Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the beauty of Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park on the 28km Lake Rhona trail. This Grade 5, 2-3 day return hike offers experienced bushwalkers stunning views of the Denison Ranges, tannin-stained waters, and a unique chance to traverse wet and dry eucalypt forests and buttongrass moorlands. With unpredictable weather and a challenging river crossing, this trail is not for the faint-hearted but rewards with its alpine lake and pink-tinged quartzite sands. Registration, well-planned provisions, and caution during heavy rainfall are essential.

Length:

28km

Duration:

2-3 days

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 898m

Min elevation: 431m

Total Ascent: 1698m

Start: Richea Creek Carpark

End: Richea Creek Carpark

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Maydena

From state capital: 124km

Latitude: -42.60754852991343

Longitude: 146.39691531658175

5,335 Total views

Overview

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Safety advice

Bushwalking experience is required, as tracks are long, rough, and steep, with limited directional signage. This walk includes a river crossing, so be prepared to wait or turn back after heavy rainfall. You need to register for this walk.

Hike overview

Located in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Lake Rhona is a challenging multiday walk despite its relatively short distance. The unpredictable weather and the river crossing at the Gordon River can complicate even the most carefully planned hike. It is essential to pack extra food and be prepared to either wait for better conditions or turn back if river levels are high.

Lake Rhona is an alpine lake with striking white quartzite sand beaches, nestled among the peaks of the Denison Ranges. The lake's pink-tinged quartzite sands make it a rewarding destination for experienced walkers. This 28km Grade 5 hike typically requires 2 to 3 days to complete.

The Rasseleas Track traverses a variety of landscapes, including wet and dry eucalypt forests and expansive buttongrass moorlands. Walkers are drawn to Lake Rhona for its tannin-stained waters, the dramatic dolerite peaks of the Denison Range, and the secluded stands of King Billy Pines.

A minimum of 2 to 3 days is generally needed to complete the return journey to Lake Rhona. Bushwalking experience is necessary due to the long, rough, and steep nature of the tracks, as well as limited directional signage. The walk involves a river crossing, so be prepared to wait or turn back if heavy rainfall occurs. Registration for this walk is required.

Campsites are situated on the flats behind the lake, and walkers are encouraged to use these designated sites to protect the sensitive vegetation and beaches.

The walk begins and ends with a crossing of the Gordon River, which can become challenging or impassable following heavy rainfall. Walkers should plan for extra days to accommodate potential delays or consider rescheduling their trip.

Walking in alpine areas offers a remarkable experience but also poses risks, especially for those without experience. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and there have been fatalities due to inadequate preparation.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1, from Richea Creek carpark, a relatively gentle path leads to the Gordon River crossing in under an hour. Exercise caution when crossing and avoid it after heavy rainfall or if moderate to heavy rain is forecast. When water levels are lower, the 50-metre crossing can be waded with care. The Gordon River is the last major source of fresh water before reaching Lake Rhona. The track continues through muddy buttongrass and dry sclerophyll forest before a 2km climb to Lake Rhona, situated 300m above the valley floor. The climb is steep and exposed but offers rewarding views. Campsites are available behind the dunes or on the valley floor.

Day 2, retrace the route back to the carpark. If waiting for the river to drop, it is advisable to camp on the buttongrass moorlands, as the forest floor can flood quickly during heavy rain.

Looking for a more challenging adventure? After completing the Lake Rhona Track, consider extending your journey with the Denison Range via Lake Rhona hike. This multi-day trek takes you beyond Lake Rhona, exploring the rugged beauty of the Denison Range and the remote Lake Melana. Perfect for experienced hikers looking for a rewarding challenge.

Registration and Permits

You need to register for this walk here. Registration is free and helps the Parks and Wildlife Service manage the impact on fragile, remote bushwalking environments by limiting daily departures. Many sites cannot accommodate additional walkers due to the terrain and remote location.

Maximum departures are limited to 20 people daily. You only need to register for the day you plan to start your walk. If your plans change and you are no longer able to go, please cancel your registration to allow others to take your place. Instructions for canceling your registration can be found in your confirmation email.

Additionally, a valid national parks pass is required for the walk. You can purchase this pass in advance online at Parks Passes.

