Mount Anne Day Walk is a 15km, grade 5 hike located in Southwest National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 8-10 hours to complete.
Warning
The region is subject to extreme, unexpected weather changes. Be prepared for all weather conditions regardless of the forecast extreme winds and snow events are common, even in summer. The final summit climb to Mount Anne is exposed and requires good scrambling skills with significant height exposure.
Hike overview
The Mount Anne day walk in Tasmania's South West National Park (and World Heritage area) is an absolutely stunning hike. Mount Anne stands at 1,423 metres and involves a full day walking.
From the car park at Condominium Creek, it is a solid hike up to the appropriately named 'High Hut' which is at approximately 1000 metres. There is ample space to pitch a tent so a night or two up here is highly recommended for basing yourself on the mountain and enjoying the expansive views over Lake Pedder.
From the hut, things start to get a little more challenging, as the track becomes steeper and starts to involve a bit more scrambling over rock. After an hour or so you will find yourself at the 1289 metre high peak of Mount Eliza however, and from here you enter a new world - the alpine plateau which is covered in cushion plants, pandani, alpine flowers and many small tarns.
It is easy walking for a while from here, before you meet another dolerite bolder scramble, and the last steep climb to the peak. The peak is not for the faint of heart and should only be attempted in the finest of conditions. The views are expansive. Frenchmans Cap is visible far to the north west; the deep forests of the Weld River Valley are below you and the distinctive Federation Peak and Precipitous Bluff can be seen in the south.
Allow a full day for the walk, and for photographers, spending a night is almost compulsory. Doing it as a day walk as I did cut into shooting time, and of course being up high at dusk and dawn is one of the pure joys of Tasmanian landscape photography.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1348 m
Min elevation: 335 m
Total climbing: 1278 m
Total descent: -1278 m
Tips
- The region is subject to extreme, unexpected weather changes.
- Be prepared for all weather conditions regardless of the forecast extreme winds and snow events are common, even in summer.
- The final summit climb to Mount Anne is exposed and requires good scrambling skills with significant height exposure.
Trail location
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Getting there
From Hobart, follow the Lyell Highway towards New Norfolk, then transition onto the Strathgordon/Lake Pedder Road. Continuing past Maydena, take a left turn onto the Scotts Peak Road, located roughly midway between Maydena and Strathgordon. Stay on this road for approximately 20 kilometers until you reach the designated Mount Anne Carpark, clearly indicated at Condiminium Creek.
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 Gordon.
In Southwest National 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.
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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
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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.
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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.