Sentinels Summit Track (3.5km)

The Sentinels Summit Track offers a striking yet understated journey into one of Tasmania’s wilder corners. Tucked within the remote expanse of Southwest National Park, this 3.5-kilometre return track climbs steadily through a rugged, quartzite landscape, rewarding those with a sense of adventure and solid navigation skills. The trail is officially graded as Level 4 and typically takes around three hours to complete, though timing can vary depending on weather and experience.

Access to the trail begins from the Wedge River picnic area, roughly a two-hour drive west of Hobart. Finding the start can be a small adventure in itself. The only identifying marker is a faded signpost that once read “Wedge River,” now bleached blank by sun and time. From here, the track drops quickly into bushland, crossing the river on a fallen log before winding out into the open button grass plains. A walker’s logbook is tucked away not far from the river crossing – a subtle reminder of how infrequently trodden this path is.

Beyond the logbook, the terrain begins to shift. The open plains give way to low, twisted eucalypts and the bleached skeletons of long-dead banksias. The track, though narrow, remains mostly clear until it reaches a small creek. From here, the character of the walk changes again. A steep quartzite zigzag begins, etched into the pink rock that forms the base of the range. Cairns are scattered along this stretch, but many blend so well into the landscape that they can be difficult to spot, making careful attention essential.

The climb hugs the cliffline, winding upwards along a natural path carved by weather and time. Despite the steep gradient, the ascent is surprisingly manageable. There are no big boulders or technical scrambles—just a steep, rocky path through slightly overgrown bush. Eventually, the summit reveals itself without fanfare. What it lacks in drama underfoot, it more than makes up for in the views.

From the top, the surrounding wilderness unfolds in all directions. You’ll catch sweeping views across Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder, with Mt Wedge rising nearby and the Franklin Range stretching off into the distance. The exposed ridgeline and endless sky offer a rare sense of stillness and space—a real contrast to the tightly woven vegetation below.

The range itself runs east to west for about six kilometres. Most walkers opt for the summit at the eastern end, but for those with more time, skill, and determination, a traverse along the full ridgeline is possible. It’s worth noting, however, that the terrain is dense and progress is slow. There are few, if any, footpads, and little evidence of previous travellers. It’s a route best reserved for experienced parties willing to tackle a demanding day in remote country.

The return is by the same path, descending carefully back through the zigzag and across the plains to the river crossing. With its raw beauty and lack of signage, the Sentinel Range Summit track offers a genuine wilderness experience. It's a route that rewards preparedness, patience, and a keen eye for finding your way in a landscape that feels almost entirely untouched.