Please note, these walk notes are intended to aid in your decision to undertake the Mount Anne Circuit and do not give a complete breakdown of the walk. For information on trip planning, pack lists and safety information, please see our Know Before You Go pages.
All overnight walkers need to register for this walk.
This circuit is classified as a Grade 5 walk. It is suitable for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation, emergency first aid and experience with heights and challenging rock scrambling. The track is rough and steep, and regularly affected by severe weather conditions and walkers should be prepared to turn around or allow extra days. All walkers should come prepared with a personal locator beacon (PLB).
Day 1 - Condominium Creek to High Camp
From the beginning of this track, walkers are warned that it is not for the inexperienced or fainthearted. From Condominium Creek it is a steep and challenging 900 metre climb to High Camp. High Camp facilities include a hut for emergency shelter, a toilet and tent sites 150 metres to the west. There is also a water tank. It is highly recommended walkers stock up as water sources are limited until Lonely Tarns Campsite. Walkers have the option of camping at High Camp overnight or continuing on to Shelf Camp.
Day 2 - High Camp to Shelf Camp
This section of the track is highly exposed and requires navigation by map and compass and rock scrambling over large boulder fields. Walkers will need to scramble up the boulderfield above High Camp to reach Mount Eliza (1289m).
The track continues across the Eliza Plateau and over boulder fields to the west of Eve Peak (1388m) where a track junction will allow you to either summit Mount Anne (1413m) or continue on to Shelf Camp. Shelf Camp is exposed, and on a rock slab. Walkers should have a self supporting tent and secure with rocks where possible. This site is sheltered to the South-West but is extremely exposed to the North-East, (tents and equipment have been destroyed here in bad weather, plan accordingly). There is a toilet pod and the maximum stay is 3 nights.
Day 2 or Day 3 side trip - Mount Anne Summit
Summiting Mount Anne should not be attempted when visibility and weather conditions are poor. Walkers should have experience with heights and challenging rock scrambling. The route is extremely exposed and can pose a serious threat to walker safety. Walkers may require a safety line for this part of the track. Standing at 1413 metres tall, and being the highest mountain in the Southwest National Park, it rewards you with sweeping 360 degree views of the stunning Southwest National Park.
Day 3 - Shelf Camp to Lonely Tarn
The extreme weather conditions make this section of the track extremely difficult. Water is scarce along this section of the track. Walker should expect boulder hopping and be experienced in navigating heights. Pack hauling is likely when walkers reach The Notch and walkers should carry approximately 15m of rope.
Walkers will then continue to the Lonely Tarns campsite. The site has tent platforms with anchoring chains and a toilet pod. Maximum stay is 3 nights.
Day 4 - Lonely Tarns to Red Tape Creek
From Lonely Tarns to Sarah Jane Plateau, walkers will encounter a mixture of planking, rock slabs and muddy sections. The descent to Red Tape Creek has extensive planking and bridges to protect the vulnerable surrounds. Walkers will need to organise a car shuffle or walk the remaining 8km along Scotts Peak Road to the Condominium Creek carpark.
Walkers wishing to undertake a side trip to the shores of Lake Judd will need to detour off the main track at the Anne River crossing.
Day 4 side trip - Lake Judd
- 2.2km, 1.5 hours return
At the Anne River track junction, walkers need to detour off the Mount Anne track and join the Lake Judd Track. From the junction, it is a 30-45 minute walk to reach the waters edge. There are campsites available for those wishing to spend an extra night by the lake, they can be found near the lake outlet. There are no toilet facilities and walkers will need to follow the Leave No Trace principles.