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 formidable challenge for experienced walkers, offering the opportunity to reach the renowned Federation Peak, standing at 1,225 metres. Federation Peak, a striking quartzite mountain with sheer faces and jagged edges, is a sought-after destination for bushwalkers and climbers.

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, 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.