Mount Anne Day Walk (15km)

The Mount Anne Day Walk, located in Tasmania's South West National Park and World Heritage Area, is a challenging and picturesque hike. Spanning 15 km, this Grade 5 trail typically takes 8-10 hours to complete. Standing at 1,423 metres, Mount Anne is the highest peak in Southwest National Park.

Walkers should be aware that this hike is not suitable for the inexperienced or faint-hearted. The trek begins at the car park at Condominium Creek and features a steep ascent to High Camp, situated at approximately 1,000 metres. High Camp offers emergency shelter in a hut, a toilet, tent sites 150 metres to the west, and a water tank. It provides expansive views over Lake Pedder and is an ideal spot to rest and enjoy the surrounding landscape. The hut, while functional, may be somewhat unclean but remains serviceable, with an upstairs loft accommodating five to six people comfortably. It is advisable to use the hut primarily in adverse weather conditions. Replenishing water supplies at High Camp is essential, as water sources are limited beyond this point.

From High Camp, the trail becomes more demanding, involving rock scrambling and a steep climb. This section is highly exposed and requires navigation with a map and compass, along with scrambling over extensive boulder fields. Walkers must traverse a boulder field above High Camp to reach Mount Eliza (1,289 metres). The trail may be poorly defined in places, but following the upward direction will lead to the peak.

Mount Eliza marks entry into an alpine plateau characterised by cushion plants, pandani, alpine flowers, and small tarns. From here, the track levels out slightly, heading north to a small saddle with several tarns. On clear days, Mount Anne is prominently visible from this point. The trail continues across the Eliza Plateau, over boulder fields, and skirts the western side of Eve Peak (1,388 metres). At a junction, walkers should continue straight to Mount Anne (1,413 metres).

Continuing towards Mount Anne, the trail follows the ridge, passing through another boulder field and a high point before descending slightly and approaching the summit. The final ascent requires climbing and turning to the right, with sections of the trail involving scrambling where the use of hands is necessary. The route is exposed, and caution is essential to avoid falls. The summit, accessible in favorable conditions, offers panoramic views, including Frenchmans Cap to the northwest, the Weld River Valley, Federation Peak, and Precipitous Bluff to the south.

Due to the exposed nature of the final climb, a safety line may be required in some sections. It is crucial to avoid attempting the summit in poor visibility or adverse weather conditions. Walkers should have strong navigation skills using a map and compass. At the summit, there is a logbook, and the views extend towards Mount Lot to the southeast. Summiting Mount Anne should only be undertaken by those with experience in heights and challenging rock scrambling, as the route is extremely exposed and poses significant safety risks.

The return journey involves retracing the route from Mount Anne, navigating the Eliza Plateau, Mount Eliza, and High Camp, and concluding at the trailhead by following the same path back.