The Western Arthurs A-K is a challenging 67km, grade 5 circuit hike that traverses a section of the Arthur Range in the Southwest National Park, Tasmania. The circuit takes approximately 6-7 days to complete.
Warning
The track is steep, rough and at times dangerous. The weather in the Southwest National Park is notoriously unpredictable, and hikers can expect to encounter all four seasons in a single day. From scorching heat to driving rain, the conditions can change rapidly, making it essential to be prepared for anything.
Hike overview
The Western Arthurs Traverse (A-K) is a grueling backpacking adventure that takes hikers through the heart of Tasmania's Southwest National Park. Renowned for its challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking scenery, the traverse is a true test of physical and mental fortitude. For those who dare to embark on this epic journey, the rewards are immense. The traverse offers unparalleled views of the jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and lush valleys that make up the Western Arthurs Range. Along the way, hikers will encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna, including towering eucalypts, delicate wildflowers, and elusive marsupials.
The full Western Arthur Range Traverse usually takes somewhere between 9-10 days. This version, the Western Arthurs A-K (Alpha Moraine to Kappa Moraine) is a clockwise circuit hike commencing, and ending at Scotts Peak Dam Tasmania. This is a half traverse of the Western Arthur Range, exiting the range at Mount Scorpio. The shorter traverse is typically completed in 6-8 days, with hikers carrying all their own food, water, and camping gear. The days are long and demanding, with hikers often ascending and descending thousands of meters in elevation. The terrain is unforgiving, with hikers navigating through thickets of scrub, boulder fields, and exposed ridgelines.
The track is steep, rough and at times dangerous. The weather in the Southwest National Park is notoriously unpredictable, and hikers can expect to encounter all four seasons in a single day. From scorching heat to driving rain, the conditions can change rapidly, making it essential to be prepared for anything. Despite the challenges, the Western Arthurs Traverse is an unforgettable experience. The sense of accomplishment that comes from completing the traverse is immense, and the memories made will last a lifetime.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding backpacking adventure, the Western Arthurs Traverse is the perfect choice. With its stunning scenery, demanding terrain, and unpredictable weather, the traverse is sure to test your limits and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the raw beauty of Tasmania's wilderness.
Possible itineraries
I'd recommend you plan your own itinerary based on how many days you have available and what the weather is forecast to be. As a guide only, I have prepared two alternate itineraries, taking 6 and 7 days respectively. You will find many different versions online so take them all as a guide and plan what suits you best. The reason for this is the recommendation you try to cover as much distance each day depending on weather conditions. If the weather is fine, you may be better of pushing on to an alternate campsite.
6 day option
- Scotts Peak Dam to base of Alpha Moraine: 12km (approx 5hrs)
- Base of Alpha Moraine to Lake Oberon: 10km (approx 9hrs)
- Lake Oberon to High Moor: 5km (approx 7hrs)
- High Moor to Haven Lake: 5km (approx 7hrs)
- Haven Lake to Junction Creek Campground: 20km (approx 9hrs)
- Junction Creek Campground to Scotts Peak Dam: 8km (approx 3.5hrs)
7 day option
- Scotts Peak Dam to Junction Creek : 8km (approx 3.5hrs)
- Junction Creek Campground to Lake Cygnus: 9km (approx 6.5hrs)
- Lake Cygnus to Lake Oberon: 5km (approx 6hrs)
- Lake Oberon to High Moor: 5km (approx 6.5hrs)
- High Moor to Haven Lake: 5km (approx 7hrs)
- Haven Lake to Junction Creek Campground: 20km (approx 9hrs)
- Junction Creek Campground to Scotts Peak Dam: 8km (approx 3.5hrs)
Possible side trips
Possible side trips (with suggested time) include:
- Lake Fortuna (between Junction Creek and Lake Cygnus) – 800 m / 40 minutes round trip
- Mount Hayes (between Lake Cygnus and Lake Oberon) – 600 m / 40 minutes round trip
- Mount Sirus (between Lake Cygnus and Lake Oberon) – 800 m / 30 minutes round trip
- Mount Orion (between Lake Cygnus and Lake Oberon) – 800 m / 40 minutes round trip
- Mount Columba (between Lake Oberon and High Moor) – 500 m / 15 minutes round trip
- Mount Aldebaran (between High Moor and Haven Lake) – 2.2 km / 2-3 hours round trip
- Carina Peak (between Moraine K and Promontory Lake) – 1.4 km / 1-hour round trip
Campsites
While camping is permitted anywhere along the Traverse, to lessen your impact on a sensitive environment, it is recommended you plan to stay at the following campsites.
