastern Arthur Range Traverse

The Eastern Arthurs run north-south from the end of the Western Arthurs and include the highest peak of the range, the striking Federation Peak. This section was first traversed in December 1947 by a group from the Hobart Walking Club.

Junction of McKay Track, Arthur Plains Track, and Western Arthur Traverse Track
From this junction, the journey continues east along the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse. Shortly after departing the junction, the route crosses Strike Creek, a minor waterway whose difficulty can vary with recent weather conditions. The track then proceeds to Pass Creek, located approximately 4.7 km from the junction. Pass Creek Campsite, situated near the creek, provides a sheltered resting spot amidst the rugged terrain.

Boiler Plates Peak to Stuart Saddle Campsite
From Pass Creek Campsite, the track ascends Luckmans Lead, leading past Boiler Plates Peak. This section features rocky and steep terrain, with spectacular views across the Needles. After crossing Boiler Plates Peak, the route descends slightly towards Lake Leo, an alpine lake surrounded by rugged mountains. The trek continues with a final view over the western edge of the Terrace, The Four Peaks, The Needles, The Gables, and The Dial, before ascending to Stuart Saddle. From Boiler Plates Peak, it is less than 1 km to Stuart Saddle Campsite, a well-situated site with ample flat ground for camping.

The Needles to Goon Moor Campsite
Continuing from Stuart Saddle, the route traverses below The Needles, a series of sharp, rocky outcrops known for their dramatic landscape. This section can be challenging, particularly in adverse weather conditions. After passing The Needles, the trek reaches Goon Moor Campsite, located on an open moorland that provides expansive views and a sense of isolation.

The Gables to Hanging Lake Campsite
The trail then winds across The Gables, also known as Four Peaks, characterised by rolling ridges and stunning views. Notable highlights include views of Thwaites Plateau, Devils Thumb, and the imposing Federation Peak. The track involves technical climbing along the Four Peaks, with exposed sections requiring careful navigation. Following these challenges, the route ascends to Thwaites Plateau and passes Devils Thumb before reaching Hanging Lake Campsite. This site, situated beside a tranquil lake, offers a picturesque location for rest.

Federation Peak and Bechervaise Plateau Campsite
From Hanging Lake, the route progresses towards Federation Peak. The section leading from Hanging Lake Junction to Stegasaurus Ridge presents considerable difficulty. At the Stegasaurus high point of 1165 metres, the elevation is approximately 60 metres below Federation Peak. Shortly after this high point, the route traverses a large boulder situated above a cliff line, with the drop extending into Lake Geeves. The descent from this point poses further challenges and requires careful navigation. At this juncture, hikers must decide whether to ascend Federation Peak (see additional notes below). The ascent is steep and technical but offers breathtaking views from the summit. Regardless of the choice to ascend, the route continues to Bechervaise Plateau Campsite, a sheltered site providing an opportunity to rest after the demanding hike.

Cutting Camp and West Picton Road
The final section of the traverse takes hikers from Bechervaise Plateau Campsite to Cutting Camp, located near Cherry Creek. This part of the track is relatively straightforward compared to previous sections. From Cutting Camp, the route follows the Cracroft River, passing through the Southwest National Park and the Picton River Conservation Area. The trek concludes at West Picton Road, marking the end of the journey through the spectacular Arthur Range.

Summiting Federation Peak

Federation Peak, rising 1,274 metres (4,180 feet) in Tasmania’s Eastern Arthur Range, offers a remote and challenging climb. The summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching it is unparalleled. However, the journey is physically demanding and potentially hazardous, with highly unpredictable weather and challenging terrain that includes significant scrambling and exposed rock sections.

Hikers should make an honest assessment of their skills, fitness, and experience before attempting this climb. The terrain requires advanced skills and a high level of fitness. Tasmania Police have reported that, since 2004, approximately 20 people have been rescued from Tasmania's south-west, and six individuals, including experienced walkers, have died. It is crucial to evaluate the risks and ensure you are fully prepared to handle the demands of this climb safely.