Lake Judd, Southwest National Park
Lake Judd, Southwest National Park (photograph: David Holley)

Lake Judd

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Alerts for Lake Judd

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Planned burn: Southwest National Park
Applies from 19/3/2025​​We plan to undertake three prescribed burns in Southwest National Park.

Fire operations are scheduled for Wednesday 19 March 2025 but may be rescheduled if conditions are not suited.

These prescribed burns will take place at:
• New River Lagoon (140ha)
• New River Lagoon South (250ha)
• Catamaran River (80ha)

PWS’ prescribed burn program in the TWWHA aims to introduce low intensity fire across the landscape with a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas within each burn area to maximise diversity for flora and fauna.

These moorland burns provide ongoing protection for a range of adjacent values including fire sensitive vegetation communities such as endemic conifers, alpine herblands and rainforest species from wildfire.

Burning under these high moisture conditions can generate large amounts of smoke.

During burning operations public access to these areas will be restricted.

Please comply with all signage and directions from staff if you are in the area.

For more information, contact the Huonville Field Centre on (03) 6121 7026.

Last reviewed 24/3/2025 08:48 AM


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 mid-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 5/11/2024 08:50 AM


Closed area: Eastern Arthur range traverse – changes to access West Picton Road and Huon Track.
Applies from 21/12/2023

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West Picton Road (prior to Riveaux Creek) is closed due to the deterioration of three structures along the road.  A 15-20 vehicle parking area has been created adjacent to the new closure.  

Farmhouse Creek walking track requires an extra 7.1km (one-way) walk along West Picton Road from its closure prior to Picton River Tributary.

Mt Picton walking track requires an extra 7.2km (return) walk along West Picton Road and then West Picton Road Spur 1-2 from its closure prior to Picton River Tributary. 

The Huon Track has been heavily impacted by a large number of tree falls that are making this difficult to traverse and we recommend that you commence your walk at either Farmhouse Creek or Huon Campground. 

Both Farmhouse Creek and Mt Picton walking tracks remain open.

Last reviewed 26/8/2024 08:37 AM


8 hours return, 16km return
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
This walk requires some route finding and navigation skills. Extreme and unexpected weather changes are common in this area. Strong winds, sleet and snow are possible at any time of the year. For these reasons this walk should only be attempted by well-equipped people with prior bushwalking experience.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Due to the root-rot fungus known as Phytophthora in this area - walkers are asked not to go beyond Lake Judd.

About

An impressive ice-carved lake surrounded by precipitous mountains awaits you on this stunning wilderness walk in the Southwest National Park. Walkers will make their way across button-grass plains at the foot of Schnells Ridge and across the Anne River bridges before relaxing by the shore of Lake Judd.

Be well prepared for all weather on this long day walk, see safety in our parks and be sure to carry a map. Watch the hypothermia video​ before leaving home.

The wilderness of the Southwest National Park is a refuge for a wide range of unique plant and animal species, some of which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Four years after the bitterly opposed damming of Lake Pedder in 1972, the Southwest National Park was declared. 

Today, the Southwest National Park makes up a large part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area ensuring the unique ecosystems and cultural sites are protected for future generations to explore. ​​


Mount Anne Ciruit   

Walkers are asked not to go beyond Lake Judd. To protect the environment and increase the remote experience, walkers doing the Mount Anne Circuit are asked to walk in one direction begining at Condominium Creek. (The remote multiday Mount Anne Circuit, is for highly experienced walkers and limited numbers apply. Walkers need to register via the Overnight walker registration page.​)​​​​


What to expect on the Lake Judd Track

From the carpark at Red Tape Creek follow the foot track to the Anne River suspension bridge. After crossing the river, the track follows the base of Schnells Ridge, though buttongrass plains for 3 km to a track junction. 

This section of the track can be very wet and muddy. At the junction take the left fork and once again cross the Anne River via the bridge.

Continue for another 1 km to reach the lake. ​

​The track ends near the outlet of the lake where there are good places to rest and enjoy the views. ​​