The Mount Anne Circuit is a demanding yet rewarding multi-day hike located in Tasmania’s Southwest National Park. Spanning approximately 35 kilometres, the circuit features some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region, including towering mountains, alpine lakes, and expansive buttongrass plains. Rated as a Grade 5 hike, it is suitable only for highly experienced bushwalkers with advanced skills in navigation, emergency first aid, and rock scrambling.
The journey begins at the Condominium Creek car park, where the trail leads towards the summit of Mount Anne, the highest peak in Southwest National Park at 1423 metres. From the summit, hikers are treated to expansive views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, making the arduous climb worthwhile. The circuit continues to Lake Judd, a serene alpine lake nestled among mountains, before following the Judd Creek track and eventually reconnecting with the Farmhouse Creek track, which leads back to the starting point.
This hike is particularly challenging, and preparation is crucial. The Southwest National Park is known for its unpredictable weather, with conditions that can change rapidly. Hikers must be prepared for extreme weather events, including high winds and snow, even during summer. The final ascent to Mount Anne is exposed and requires significant scrambling skills, with considerable height exposure. Beyond Shelf Camp, the trail becomes even more demanding, often necessitating pack hauling and navigation through exposed, difficult terrain. This section of the circuit has been the site of numerous rescues and fatalities, underscoring the risks involved.
Mount Anne itself is a striking geological feature, composed of white quartzite capped with red dolerite, standing out in a region where quartzite ranges typically dominate. The circuit not only offers a challenging hike but also a journey through diverse landscapes and unique geology, making it a popular destination for seasoned bushwalkers.
The history of Mount Anne is equally compelling. Named by Surveyor-General George Frankland in 1835 after his wife, the peak wasn’t successfully climbed until 1928, when members of the Hobart Walking Club made the first documented ascent. The full Mount Anne Circuit was completed a few years later in 1930. Prior to the construction of Scotts Peak Road in the 1960s, access to Mount Anne required starting from much further afield, adding to the challenge faced by early adventurers.
The area is also home to ancient alpine vegetation, including fjaeldmark communities and ancient cushion plants, which have survived since the Gondwanan period over 180 million years ago. This vegetation, now rare and confined to specific refuges, adds to the unique ecological value of the circuit.
While the circuit can be completed in 3 to 5 days, it remains as rugged as any longer multi-day hike within the Southwest National Park. Facilities along the track are minimal, with tent platforms provided at Lonely Tarns through the support of the Wildcare Wild Bushwalking Tracks Fund. Elsewhere, hikers are encouraged to use existing campsites to minimise their impact on the environment.
Due to the fragile nature of the alpine vegetation, it is vital for walkers to stay on formed tracks to prevent erosion. Those venturing off-trail must be fully self-reliant and experienced in alpine backcountry conditions.
For those seeking a challenging adventure coupled with awe-inspiring natural beauty, the Mount Anne Circuit offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. However, it demands respect and careful preparation, ensuring that only the most experienced bushwalkers should attempt this rigorous journey.
Section 1 - Condominium Creek to High Camp
3.6km, 2 - 3 hours
From the start of the track, walkers are advised that it is not suitable for the inexperienced or faint-hearted. The trail begins with a short, flat section before ascending the ridge. The route then involves a steep and demanding 700-metre ascent, with few suitable resting spots before reaching High Camp Memorial Hut at around 1046m.
High Camp provides emergency shelter in a hut, a toilet, tent sites located 150 metres to the west, and a water tank. The hut, while functional, may be somewhat unclean but remains serviceable. It features an upstairs loft and can accommodate five to six people comfortably. It is advisable to use the hut primarily in adverse weather conditions. It is highly recommended that walkers replenish their water supply at this location, as water sources are limited until the Lonely Tarns Campsite.
Section 2 - High Camp to Shelf Camp
3.1km, 2 - 3 hours
This section of the track from High Camp Memorial Hut to reach Mount Eliza (1,289 metres) is highly exposed and requires navigation using a map and compass or reliable navigation tools, as well as rock scrambling over extensive boulder fields . The trail may not always be clearly defined, but stating focussed and heading upwards will lead in the right direction. On clear days, the summit offers views of Lake Pedder, Edgar Bay, and, potentially, the Western Arthurs to the south.
After Mount Eliza, the track levels out slightly as it heads north to a small saddle with several tarns. The trail continues across the Eliza Plateau and over more boulder fields west of Eve Peak (1,388 metres). Views of Mount Anne are prominent from this point. Arriving at a junction allows walkers to either continue straight for Mount Anne and its summit (1,413 metres) or turn right and proceed to Shelf Camp. If it is late in the day, if the weather is adverse, or if an extended trip is preferred, Shelf Camp offers an option to spend the night and attempt the Mount Anne summit the following day. However, with favourable conditions, Mount Anne can be reached within the first day.
