An easily accessible mountain walk giving outstanding views of Lake St Clair, Mount Olympus, Frenchmans Cap and the headwaters of the Franklin River.
Highlights
As the altitude increases, vegetation changes from eucalypt forest to patches of cool temperate rainforest in the gullies. As you climb higher, the vegetation changes again to sub-alpine forest, dominated by snow gums (Eucalyptus coccifera) and stunted rainforest. Towards the summit, alpine plant communities dominate and during late spring and early summer they provide a colourful display of fragrant flowers.
Below the summit is an area of wind and rain sculptured sandstone that forms many weird and fascinating shapes. These sandstone blocks are almost 300 million years old and once formed a continuous layer across most of Tasmania. About 165 million years ago magma intruded up through the sandstone to form dolerite, which covered the sandstone layer. Both layers have been eroded over time by wind, rain, snow and glacial action.
Below the saddle between Mount Rufus and Mount Hugel the track winds through Richea Valley, named for the pandani and scoparia plants that grow here. These plants, which are both heaths, belong to the Richea genus of plants. The beautiful colours of flowering scoparia include reds, pinks, yellows and whites.
- Concrete Path
- Timber Boardwalk
- Gravel Path
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.
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- 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
Road C193 to Lake St Clair from the Lyell Highway (A10)
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is located in the Central Highlands area of Tasmania (Australia), 165 kilometres northwest of Hobart. The park contains many walking trails, and is where hikes along the well-known Overland Track usually begin. Major features are Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff in the northern end, Mount Pelion East, Mount Pelion West, Mount Oakleigh and Mount Ossa in the middle and Lake St Clair in the southern end of the park. The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Walls of Jerusalem National Park
0 Reviews on “Mt Rufus Circuit (19km)”
Al Mountbatten
I did this last week!!! It was fantastic! Lovely easy walking section along the Summit Ridge to Summit however prior to that was densely rooted and rocked track which took plenty of time and careful footwork to negotiate. It was also on my bucket list.
Catherine Reid
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 ?
VThis looks good for a hike Richard,I take it that you have been here .?
Yep… it’s a great walk… and if the weather permits – head along to Platypus Bay, and have a swim!