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Western Arthur Range in the Southwest National Park
Western Arthur Range in the Southwest National Park (photograph: PWS)

Western Arthur Range Traverse

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Alerts for Western Arthur Range

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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

​​

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

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

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

ContactExpand/Collapse

5 – 7 days, 58km loop
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 physically capable and highly experienced walkers who are confident with navigation, cliffs and rock scrambling, pack hauling and extreme weather.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Bookings:

​Y​ou need to register for this walk.​

Register now​
At Frodshams Pass, turn south onto the Scotts Peak Road and follow this road for 32 km to the Huon Campground. The walks start at the campground.

About

​

The challenges of the walk are not to be underestimated, and should be completed only by walkers with significant experience in remote, alpine conditions.  

To traverse the rugged Western Arthur Range is considered a major bushwalking challenge and has been undertaken regularly by experienced bushwalkers since the 1960s. Located in Southwest National Park, and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), the 69 kilometre Western Arthur Range Traverse covers extensive, rugged topography and funnels walkers through narrow corridors throughout much of the range.

The landscape that contributes to the area's World Heritage values is made up of steep slopes, alpine moorlands and glacial lakes. The ranges are a geological delight, composed almost exclusively of ​​deformed Precambrian quartzite and quartz schist. Walkers will mainly journey through alpine heath and alpine scrub vegetation. Elsewhere, buttongrass heath is widespread and scrub, wet forest and patches of rainforest occur on the lower slopes.


The Western Arthur Range Traverse can be experienced from Alpha Moraine to Kappa Moraine in 5 to 7 days. Those only wishing to walk into Lake Cygnus or Lake Oberon and back will need to set aside 3 to 4 days. ​Walkers will need to register for each of these options.​

Western Arthur Range Traverse map Buy a map from TasMap

All walkers should purchase and carry the TASMAP 1:50,000 Western Arthur map​.

The start of the Western Arthur Range is at the Huon Campground, 81km west of Mount Field on the Scotts Peak road via Maydena.

Fuel is not available past Maydena 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 are toilets, parking, water and other amenities available at the Huon Campground. There are additional toilets available at Junction Creek, Lake Cygnus, Lake Oberon, High Moor and Haven Lake.

​A maximum of 12 independent walkers can depart on any given day, register early to avoid missing out. The 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. 

There are no huts along this track. Several of the campsites have tent platforms installed to avoid damage to the sensitive alpine vegetation.​

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. ​

​​​​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, including ​EPIRBHire and The Bushwalking Blog.​ 

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

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

​​​​​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