Mt Rufus Circuit is a 19km, grade 4 hike located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 7 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1395 m
Min elevation: 755 m
Total climbing: 764 m
Total descent: -764 m
For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
Tips
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.
Trail location
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Access conditions
- 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
Gallery
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About the region
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.
Similar trails nearby
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.
3 Reviews on “Mount Rufus Circuit Hike (19km)”
Al Mountbatten
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!