Tips

Track Difficulty: This is a moderate to advanced, multiday Grade 4 wilderness track. It is essential that only individuals with previous overnight bushwalking experience attempt this track, as mobile phones should not be relied upon for communication or navigation.
Camping Gear: All walkers must carry and use a high-quality 3-4 season tent with both an inner and outer layer to ensure safety and comfort in varying weather conditions.
Park Pass: A valid national parks pass is required for this track. Purchase your pass in advance online to ensure access.
Respect for Environment: Respect the natural and cultural values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area by following Leave No Trace principles. This helps preserve the area for future visitors and wildlife.
Clean Equipment: Ensure all of your equipment and boots are thoroughly cleaned before starting your walk to prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases.
Facilities: Toilet and campsite facilities are available at Lake Rhona.
Ranger Presence: During peak walking periods, a Wilderness Ranger may be stationed in the area to assist and provide information.
Preparation: This walk demands adequate experience and preparation. Make sure you are well-prepared for the conditions and challenges of the track.
Fire Restrictions: This is a Fuel Stove Only Area. Fires are strictly prohibited. For more details, refer to our Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): It is strongly recommended that all walkers carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for emergencies. PLBs can be hired from Service Tasmania shops in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, and Devonport (Mon-Fri only). For more information, call 1300 135 513.

Map and GPX file

Lake Rhona Track (28km)

Total distance: 28070 m
Max elevation: 898 m
Min elevation: 431 m
Total climbing: 1698 m
Total descent: -1698 m

Download file: Lake-Rhona-Hike.gpx

Photo gallery

Main image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

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Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Derwent Bridge, Hamilton, Macquarie Plains, Maydena, Mount Field, Ouse, Queenstown, Rosebery, Strathgordon, Tullah, Tyenna

Getting to the trailhead in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

To reach the trailhead for the Lake Rhona Track, start at the Richea Creek Carpark. From Hobart, drive north-west on the Brooker Highway (A1) to New Norfolk, then continue on the B62 along the Derwent River to Westerway. Follow the Gordon River Road (B61) towards Maydena. About 2km outside Maydena, turn right onto Florentine Road and follow it for 27km. Turn left onto Tiger Road and travel 3.5km before turning left again onto Range Road. After another 3.5km, turn left onto Terry Walch Road. Follow this for 3km, then turn right onto G03 Spur Road, which leads to the Lake Rhona via the Richea Creek Carpark. Note that the track is remote, and all walkers should purchase and carry the TASMAP 1:50,000 Denison Range map. Access to the Lake Rhona Track involves multiple unsealed roads, and there is no public transport to the trailhead. For safety, avoid driving in reserves at night due to native wildlife; take it slow and watch for animals on the road.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, located in western Tasmania, offers a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, deep gorges, and pristine rivers. The park, situated approximately an hour’s drive from Strahan, is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Lyell Highway provides convenient access to short walks with scenic views of the Franklin River, while cruises from Strahan explore the impressive Macquarie Harbour and Gordon River.

The park is historically significant for its role in the major conservation battle of the 1980s, which successfully protected the Franklin River from hydro-electric development. With more than 1900mm of annual rainfall, the park features lush vegetation, including wet temperate rainforest, buttongrass moorland, and eucalypt forest. This diverse environment supports a range of native wildlife, including the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tail quoll, and platypus.

The park also holds cultural importance with several Aboriginal sites, reflecting the southernmost extent of human occupation during the last ice age. The colonial history includes the grim penal settlement on Sarah Island and convict logging operations, which lasted over 150 years. The old Linda Track and the Lyell Highway were crucial for accessing the region’s resources.

To visit, drive west from Hobart for about 2.5 hours via the Lyell Highway or take a cruise from Strahan. Note that the highway may be closed due to snow in winter.

Want to find the best tracks and trails for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Lake Rhona Track (28km)

3 Reviews on “Lake Rhona Track (28km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

The trail offers breathtaking views and a rewarding experience at the end, making the effort worthwhile. Despite the challenging conditions, the stunning scenery is a major draw. The trail features muddy terrain for a significant portion and potentially flooded river crossings. It requires a long walk through rugged terrain, taking at least 5-6 hours each way. For a more enjoyable experience, consider staying two nights to explore the area around the lake.

Avoid the trail after heavy rain due to increased mud and problematic Gordon River crossings. Summer is the best time to visit for optimal conditions. Be prepared for 12 creek crossings and exercise caution when selecting campsites, as even a small amount of rain can lead to flooding. Facilities include a drop toilet near the beach entrance.

28/08/2024, 15:18

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Safety advice