Trail Fast Facts

The Acropolis is a 27km, grade 5 hike in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 2 days to complete.

Length: 27km

Duration: 2 days

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: Return

Start: Lake St Clair Visitors Centre

End: Lake St Clair Visitors Centre

Location: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: Derwent Bridge

From state capital: 180km

Latitude: -42.11598634921037

Longitude: 146.17399960756305

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Warning

The Acropolis hike involves steep, exposed terrain and rock scrambling, requiring solid fitness and experience. Hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear, ensuring they have the time and ability to complete the hike safely.

Hike Overview

The Acropolis hike is a 27-kilometre, Grade 5 challenge located in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes two days to complete and offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a more demanding adventure.

The trail to the Acropolis begins at the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre. From there, hikers have two options for reaching Narcissus Hut. They can either walk 17 kilometres along the shores of Lake St Clair, or take the ferry from Cynthia Bay to Narcissus Hut (advance booking required). Most hikers choose the ferry to save time and allow more opportunity to explore around Pine Valley. These trip notes focus on the section from Narcissus Hut to Pine Valley, the Acropolis, and back to Narcissus Hut, with Pine Valley serving as a great base for The Acropolis and The Labyrinth Plateau.

From Narcissus Hut, the trail to Pine Valley follows part of the Overland Track and takes around three hours to complete. The route passes through dry eucalypt forests before reaching the turnoff to Pine Valley. The hut itself can accommodate up to 16 people, offering basic facilities such as two large bunk beds, a rainwater tank, and a long-drop toilet. If the hut is full, hikers can camp on one of the wooden platforms nearby.

The Acropolis (1481 m) is one of the most striking peaks in the park. The trail to the summit begins at Pine Valley Hut, passing by Cephissus Falls before making its way up the south face of the mountain. While the path lacks formal signage, hikers can follow cairns and arrows to stay on track. Upon reaching the 1100-metre mark, the Acropolis becomes more visible, and the trail steepens. This section requires some rock scrambling, where hands and legs are needed to climb over large boulders as hikers approach the summit.

It’s important to note that while the walk into Pine Valley is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) on the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS), the Acropolis hike is rated Grade 5 (Difficult) due to the exposure and challenges involved in reaching the summit. This is a strenuous and technical hike that requires solid physical fitness and experience.

Map and GPX file

The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)

Total distance: 27005 m
Max elevation: 1447 m
Min elevation: 738 m
Total climbing: 1213 m
Total descent: -1213 m

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Getting there

The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)

Lake St Clair is conveniently located about 2.5 hours from both Hobart and Launceston. From Hobart, take the A10 Lyell Highway, and from Launceston, follow the B11 Marlborough Highway before joining the A10. At Derwent Bridge, turn right onto Lake St Clair Road (C193) and continue to the visitor centre at Cynthia Bay, which serves as the starting point for many walks, including the Shadow Lake Circuit.

If travelling in the evening, please exercise extra caution. Tasmania's reserves are home to abundant native wildlife, and animals are often active near roads at night. Slow down, stay alert, and help protect the unique fauna of the area.

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Track Grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

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.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)

1 Review on “The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

The summit of the Acropolis has to be one of the best views in Australia. Absolutely incredible and well worth the challenging and technical scramble to the top. If you aren’t comfortable with exposure, rock scrambling, heights and sheer cliffs, the Labyrinth might be a better option in this same area. There were just too many amazing craggy mountains to take in, the most impressive of them being Mount Geryon and the Du Cane Range to our north west. The sheep vertical cliffs rose dramatically from the plains below. This was like no other mountain in Australia and had us smiling from ear to ear. This is a view that everyone should see.

18/11/2024, 16:33

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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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.

Trail Fast Facts

Warning

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

The Acropolis Summit Hike (27km)