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Walker overlooking the Eastern Arthur Ranges
Eastern Arthur Ranges (photograph: Grant Dixon)

Eastern Arthur Range Traverse

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Alerts for Eastern Arthur Range Traverse

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Closed area: Edgar Dam boat ramp and campground - Southwest National Park
Applies from 28/1/2025

​​​​​Hydro Tasmania is commencing works on Edgar Dam starting 28 January 2025 until late-2026. 

During this time, the Edgar Dam boat ramp and campground will be closed. 

Access to Strathgordon and Scott's Peak boat ramps remains open.

Camping at the Huon and Ted's Beach campground remain open. During this period, there will also be short delays due to increased traffic along Scott's Peak Road. ​

For more information, please visit the Hydro Tasmania​ w​ebsite ​or contact the Mount Field Visitor Centre on (03) 6288 1149.​​

Last reviewed 1/7/2026 10:43 AM

Closed area: Changes to Access West Picton Road and Huon Track - Eastern Arthur Range Traverse - Southwest National Park
Applies from 21/12/2023
​​​​West Picton Road (prior to Cook Creek) is closed due to the deterioration of three structures along the road.  A 5-10 vehicle parking area has been created next to the road closure.  

Farmhouse Creek walking track requires an extra 6.1km (one-way) walk along West Picton Road from its closure prior to Picton River Tributary.

Mt Picton walking track requires an extra 1.5km (return) walk along West Picton Road Spur 1. A 3-4 vehicle parking area has been created next to the road closure. 

The Huon Track has been heavily impacted by a large number of tree falls that are making this difficult to walk the track. We recommend that you start your walk at either Farmhouse Creek or Huon Campground. 

Both Farmhouse Creek and Mt Picton walking tracks are open.​

Last reviewed 11/5/2026 04:03 PM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

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

ContactExpand/Collapse

6-9 days, 72 kms
Grade 5: Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.
This walk is for highly experienced and skilled bushwalkers. Expect steep cliffs, exposed rock, difficult navigation, heavy packs, and extreme weather. It is regarded as one of Tasmania’s most challenging multi‑day hikes. Federation Peak in particular has been the site of multiple fatalities.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Bookings:

You must register for this walk.
​

Regist​​er now

About

​​The Eastern Arthur Range traverse should not be underestimated. Walkers need to be highly experienced and have proven skills in remote, alpine environments. 

This walk is not suitable for beginners or lightly experienced walkers. People have died on this walk. 

Located in Southwest National Park, the traverse can be started from Huon Campground, the Huon Track, or Farmhouse Creek Track, and may be walked in either direction. 

Federation Peak is the highest point on the range. Rising to 1,225 metres, it is a steep and rugged mountain formed of hard quartzite rock. The route to the summit involves significant exposure and requires technical climbing skills; a fall in this area is likely to be fatal. The main traverse can be completed without climbing Federation Peak though, and many walkers choose to bypass it.

While known for its rugged beauty, the Eastern Arthurs Range traverse is poorly marked and includes: 

  • sheer cliffs

  • exposed scrambles

  • unstable rock

  • slippery surfaces

  • changing alpine weather

There are no huts, toilets, or services, and only limited campsites with platforms. Walkers must be fully self sufficient. Digital navigation alone is unreliable - carry a compass and paper map.

Carefully assess your fitness, experience, and ability to manage risks without outside help.

Use our walk notes to help you decide if this is the walk for you. If you are unsure, choose an alternative walk.

  • Eastern Arthur Range Traverse - walk notes
    The Eastern Arthur Range Traverse is a choose your own adventure walk in the remote Tasmanian wilderness of Southwest National Park. Walkers can commence from three different points and walk in either direction. Use our walk notes to help you decide if this is the walk for you.
Eastern Arthur Range Traverse map Buy a map from TasMap

​All walkers should purchase and carry:

TASMap 1:50,000 Western Arthur

TASMap 1:50,000 Hartz

​TASMap​ 1:50,000 Adamsons

​The Eastern Arthur Range Traverse can be accessed from three locations.

Huon Campground: The walk can begin 81km west of Mount Field via Scotts Peak Road. At Frodshams Pass, turn south onto the Scotts Peak Road and follow this road for 32 km to the Huon Campground.

The track is also accessible via the Huon Track (North to South) or alternatively the track can be accessed via the Farmhouse Creek Track (South to North).

Fuel is not available past Westerway​ and phone reception is patchy.

Public transport is not available along the Scotts​ Peak Road.

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.

Walkers are required to register for this walk, in addition to completing the logbook at the trailhead.

Facilities on the track are limited, but there is a toilet with a view at Hanging Lake, and parking, water and other amenities available at the Huon Campground. 

A maximum of 6 independent walkers can depart on any given day, register early to avoid missing out. The maximum group size on this track is 6. Walker limits prevent overcrowding and damage to sensitive vegetation.

There are no huts along this track. There are 8 campsites along the track with a maximum stay of 2 nights.

5 of the campsites have tent platforms and​ each campsite has a 3-4 tent capacity.

Sections of raised walkway between Cracroft Crossing and Luckmans Lead that have been rebuilt to minimise the spread of root rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi). Please ensure tents are ​pitched on the platforms provided.

Please check the Walker Pack List and make sure you have all your food and essentials. 

You may need to carry 20m of climbing rope to haul packs up steep sections of track.

When preparing for this walk, take the time to consult our Safety in parks page for information on equipment, weather and walk advice.​

​​​​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.

​​​​​Walker safety - alpine walks ​​​​​​ (such as Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap, Walls of Jerusalem, Southwest)

Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March. 

When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric​​, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woollen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).

Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions. 

Watch the hypothermia safety video with English subtitles to understand the dangers of being cold and how to be prepared. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles.)

Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.

For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.​​​​​

​

Multi-day walks - safety message​​​​

Multi-day walks are a wonderful way to experience the wilder side of Tasmania, but it is essential that you are adequately equipped before embarking on an overnight adventure. 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.

For all safety information and a full list of recommended items for all walks, please refer to Safety in parks.



​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