- Huon Campground: Trailhead near Scotts Peak Dam.
- Junction Creek: Sheltered forest area with with pit toilet and a couple of good areas for camping. This campsite can be crowded as it is used by hikers undertaking the Western Arthurs Traverse, the Port Davey Track, the South Coast Track, and the McKay Track.
- Moraine A Camp: Overused couple of tent sites with reliable water at the base of Moraine A.
- Lake Cygnus: Campsite with pit toilet near Lake Cygnus with four wooden platforms.
- Lake Oberon: Campsite with pit toilet near Lake Oberon with four platforms. Camping off the platforms is possible.
- High Moor: Exposed area with pit toilet, wooden platforms and tent sites. Water can be unreliable.
- Haven Lake: Campsite with pit toilet on the southern shore of the lake with wooden platforms east of the lake.
- Lake Vesta: Sheltered campsites on the north-east of the lake. I would not recommend planning to stay here for the A-K traverse but plan its use as an emergency site.
Registration
Hikers are required to register prior to departing for the Western Arthurs. There are a maximum of twelve people permitted to depart each day and you're limited to spending ​a maximum of three nights on the track. When staying at Vera and Tahune Hut sites, you are required to move on to the next campsite the following day.
Multi-day walks - safety message
It is essential that you are adequately equipped before embarking on the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse. In addition to the items listed for day walks you will need at a minimum: a large waterproof backpack and pack liner, tent (3-4 season rated with inner and outer layer), sleeping bag (rated to at least 0°C for coastal areas and -10°C for alpine areas), sleeping mat, hiking boots, gaiters, fuel stove and fuel, high-energy food, quick-dry walking clothes, toilet trowel, antibacterial gel, PLB (personal locator beacon), map and compass.
Route and GPX file
The GPX file is provided as a rough guide only. You will need to prepare adequately for this hike by studding and carrying topographic maps.
Max elevation: 1077 m
Min elevation: 186 m
Total climbing: 3802 m
Total descent: -3802 m
Trail features
- Rough Trail
- Undefined Trail
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Alpine Region
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- Off Trail
- River Crossings
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Swimming Spots
- Overnight Campsites
Tips
- Expect a lot of mud, plenty of leeches
- Outside the designated campsites (wooden platforms), there are very few places you are able to pitch a tent
- The circuit involves a lot of rock scrambling and near vertical faces where ropes could come in handy (especially for hauling packs).
- Fires are NOT permitted anywhere in the Western Arthur Range so make sure you take appropriate fuel for cooking.
Trail location
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Getting there
The start of the Western Arthurs A-K is at Huon Campground at the southern end of Lake Pedder at Scotts Peak Dam. The best way to get to the trailhead is by car. You could always get part of the way there by bus, but at some point you'll need to find an alternative mode of transport such as hitchhiking. The trailhead is located approximately 36 km along Scotts Peak Road from the Gordon River Road. Fuel is not available past Maydena and phone reception is patchy.
Public transport is not available along the Scotts​ Peak Road.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Entry Fee
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Camping Area
About the region
Tasmania’s largest expanse of wilderness is located in Southwest National Park – a remote and rugged landscape in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Home to majestic Huon pine, sassafras, celery top and myrtle, the region is awash with the distinctive fragrances of the Tasmanian forest.
The Gordon River Road is a narrow ribbon through the largely untracked region of forests, imposing mountain ranges and buttongrass plains, providing access to the vast expanses of Lake Pedder and Lake Go​rdon.
In Southwest Nationa​l Park, you’ll find one of Tasmania’s ​most challenging wilderness walks, the multi-day South Coast Track. There are also endless shorter walks to take you up and over mountains and out to the coast. For a real ‘ends-of-the-Earth’ experience, travel to Australia’s southernmost point accessible by road, Cockle Creek, where a day walk to South Cape Bay allows walkers to immerse themselves in the raw power of this wilderness landscape.
Southwest National Park is vast, wild and spectacular. Rocky coastline, windswept beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, deep harbours and extensive buttongrass plains are home to unique plant and animal species.
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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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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.Â
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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.