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View from above High Camp - Mount Anne
View from above High Camp - Mount Anne (photograph: Ian Cantle)

Mount Anne Circuit

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Alerts for Mount Anne Circuit

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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

  • Fuel stove only
  • Overnight walk
  • 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

3-5 days, Distance is deceptive on this walk
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.
The Mount Anne Circuit is for self-sufficient, well-equipped and experienced walkers only. It is a lot more physically demanding than other multi-day hikes in Tasmania. Be prepared for all weather conditions regardless of the forecast - the region is subject to extreme, unexpected weather changes, even in summer. The summit climb to Mount Anne is exposed and requires good scrambling skills with significant height exposure. The circuit beyond Shelf Camp is also exposed, extremely difficult and can require pack hauling. It has been the site of several rescues and deaths.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Bookings: ​

You must register for this walk.

Register now

About

Mount Anne stands on the edge of Lake Pedder and rises above expansive buttongrass moorlands. At 1423 metres, it is the highest peak in Southwest National Park. 

The Mount Anne Circuit traverses a series of peaks formed from white quartzite capped with red dolerite—an unusual landscape for this region. Along the route walkers pass ancient vegetation, including cushion plants that date back more than 180 million years ago to Gondwanan times. This vegetation can now only be found in small mountain refuges where conditions allow this ancient plant life to flourish.

Most walkers allow 3–5 days to complete the circuit. While relatively short in distance, it is one of the most difficult multi day walks in Southwest National Park. It has been the site of multiple rescues and deaths. 

Walkers must be very well prepared and fully self-sufficient. Some sections of the walk are extremely difficult and require confident climbing skills and pack hauling. The weather here can also change quickly. 

Use our Walk Notes​​ to determine if this is a suitable walk for you. 

  • Mount Anne Circuit - walk notes
    The Mount Anne Circuit is a highly advanced Grade 5 track and is not for the faint hearted. Walkers will need to utilise their rock scrambling experience as they navigate the sheer rock faces that make up much of the walk.
Mount Anne Circuit map Buy a map from TasMap

​All walkers should purchase and carry the TASMAP 1:40,000 Mt Anne Map and Notes.

Travel 74km west of Mount Field National Park via Maydena on the Gordon River Road (B61). Turn south onto Scotts Peak Road (C607). The start of the Mount Anne Circuit is a carpark at Condominium Creek.

The circuit ends further south down the Scotts Peak Road at Red Tape Creek. 8.3kms separates the beginning and end of the circuit. Organising transport between the beginning and end of the Mount Anne Circuit requires forward planning. Public transport is not available along the Scotts Peak Road.​

Please be aware that fuel is not available past Maydena and phone reception is unreliable.​

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 few facilities provided along the Mount Anne Circuit and it is only suitable for self-sufficient, well-equipped and experienced walkers. 

​Please check the Walker Pack List and make sure you have all your food and essentials. It is important to note that it you may need to add 15m of climbing rope to your gear list to haul packs up a step section of The Notch/Mount Lot.

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

​Weather forecast: Current and 7 day forecast information can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology website. Please note all bush walker weather warnings and adjust your plans accordingly. Ensure you are prepared for all weather conditions regardless of the forecast as extreme winds and snow events are common all year round and can occur suddenly.

​​​​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.​ 

Upgrading facilities: The Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken extensive track repairs on the Mount Anne Circuit following the 2018/2019 bushfires. New infrastructure has been put in place along the Lake Judd Track, including the construction of new bridges to eliminate the need to undertake river crossings.

Through the generous donations received through the Wildcare Wild Bushwalking Tracks Fund facility upgrades include the construction of new tent platforms at the Lonely Tarns and the construction of a new toilet at Shelf Camp. The installation of these new facilities is to reduce environmental damage and maintain the wilderness experience for everyone. ​

Camping: A maximum of 12 independent walkers can depart on any given day, book early to avoid missing out. Recommended group size on this track is 6, with a maximum of 8. If you are walking in a larger group, please stagger your departure times by 15 minutes to limit overcrowding on tracks. The only hut on this circuit is at High Camp and it is provided as an emergency day shelter only. For this reason, you must carry a good quality hiking tent.

The only toilets are at High Camp, Shelf Camp and Lonely Tarns. Toilets are also provided at Condominium Creek and Huon Campground. To keep this sensitive alpine environment as pristine as possible, please make every effort to use these toilets. Carry a trowel for when you need to use the toilet elsewhere on the circuit, carefully follow the Leave No Trace principles.

There are no permanent rangers present on this track, however during peak periods a Wilderness Ranger may be stationed in the area.​

More information

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

​The Mount Anne Circuit track may be affected by severe and unpredictable weather which poses a serious threat to personal safety. Extensive boulder fields and expose​d plateaus are a common feature on these tracks and sections can be extremely steep. Failure to make good decisions when in Southwest Tasmania can lead to serious injury or death. Good preparation and experience are vital as is using sound judgement should conditions change.

If you do not have extensive experience in challenging multi-day walks, especially alpine walks in Tasmania, you should reconsider your plans.

​

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.



​​​​​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.​​​​​


Remember, be prepared to turn back.

​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

Gallery

Mount Anne Circuit

Mount Anne circuit

Mount Anne circuit

Boulder hop - Mount Anne circuit

Boulder hop - Mount Anne circuit

The Notch- Mount Anne circuit

The Notch- Mount Anne circuit

Walking through knee deep mud - Mount Anne circuit

Walking through knee deep mud - Mount Anne circuit

Pack hauling - Mount Anne circuit

Pack hauling - Mount Anne circuit

Walking through water - Mount Anne circuit

Walking through water - Mount Anne circuit