Bushwalking experience is recommended, as tracks are long, rough, and steep, with limited directional signage. ​​
Mount King William I, located in the heart of Tasmania’s Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, offers a rewarding but often overlooked adventure. This 11 km return hike is graded 4, which means it’s considered a challenging trek suitable for experienced walkers. On average, it takes about five hours to complete, with the summit rewarding you with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
The mountain lies just south of the Lyell Highway, which connects Hobart to the west coast. Situated roughly 10 km west of Derwent Bridge, where you’ll find the turn-off to Lake St Clair, the mountain is visible from a small roadside rest area, making it easy to spot as you travel along this scenic route. It’s the northernmost peak in the King William Range, with Mounts King William II and III lying further to the south.
To begin the hike, turn onto Harbacks Rd, located about 1.5 km south of the Lyell Highway. The track follows the path of old, degraded roads as it heads southwest. After about 2 km, the incline starts to become noticeable. Initially, the climb is steady, but it soon becomes more challenging, with the track ascending more sharply as you approach the summit. After around 4 km, the track takes a steep turn to the west, and then heads south to reach the top of Mount King William I, just under 1 km from the old road.
Once at the summit, take time to pause and absorb the vastness around you. The peak is home to a helipad, three communication towers, a shed, and the remnants of an old concrete slab—evidence of the mountain's utilitarian past. Despite these man-made features, the natural beauty is unmistakable. The views to the east are stunning, with long ranges of forest-clad mountains stretching into the distance. To the north-east, the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park come into view, providing a breathtaking backdrop.
This hike is not for the faint-hearted. The steep inclines can be demanding, and the exposed alpine conditions can become hazardous in poor weather. If you plan to tackle Mount King William I, be sure to come well-prepared, as conditions can change quickly in this rugged part of Tasmania. But for those who are ready for the challenge, the sense of accomplishment and the stunning scenery make the effort worthwhile.
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Total distance: 10035 m
Max elevation: 1295 m
Min elevation: 759 m
Total climbing: 543 m
Total descent: -543 m
Getting to the trailhead: Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
To reach the trailhead, head towards the Lyell Highway via the route that best suits your location, aiming for the Great Lake region. From there, travel through the town of Miena, and about 5 km past Miena, where the road starts to head north again, look for Marlborough Rd. (also known as Marlborough Hwy), with the Great Lake Hotel as a landmark. Turn left onto Marlborough Rd. and follow this gravel road for approximately 30 km, passing Bronte Park, until you reach the Lyell Highway.
Turn right onto the Lyell Hwy and continue west for another 30 km to Derwent Bridge. After passing through Derwent Bridge, continue for approximately 9 km. Cross the Little Navarre River, then the Navarre River, and about 150 metres past the Navarre River bridge, turn left onto Harbacks Rd. Follow Harbacks Rd. south to the junction of Mt King William I Track. There are small parking areas near the trailhead.
Closest towns to this walk: Derwent Bridge, Hamilton, Macquarie Plains, Maydena, Mount Field, Ouse, Queenstown, Rosebery, Strathgordon, Tullah, Tyenna
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
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.
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
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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7 Reviews on “Mount King William 1 Summit Hike (11km)”
On our recent trip to Tassie, Julie and I had a spare day between our two multi-day hikes. It’s nice to have a rest day, so we decided to take a stroll to a nearby mountain. On the ascent, we met a few other couples coming down. Sadly the mountain was encased in cloud so they had no views. Lucky we slept in, as not long after reaching the summit, the cloud lifted to reveal some pretty stunning views.