Du Cane Range Traverse (40km)

Stage 1: Lake St Clair to Du Cane Gap

(Approx. 12.5 km)
The journey begins with a scenic ferry ride across Lake St Clair from Cynthia Bay to the Narcissus River dock. This 12 km stretch offers incredible views of the steep, forested slopes of Mount Olympus. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance, as departures may be limited depending on the time of year or weather conditions. Once you reach the dock, a short 10-minute walk takes you to Narcissus Hut, where you can organise your gear and get ready for the trek ahead.

From Narcissus Hut, the Overland Track winds through diverse landscapes, including mossy gullies, towering myrtle beech trees, and ridges dotted with eucalypts. The terrain can be muddy in places, especially after rain, so good footwear and proper hiking preparation are essential. As you approach Windy Ridge (Bert Nichols) Hut, the landscape opens up, revealing spectacular views of The Acropolis and Mount Geryon—an ideal spot for a break to admire the scenery.

The final part of this stage involves a challenging ascent towards Du Cane Gap. The climb can be steep and strenuous, with tree roots, mossy streams, and uneven terrain making it more rugged. Careful foot placement is important here, particularly on wet or slippery sections. Du Cane Gap marks the transition from the Overland Track to the Du Cane Range itself, where the adventure truly begins.

It’s important to note that there are no obvious tracks or markers indicating where to leave the Overland Track to continue on the Du Cane Range. Prior research is essential to safely navigate this section and ensure you’re on the correct path.

Stage 2: Du Cane Gap to Castle Crag and Falling Mountain Plateau

(Approx. 1.5 km)
This stage sees you drop off the Overland Track to the north, with an initial descent into the valley before taking you on a steep and challenging climb towards the plateau of Falling Mountain and Castle Crag, involving a mix of dense scrub, loose scree, and boulder scrambling. This section requires some scrambling skills, as you’ll navigate rocky terrain that can be unstable and slippery. The landscape begins to open up as you ascend, offering glimpses of the Mersey River Valley and the Traveller’s Range.

At the saddle between Castle Crag and Falling Mountain, the terrain becomes dominated by lichen-covered dolerite boulders, a distinctive feature of Tasmania’s alpine areas. Navigating this section requires excellent off-track navigation and route-finding skills. The path is not clearly marked, and hikers must use their judgment to find the best route through the boulders and low dense vegetation.

Reaching the Falling Mountain plateau offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness, with stunning views of peaks such as Geryon, The Acropolis, and Mt Ossa. Be cautious in this section, as rockfall is a potential hazard when ascending and descending the steep slopes, especially in loose scree or after rainfall. Weather conditions can rapidly change, so be prepared for colder temperatures and unpredictable conditions that may make the rocks more slippery.

Stage 3: Falling Mountain to Mt Massif

(Approx. 3.5 km)
The descent from Falling Mountain is steep and rocky, requiring careful navigation over boulders and unstable terrain. This section along the ridge presents both physical challenges and impressive views of nearby peaks, including Geryon, The Acropolis, and Mt Ossa. At the saddle between Falling Mountain and the next rise, you’ll encounter still pools of water—an ideal spot to replenish your water supplies.

From the saddle, the route climbs towards Mt Massif, where you'll face more rugged scrambling over dolerite boulders and scree fields. The climb can be taxing, and careful route-finding is crucial to avoid getting off track. As you ascend, the landscape opens up, offering stunning views of Ossa, Barn Bluff, and Cradle Mountain.

The final section to Mt Massif and ‘the bowl’ requires particularly careful footing and pack management, as the terrain can be treacherous. It’s important to stay alert to the conditions of the ground, especially when navigating the boulders. The journey and route finding can be tough, but the scenic rewards along the way make the effort worthwhile. Keep in mind that weather conditions can shift quickly, so always be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and visibility.

Stage 4: Mt Massif to Du Cane High Point

(Approx. 2.5 km)
Continuing from Mt Massif, the route traverses the northern flank of the mountain, passing through rocky scree fields and challenging descents. The terrain is rugged, requiring careful navigation over boulders and loose rocks. After a long, rocky stretch, you’ll reach Big Gun Pass, which offers sweeping views of Mount Geryon and the surrounding peaks.

From Big Gun Pass, the route descends approximately 200 metres to the saddle before climbing steeply over another 200 metres towards Geryon North. A faint track marked by cairns guides you through this section, but excellent off-track navigation skills are essential, as the cairns can be difficult to locate in low visibility, and the track may become faint in places.

This section can be exposed, particularly along the ridge. It’s important to monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared for rapid changes. High winds and sudden weather shifts are possible, making this a potentially dangerous section if conditions worsen. The exposure, combined with the challenging terrain, makes this stage one of the more demanding sections of the hike.

Stage 5: Du Cane High Point to The Labyrinth

(Approx. 7 km)
This section begins with a descent from Du Cane High Point, passing through a valley filled with tarns, where you can enjoy views of Lake St Clair and The Acropolis. The track then leads into The Labyrinth, one of the most distinctive areas on the traverse. This region is characterised by a series of interconnected ridges, rocky outcrops, and numerous tarns, offering a truly otherworldly landscape.

Before descending into the Labyrinth, it’s highly recommended to drop your packs and take an additional 1km return side trip to the plateau near Mount Geryon. This spot offers breathtaking views across the three prominent peaks: Geryon North, Geryon South, and the South Spur, as well as The Acropolis. Hikers do not need to climb these peaks to appreciate the incredible scenery, but for those considering the summit of Mount Geryon North, be aware that it involves exposed rock scrambling/climbing and requires an advanced level of fitness and technical skill.

