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Lake Rhona
Lake Rhona (photograph: PWS)

Lake Rhona

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Alerts for Lake Rhona

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Planned burn: The Pleiades - Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Applies from 12/9/2026

​Weather permitting, we will be conducting a planned burn at The Pleiades ​- Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) on 12 September 2026 .

Fire is an important part of sustaining the ecology of and protecting values in the TWWHA. 

The total area of the burns is approximately 4654 hectares . It is likely to take 2 - 4 days to complete. Smoke may last for some days after the burn.

During burning operations access to this area will be restricted. Stay well out of the burn site. Please follow directions from staff or any signs.

More information is available by contacting PWS South on 6165 4053.​

View our webpage ​for more information about our planned burns program.​

Last reviewed 10/9/2026 04:24 PM

Planned burn: Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Applies from 12/9/2026

Weather permitting, we will be conducting a planned burn at Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park​ in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) on 12 September 2026.

Fire is an important part of sustaining the ecology of and protecting values in the TWWHA. 

The total area of the burns is approximately 8391 hectares. It is likely to take 2 - 4 days to complete. Smoke may last for some days after the burn.

During burning operations access to this area will be restricted. Stay well out of the burn site. Please follow directions from staff or any signs.

More information is available by contacting PWS South on 6165 4053. 

View our webpage ​more information about our planned burns program.​​​

Last reviewed 10/9/2026 04:30 PM

Planned burn: Macquarie Harbour - Unallocated Crown Land
Applies from 12/9/2026

Weather permitting, we will be conducting a planned burn at Macquarie Harbour on unallocated Crown land in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) on 12 September 2026.

Fire is an important part of sustaining the ecology of and protecting values in the TWWHA. 

The total area of the burns is approximately 241 hectares. It is likely to take 2 - 4 days to complete. Smoke may last for some days after the burn.

During burning operations access to this area will be restricted. Stay well out of the burn site. Please follow directions from staff or any signs.

More information is available by contacting PWS South on 6165 4053.

View our webpage ​for more information about our planned burns program.​​

Last reviewed 10/9/2026 04:17 PM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Fuel stove only
  • Overnight walk
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • World Heritage Area

ContactExpand/Collapse

  • Mount Field Visitor Centre
    66 Lake Dobson Rd
    National Park TAS 7140
    Phone: 03 6288 1149
    Email: MtField@parks.tas.gov.au

    ​Visitor centre opening hours
    Open 7 days
    9am - 5pm 1 December to 30 April 
    9am - 4pm 1 May to 31 October 
    9am - 4.15pm November

2-3 days, 28km return
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
This route includes crossing through the Gordon River, which can rise swiftly after rain. Be sure to check river levels and the rain forecast, including for your return date. Walkers have become trapped in the past, and so should be prepared to wait or turn back if river levels are high.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Bookings:

You must register for this walk.​

Register now
The track starts at Richea Creek carpark.

About

Located deep in the Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Lake Rhona is a destination best suited to experienced and well prepared walkers. The Rasseleas Track passes through wet and dry eucalypt forest and open buttongrass moorland before reaching the lake’s distinctive pink quartzite sands.

Lake Rhona is popular with bushwalkers for its tannin stained waters, dramatic views of the Denison Range, and nearby stands of King Billy Pines.

Most walkers allow 2–3 days to complete the return walk.

Campsites are located on flats behind the lake. Walkers should use these sites to help protect sensitive vegetation and beaches.

The walk begins and ends with a crossing of the Gordon River. After heavy rain, the river may be difficult or impossible to cross. Allow extra time if needed, or consider postponing your trip.

This is a relatively short multi day walk that requires good experience, fitness, and preparation.

Use our walk notes​ to help you decide if this is the walk for you.

  • Lake Rhona walk notes
    Located in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Lake Rhona is a relatively short multiday walk best suited to experienced walkers.
Lake Rhona map Buy a map from TasMap

From Hobart, take the Brooker Highway (A1) north west to New Norfolk, then follow the B62 along the Derwent River to Westerway. Follow the signs to Maydena along the Gordon River Road (B61). 2km out of Maydena turn right onto the Florentine Road an follow it for 27km. Turn left onto Tiger Road and follow for 3.5km before turning left onto Range Road. After 3.5km turn left again onto Terry Walch Road. After 3km turn right onto G03 Spur Road which leads to the Lake Rhona via Richea Creek carpark. 

This track is remote and all walkers should purchase and carry the TASMAP 1:50,000 Denison Range​ map.

Access to Lake Rhona Track is via multiple unsealed roads.​ Directional signage has been installed to assist hikers who are driving to the track head via Maydena end of the Florentine Road.​

There is no public transport to the Lake Rhona trackh​ead.

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

There are toilet and campsite facilities located at Lake Rhona. In the unlikely event the toilet is full, walkers should follow Leave No Trace​ principles.

During peak walking periods a Wilderness Ranger may be stationed in this area.

​This walk requires experience and preparation. Find out more information on pack lists, walker safety and planning on our Safety in parks page.

​​​​This is a Fuel Stove Only Area. Fires are prohibited. Please see our Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage ​for more information.​​

​​​​Many walkers appreciate the security of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to activate in the event of a life-threatening emergency. PLBs can be hired from Service Tasmania shops (Mon-Fri only) in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport. Phone 1300 135 513 for further information.

PLBs are also available from the Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair and Mount Field visitor centres, though numbers are limited and cannot be reserved. 

​​There are also independent hire companies that you can search via the internet.​ 

​

More information

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know Before You Go web page.

​​​​Lake Rhona river crossing information: 

Walkers are required to cross the Gordon River. After heavy rainfall and/or snow events, the Gordon River can become difficult or impossible to cross. Walkers are encouraged to check the weather forecast for the area for before and during their trip to gauge how high the river may be. 

Walkers should pack extra supplies in the event that they are required to wait until the Gordon River lowers and can be safely crossed. If walkers have to camp until the river level lowers, tents should be set up well back from the rivers edge due to the crossing being on a river bend and the area flooding frequently. 

For advise on river levels, please contact the Mount Field Visitor Centre on 0362881149 ​

​Remember the safe walking guidelines

  • ​Plan to walk safely
  • Be prepared
  • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
  • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
  • Be prepared to turn back

Walker Safety Message - Multiday Walks Grades 4 and 5 - Alpine

Grade 4 and 5 Multi-day walks in alpine environments are challenging and require careful planning. Most of these walks include steep climbs, rocky ground, deep mud, cliffs, and sections that require navigation or rock scrambling. The weather in Tasmania's alpine areas can change quickly. Snow, rain, strong wind and sun can occur at any time of year.

These areas are often remote, and people can get lost, injured, or affected by weather exposure. Attempts to rescue people may take significant time, or may not be possible. Deaths have occurred.

These walks are recommended for walkers who have significant bushwalking experience. Bushwalking clubs are a good way to build skills such as navigation, managing weather, and choosing the right equipment. Walks should be chosen to match the skills, fitness, and experience of everyone in the group. The track classification guide explains the difficulty grading of each walk.

Good preparation is essential. Walkers should carry equipment suitable for all weather conditions and unplanned scenarios. See our list of recommended items to take on multi-day walks and alpine walks on our Safety In Parks page.

Learn about the dangers of cold by watching the hypothermia safety video.

For more information on safety and equipment, see Safety in parks. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles)