Eastern Arthur Range Traverse Hike (65km)

Located in Southwest National Park, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse is a serious Grade 5 wilderness journey for highly experienced walkers. The route crosses some of Tasmania's most rugged mountain country, including steep quartzite ridges, exposed scrambles and remote alpine terrain. Federation Peak, the highest point on the range at 1,225 metres, is a striking landmark along the traverse, but reaching its summit is not part of the main route. The traverse can be completed without climbing Federation Peak, and many walkers choose to bypass the summit ascent.

Walkers can break up their journey through the alpine moorlands by staying at one of several established campsites equipped with tent platforms. While this walk lacks facilities, it compensates with stunning views, solitude, and challenging climbs and scrambles over quartzite, alpine heath, and scrub.

The walk can begin from Huon Campground, Huon Track, or Farmhouse Creek Track. Regardless of the chosen route, it is essential to carry a physical copy of your map from TASMap, as this remote area should only be attempted by well-prepared walkers with advanced skills.

The difficulties of the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse should not be underestimated. This track is one of Australia’s most challenging backcountry routes due to its remote location and demanding terrain. Steep cliff sections, some up to 85 degrees, require rock scrambling and pack hauling, and the track has seen fatalities.

As a serious and difficult multi-day Grade 5 wilderness track, it requires advanced navigation skills with a map and compass, as the path may be unclear in many sections. Mobile phones are unreliable in this remote area. Only those with significant experience in remote, alpine conditions should undertake this walk.

Stages of the Traverse: Huon Campground to Farmhouse Creek

Huon Campground to Junction Creek
The Arthur Range Traverse begins at Huon Campground, located near Scotts Peak Dam in Tasmania's Southwest National Park. From the campground, the walk commences along McKays Track, a well-defined path that winds through the dense forests of the Southwest. As the track progresses, it eventually becomes the Arthur Plains Track upon reaching Junction Creek Campsite.

Junction Creek Campsite and Arthur Plains
At Junction Creek Campsite, hikers can rest and prepare for the journey ahead. This site is a popular first stop, offering a relatively sheltered location with access to water from the creek. From here, the track turns east at the junction of the Port Davey Track and continues through the expansive Arthur Plains, a vast, flat area that provides a striking contrast to the rugged terrain encountered later in the traverse. The route follows the course of the Derwent and Huon Valleys, offering scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Seven Mile Creek Campsite
Continuing along the Arthur Plains Track, hikers will reach Seven Mile Creek Campsite, a serene spot nestled beside the creek. This campsite offers another opportunity to rest and replenish before tackling the more challenging sections of the traverse. The flat plains make for easier walking, but the area is known for being boggy after rain, which can slow progress. Just beyond Seven Mile Creek Campsite is the junction of Moraine K Track, which leads into the heart of the Western Arthur Range. This is generally the exit point for those completing the shorter version of the Western Arthur Traverse (A-K).

Huon Track Junction with the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse
After leaving Seven Mile Creek, the track leads to a junction with the Huon Track. This track follows and crosses the Cracroft River, offering an alternate approach to the Eastern Arthur Traverse. However, this route is not the main path for those continuing the Arthur Range Traverse. At this junction, hikers should not take the Huon Track but instead continue south along the Arthur Plains Track, which ascends over the low crest of Razorback Ridge. This section provides excellent views of the Western Arthurs. By following this route, the track avoids dense vegetation and remains on drier areas of the hillside. It then descends the southern side of the Razorbacks onto the Arthur Plains, a vast, flat area that leads to the junction with the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse. This junction marks the end of the relatively easy section of the traverse, with the terrain becoming increasingly rugged and demanding as the route progresses eastward.

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 Junction, the traverse enters some of its most demanding terrain as it follows the serrated ridge and steep cliffs along the southern side of Federation Peak. Walkers must negotiate steep downward climbs over rocky slabs and small cliffs, with sections that are exposed and slow to traverse.

The main Eastern Arthur Range Traverse continues past the junction for the direct ascent of Federation Peak. Climbing Federation Peak is optional and is not required to complete the traverse. From the junction, the route continues towards Bechervaise Plateau, approximately 1 km beyond the Federation Peak ascent junction. The descent to the plateau is steep and exposed, requiring careful down-climbing over rocky outcrops. Walkers unfamiliar with this section should only attempt it in clear weather.

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 rises to 1,225 metres in Tasmania's Eastern Arthur Range. Although it is encountered along the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse, climbing the summit is a separate and optional objective rather than a required part of the traverse. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service does not include the Federation Peak ascent in its Eastern Arthur Range Traverse walk notes, and many walkers complete the traverse without attempting the summit.

The route to the summit involves significant exposure and requires technical climbing skills. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is explicit about the consequences of a mistake on this terrain, warning that a fall in this area is likely to be fatal. This should not be regarded simply as another difficult scrambling section of the Grade 5 traverse.

Anyone considering the ascent should make a realistic assessment of their technical climbing ability, experience on highly exposed terrain, judgement, fitness and the conditions on the day. Being capable of completing the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse does not necessarily mean being suitably skilled or prepared to climb Federation Peak.

There is no obligation to summit Federation Peak to complete this journey. Turning past the ascent and continuing towards Bechervaise Plateau is part of the established traverse and, for many experienced walkers, will be the appropriate decision.