The Eastern Arthur Range Traverse is a remote and challenging 65km, grade 5 hike in the Southwest National Park, Tasmania. The hike will take approximately 6-9 days to complete.
Warning
The track is steep, rough and at times dangerous. The weather in the Southwest National Park is notoriously unpredictable, and hikers can expect to encounter all four seasons in a single day. From scorching heat to driving rain, the conditions can change rapidly, making it essential to be prepared for anything.
Hike overview
Located in Southwest National Park, and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse challenges experienced walkers and rewards them with the celebrated Federation Peak (1,225m).​ A mecca for walkers and climbers everywhere, Federation Peak is an imposing quartzite moun​tain with sheer faces and formidable jagged edges.
​Walkers will have the opportunity to break up their journey through the alpine moorlands at one of several established campsites​ with tent platforms. What this walk lacks in facilities it certainly makes up with breathtaking views, solitude and challenging climbs and scrambles across ​quartzite, alpine ​heath and scrub.
This walk can commence from Huon Campground, ​​Huon Track or Farmhouse Creek Track. Whatever route takes your fancy, ensure you have a physical copy of your map from TASMap​, as this area is remote and should only be undertaken by advanced, prepared ​walkers.​
​​​​​The challenges of the walk are not to be underestimated, and should be completed only by walkers with significant experience in remote, alpine conditions.
Multi-day walks - safety message
It is essential that you are adequately equipped before embarking on the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse. In addition to the items listed for day walks you will need at a minimum: a large waterproof backpack and pack liner, tent (3-4 season rated with inner and outer layer), sleeping bag (rated to at least 0°C for coastal areas and -10°C for alpine areas), sleeping mat, hiking boots, gaiters, fuel stove and fuel, high-energy food, quick-dry walking clothes, toilet trowel, antibacterial gel, PLB (personal locator beacon), map and compass.
Route and GPX file
The GPX files are provided as a rough guide only. You will need to prepare adequately for this hike by studding and carrying topographic maps.
Huon Campground to Farmhouse Creek (65km)
Max elevation: 1128 m
Min elevation: 144 m
Total climbing: 2965 m
Total descent: -3072 m
Huon Track to Farmhouse Creek (65km)
Max elevation: 1128 m
Min elevation: 79 m
Total climbing: 3706 m
Total descent: -3619 m
Trail features
- Rough Trail
- Undefined Trail
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Alpine Region
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- Off Trail
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Swimming Spots
- Overnight Campsites
Tips
- Walkers are required to register for this walk, in addition to completing the logbook at the trailhead.
- Facilities on the track are limited, but there is a toilet with a view at Hanging Lake, and parking, water and other amenities available at the Huon Campground.
- A maximum of 6 independent walkers can depart on any given day, register early to avoid missing out. The maximum group size on this track is 6. Walker limits prevent overcrowding and damage to sensitive vegetation.
- There are no huts along this track. There are 8 campsites along the track with a maximum stay of 2 nights.
- 5 of the campsites have tent platforms and each campsite has a 3-4 tent capacity.
- You may need to carry 20m of climbing rope to haul packs up steep sections of track.
- This is a Fuel Stove Only Area. Fires are prohibited. Please see the Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage for more information.
- Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March.
- Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.
Trail location
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Getting there
The Eastern Arthur Range Traverse can be accessed from three locations.
Huon Campground: The walk can begin 81km west of Mount Field via Scotts Peak Road. At Frodshams Pass, turn south onto the Scotts Peak Road and follow this road for 32 km to the Huon Campground.
The track is also accessible via the Huon Track (North to South) or alternatively the track can be accessed via the Farmhouse Creek Track (South to North).
Fuel is not available past Westerway​ and phone reception is patchy. Public transport is not available along the Scotts​ Peak Road. Where possible, please avoid driving at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Entry Fee
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Camping Area
About the region
Tasmania’s largest expanse of wilderness is located in Southwest National Park – a remote and rugged landscape in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Home to majestic Huon pine, sassafras, celery top and myrtle, the region is awash with the distinctive fragrances of the Tasmanian forest.
The Gordon River Road is a narrow ribbon through the largely untracked region of forests, imposing mountain ranges and buttongrass plains, providing access to the vast expanses of Lake Pedder and Lake Go​rdon.
In Southwest Nationa​l Park, you’ll find one of Tasmania’s ​most challenging wilderness walks, the multi-day South Coast Track. There are also endless shorter walks to take you up and over mountains and out to the coast. For a real ‘ends-of-the-Earth’ experience, travel to Australia’s southernmost point accessible by road, Cockle Creek, where a day walk to South Cape Bay allows walkers to immerse themselves in the raw power of this wilderness landscape.
Southwest National Park is vast, wild and spectacular. Rocky coastline, windswept beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, deep harbours and extensive buttongrass plains are home to unique plant and animal species.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.