Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore Tasmania's wild landscapes with the Grade 4 Mt Rufus Circuit, a 19km hike in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Starting and ending at the Lake St Clair Visitors Centre, this 7-hour hike offers an ever-changing terrain from eucalypt forest to alpine plant communities, and stunning views of Lake St Clair, Mount Olympus, and Frenchmans Cap. Hikers will marvel at the 300-million-year-old sculpted sandstone blocks and the vibrant scoparia flowers in Richea Valley. Just 180km from Derwent Bridge, this trail is a must for outdoor enthusiasts.

Length:

19km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1395m

Min elevation: 755m

Total Ascent: 764m

Start: Lake St Clair Visitors Centre

End: Lake St Clair Visitors Centre

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Derwent Bridge

From state capital: 180km

Latitude: -42.11680010367081

Longitude: 146.172924048647

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Hike overview

The Mt Rufus Circuit is a 19km, grade 4 hike in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, which typically takes around 7 hours to complete. This challenging yet rewarding hike offers stunning views of Lake St Clair, Mount Olympus, Frenchmans Cap, and the headwaters of the Franklin River, making it a must-do for avid hikers seeking a connection with Tasmania’s wild landscapes.

The walk begins through eucalypt forest, with the vegetation gradually changing as you gain altitude. In the gullies, you'll find patches of cool temperate rainforest, while higher up, the forest gives way to sub-alpine areas dominated by snow gums and stunted rainforest. Approaching the summit, the landscape transitions into alpine plant communities that bloom in a vibrant display of fragrant flowers during late spring and early summer. This gradual shift in vegetation highlights the diverse ecosystems found along the track.

One of the standout features of the hike is the area below the summit, where wind and rain have sculpted the sandstone into a variety of intriguing shapes. These sandstone blocks are nearly 300 million years old, remnants of a continuous layer that once spanned much of Tasmania. Over time, magma intruded through the sandstone, forming dolerite that now caps the sandstone layer. Both layers have been shaped by the elements—wind, rain, snow, and glacial action—over millennia.

The track also passes through Richea Valley, located between Mount Rufus and Mount Hugel. The valley is named for the pandani and scoparia plants that thrive there, both members of the Richea genus. The vibrant colours of flowering scoparia, ranging from reds and pinks to yellows and whites, add another layer of beauty to this already breathtaking hike.

For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania

Tips

Park entry fees apply. (Self registration park entrance.)
Visitor centre, restaurant and accommodation.
Supervise children , tracks subject to severe weather conditions all year round, weather may change quickly, tracks are difficult to navigate when covered in snow and may be impassable.
No pets, firearms or bicycles.

Trail features

Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Mount Rufus Circuit Hike (19km)

Total distance: 18862 m
Max elevation: 1395 m
Min elevation: 755 m
Total climbing: 764 m
Total descent: -764 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

To reach the Mt Rufus Circuit trailhead, head to Lake St Clair, which is approximately 2.5 hours from Hobart via the A10 Lyell Highway, or a similar distance from Launceston via the B11 Marlborough Highway, followed by the A10. When you reach Derwent Bridge, take a right turn onto Lake St Clair Road (C193), which will lead you towards the visitor centre at Cynthia Bay. While travelling, please be mindful of wildlife, particularly at night. The roads are home to native animals, so it’s important to drive carefully, keeping a lookout for animals crossing, especially during dusk and dawn.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Burnie, Cradle Mountain, Deloraine, Derwent Bridge, Devonport, Dove Lake, Lake St Clair, Launceston, Moina, Mole Creek, Queenstown, Rosebery, Sheffield, Strahan, Tullah, Waratah

Access conditions

2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Vehicle Ford
Entry Fee
Large Car Park
Small Car Park
Accessible Parking
Accessible Toilet
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter

About the region

Exploring Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, located in the heart of Tasmania, is an extraordinary destination within the Tasmanian World Heritage Area. Just over two hours’ drive (150 km) from Launceston and around four hours (250 km) from Hobart, this park is celebrated for its striking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy the serenity of nature, this park has something to offer.

The park is a showcase of nature's diversity, from glacial lakes and alpine moorlands to dense rainforests and dramatic peaks. Its seasonal transformations are equally captivating. Winter blankets the terrain with snow, while autumn brings vibrant hues as the deciduous fagus turns shades of yellow, orange, and red. In spring, the bushland comes alive with joeys and echidnas, while summer invites visitors to wade into crystal-clear lakes framed by blooming wildflowers.

Cradle Mountain itself is an icon of the park, offering a network of walking tracks for all levels. Easy strolls take you through lush forests and past tranquil streams, while more challenging hikes, such as the renowned Overland Track, traverse rugged terrain. Spanning 80 kilometres and typically completed in 5-6 days, the Overland Track is a must for experienced bushwalkers, offering a journey through breathtaking alpine scenery. For those who prefer shorter walks, the park’s well-maintained trails make exploring its wonders accessible to everyone.

Lake St Clair, situated at the southern end of the park, is equally enchanting. Known as leeawuleena—‘sleeping water’—by the Aboriginal people, the lake exudes tranquillity, particularly on calm days when its glassy surface reflects the surrounding landscape. Lake St Clair is the endpoint of the Overland Track, making it a rewarding finish line for hikers who’ve traversed the park’s diverse terrain.

Beyond the iconic multi-day hike, Lake St Clair offers an array of bushwalks and trails. Short tracks wind through ancient rainforests, while longer paths lead to stunning mountain summits and secluded alpine lakes. Each trail promises an immersive experience, with the chance to encounter wildlife like wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and the distinctive black currawong along the way.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park combines natural beauty, adventure, and opportunities for reflection, ensuring every visit is unforgettable. Whether you're seeking an adventurous hike, a casual walk, or a family-friendly outing, this park provides it all.

Want to find the best trails in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

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
Mount Rufus Circuit Hike (19km)

6 Reviews on “Mount Rufus Circuit Hike (19km)”

Overall rating

Joey Paris

Al Mountbatten

24/03/2022, 05:12

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1. Kim Alcock
  
  Catherine Reid
  
  24/03/2022, 05:12
  
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2. Kathy Chislett
  
  One of my favourite day hikes…the changing terrain and vegetation is amazing ? If you haven’t done this add it to your bucket list ?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:12
  
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3. Glennis Lovatt
  
  VThis looks good for a hike Richard,I take it that you have been here .?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:12
  
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4. Richard Stewart
  
  Yep… it’s a great walk… and if the weather permits – head along to Platypus Bay, and have a swim!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:12
  
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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.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Trail features

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Mount Rufus Circuit Hike (19km)