The Labyrinth is aptly named for its maze-like terrain, which can easily disorient even experienced trekkers. This section, although cairned, is filled with convoluted hills, deep hollows, and numerous tarns, which can make navigation slow and occasionally tricky. While the views are spectacular and the terrain is stunning, it's important to stay focused on following the cairned route, as the landscape can be confusing, and the track may not always be immediately obvious in some areas. Solid navigation skills and an ability to stay oriented in this complex terrain are essential to safely navigate through The Labyrinth.

Expect to encounter rocky cliffs, ancient trees, and sections of dense scrub as you move through The Labyrinth. The passage can feel remote and isolated, and depending on conditions, some parts may become quite muddy or slippery. Hikers should be prepared for a slower pace as they work through this unique, but challenging, section of the trail.

Stage 6: The Labyrinth to Pine Valley Hut

(Approx. 1.5 km)
After exploring The Labyrinth, the track descends steeply into a cool, shaded myrtle beech forest. The terrain here is rugged, with moss-covered trunks and the calming sounds of the forest surrounding you. The descent into this peaceful environment offers a contrast to the previous terrain and is a welcome relief after the challenges of The Labyrinth. As you make your way to Pine Valley Hut, the tranquil forest gives way to stunning views, and the hut itself serves as a perfect resting point after a long day of hiking.

Pine Valley Hut is an excellent spot to relax, and it also provides the opportunity to spend an extra day exploring the nearby Acropolis. The Acropolis is a prominent mountain in the Du Cane Range, and its dramatic rock formations offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Hiking to the summit of The Acropolis is an optional, yet rewarding, challenge for those looking for a strenuous ascent with stunning views of Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain. This side trip will test your stamina and navigation skills, but the views make it all worthwhile.

Stage 7: Pine Valley to Narcissus Hut

(Approx. 10.5 km)
The walk from Pine Valley Hut to Narcissus Hut is the final stage of the Du Cane Range Traverse. It's a relatively straightforward section, offering a welcome change of pace after the challenging alpine terrain encountered earlier.

The trail initially descends steeply through a mix of scrub and tall eucalypt forest. The dense canopy provides welcome shade as you make your way downhill. Eventually, the forest transitions into a more open area with views of the surrounding mountains as it rejoins the Overland Track.

The final stretch towards Narcissus Hut traverses a variety of terrain, including marshy areas and clearings with views of the surrounding peaks. While generally less demanding than the previous stages, this section can feel repetitive given it was the entry point to the traverse.

Key Features of the Du Cane Range Traverse

• Rugged Terrain: Expect to navigate boulder fields, steep ridges, and off-track sections that demand solid navigation and scrambling skills.
• Spectacular Peaks: The traverse passes iconic peaks, including Castle Crag (1481 m), Mount Massif (1514 m), Mount Geryon (1509 m), and The Acropolis (1481 m), offering incredible views at every turn.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, including Lake St Clair and the Mersey River Valley.
• Remote Wilderness: This route ventures deep into Tasmania’s backcountry, with no marked trails or infrastructure beyond the Overland Track until reaching the Labyrinth.
• The Labyrinth Plateau: This scenic plateau is a highlight of the traverse, with tarns, alpine gardens, and expansive views of the surrounding peaks.

Experience Level: Is the Du Cane Range Traverse Right for You?

The Du Cane Range Traverse is not for beginners. This is a physically demanding hike that requires:

• Advanced Navigation Skills: A GPS, compass, and a reliable topographic map are essential. Much of the traverse is unmarked, relying on a cairned route that can be difficult to locate, particularly in low visibility conditions, such as when the route is shrouded in clouds.
• Scrambling Experience: Many sections require scrambling over steep and exposed terrain, including boulder fields, which demand careful navigation and stability.
• Physical Fitness: The route involves challenging climbs, steep descents, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it suitable only for experienced hikers.
• Mental Resilience: Be prepared for the mental challenges posed by isolation, unpredictable weather, and the physical strain of this rugged route.

Safety Tips

The Du Cane Range Traverse is an isolated and physically demanding route. Here's some important safety tips:

• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): This is essential for emergency situations.
• Inform Someone of Your Plans: Always let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.
• Be Prepared for Changing Weather: Conditions can change quickly in Tasmania’s alpine regions, so bring appropriate gear for all weather scenarios. Mountain Forecast provides 2 forecast elevations at 1520 and 1000m.

Special Use Guidelines for the Overland Track (OLT)

From 1 October to 31 May, the Overland Track (OLT) is subject to Special Use Guidelines designed to allow bushwalkers to enjoy part of the OLT without paying the Overland Track fee. This is relevant for those using the OLT between Lake St Clair and Narcissus, and certain other routes within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, including the Du Cane Gap segment.

Key Points to Remember: When using the Overland Track as part of the Du Cane Range Traverse, walkers are requested to respect these guidelines to help preserve the experience for all users and protect the environment:

• Hikers should not walk more than one overnight segment on the OLT.
• Priority for hut use should be given to fee-paying Overland Track walkers to prevent overcrowding in huts. If staying at an OLT hut, please camp elsewhere if possible.
• Walkers are encouraged to inform Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) staff in advance. This helps ensure your walk complies with the guidelines and allows PWS to assist with any planning or issues.
• Be sure to provide details such as your planned route, number of people in your party, and expected departure and return dates.
• You can notify PWS by email at [email protected] or by phone at 6165 4254 (during business hours).

By following these guidelines, you will contribute to maintaining a positive experience for all bushwalkers and preserving Tasmania's wilderness for future generations.