Shelf Camp is situated on an exposed rock slab. Walkers should use a self-supporting tent and secure it with rocks where possible. Although the site is sheltered from the south-west, it is highly exposed to the north-east; tents and equipment have been damaged by severe weather in the past, so preparation is essential. The campsite includes a toilet pod, and the maximum stay is three nights.
Section 2 or 3 side trip - Mount Anne Summit
2km, 2 hours return
Continuing to Mount Anne, the trail follows the ridge, passing through another boulder field and a high point before descending slightly and approaching Mount Anne. The route up Mount Anne involves climbing and then turning to the right. This section requires scrambling, and the use of hands is necessary for both ascent and descent. The route is somewhat exposed, and there is a risk of falling, so caution is essential.
At the summit, there is a logbook, and the views include a perspective of the remaining circuit, extending towards Mount Lot to the southeast. Summiting Mount Anne should not be attempted in poor visibility or adverse weather conditions. Walkers must have experience with heights and challenging rock scrambling, as the route is extremely exposed and can pose a significant safety risk. In some sections, a safety line may be required. Standing at 1,413 metres, Mount Anne is the highest peak in Southwest National Park, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
After descending from the summit, the trail returns to the Shelf Camp junction, which is a short hike from the campsite. Shelf Camp features several tarns and flat, rocky areas suitable for camping. A freestanding tent may be necessary due to the rocky terrain. Additional campsites are available a short distance further east or just north down the mountain if Shelf Camp is crowded.
Section 3 - Shelf Camp to Lonely Tarn
3km, 4.5 - 6.5 hours
Extreme weather conditions make this section of the track particularly challenging. Water is scarce, and walkers should be prepared for extensive boulder hopping and navigating heights. At The Notch, pack hauling is likely, and carrying approximately 15 metres of rope is recommended. After overcoming these obstacles, walkers will reach the Lonely Tarns campsite, which features tent platforms with anchoring chains and a toilet pod. The maximum stay at this site is three nights.
From Shelf Camp, the trail proceeds clockwise around the northern side of the mountains with some scrambling. The trail may not always be clearly defined, but staying close to the mountain will help in navigation. After a short climb and descent, the route reaches The Notch, which involves a scramble down and up some semi-exposed rock. For those less confident in their climbing abilities, carrying a rope and knowing how to use it may be beneficial. Following The Notch, the trail continues to Mount Lot's summit (1,262 metres) before descending a steep, somewhat overgrown trail along Lightning Ridge. As the ridge flattens, the trail enters the brush and descends east toward Lake Picone and Lonely Tarns Camp. This section is overgrown, but walking becomes easier once the tarns are reached.
Lonely Tarns Camp is situated on the eastern side of the largest tarn. This location is suitable for camping if taking time with the circuit. The trail continues south and west from the campsite, completing a horseshoe around the large tarn before ascending slightly and continuing south.
Section 4 - Lonely Tarns to Red Tape Creek
12km, 4.5 - 7 hours
From Lonely Tarns to Sarah Jane Plateau, walkers will encounter varied terrain, including planking, rock slabs, and muddy sections. The descent to Red Tape Creek features extensive planking and bridges designed to protect the delicate environment. Those wishing to visit the shores of Lake Judd will need to detour from the main track at the Anne River crossing.
Heading south from Lonely Tarns, the trail passes to the east of Mount Sarah Jane before descending nearly 600 metres. The trail in this section can be overgrown and difficult to follow, with limited visibility in the tall brush. At the bottom, the trail intersects with the Anne River, which leads to a turnoff for Lake Judd. Following the Lake Judd Track, the circuit continues west through button grass plains with muddy conditions expected. The track is generally easy to follow, with occasional boardwalks, particularly after passing the Lake Judd turnoff.
The trail crosses a bridge over the Anne River and eventually reaches Scotts Peak Road at the Red Tape Creek Trailhead (also the trailhead for the Lake Judd Track). On the west side of the road, there is parking available for those starting or ending their hike here. To return to the Condominium Creek car park, walkers must either arrange a car shuffle or walk the remaining 8 kilometres along Scotts Peak Road.
Section 4 side trip - Lake Judd
2.2km, 1.5 hours return
At the Anne River track junction, walkers should leave the Mount Anne Track and follow the Lake Judd Track. The detour to the lake's edge takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Campsites are available near the lake outlet for those wishing to spend an extra night by the water. There are no toilet facilities at Lake Judd, so walkers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
Registration and Permits
A registration system is in place to protect the landscape for multi-day walkers on the Mount Anne Circuit. Overnight walker registrations are required for those planning to camp at Shelf Camp and Lonely Tarns, with a daily departure cap of 12 for this high-country area. Toilets are provided at both locations, and tent platforms are available at Lonely Tarns. Walkers intending to camp at High Camp Hut (and undertaking a day walk from there to Mount Anne) or camp at Lake Judd do not need to register. Similarly, day walkers to Mount Eliza or Lake Judd are not required to register.
