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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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Closed area: Changes to Access West Picton Road and Huon Track - Eastern Arthur Range Traverse - Southwest National Park
Applies from 1/9/2026

​​West Picton Road is closed at Cook Creek due to the deterioration of three structures along the road. Alternative vehicle parking ​has been created next to the road closure. The Eastern Arthur Range Traverse requires an extra 6.1km (one-way) walk along West Picton Road from the closure to the former trailhead at Farmhouse Creek.

​West Picton Road Spur 1 has also been closed at Cook Creek. A 3-4 vehicle parking area has been created next to the road closure. ​The Mount Picton Track requires an extra 1.5km (return) walk along West Picton Road Spur 1 from the closure to the former trailhead.

The Huon Track has been heavily impacted by a large number of fallen trees, making the track extremely difficult to follow. We recommend that walkers access the northern end of the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse via Huon Campground and the Arthur Plains. ​

Both the Eastern Arthur Range Traverse and Mount Picton walking tracks are open.​

Last reviewed 1/9/2026 04:06 PM

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

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.
You must be an experienced and skilled bushwalker to complete this walk. Expect steep cliffs, exposed rock, difficult navigation, heavy packs, and unpredictable weather. It is a demanding and technically challenging multi‑day hike. Bushwalkers have died attempting this track.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Bookings:

You must​ 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 Western Arthurs Traverse is located in Southwest National Park, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The range is known for its unusual geology, containing ancient quartzite and quartz schist. It features steep slopes, alpine moorlands, and glacial lakes. The walk traverses rugged and exposed rocky sections for much of its length. 

The main vegetation consists of Alpine heath and scrub. Buttongrass plains and temperate rainforest feature on the lower slopes.

The full traverse from Alpha Moraine to Kappa Moraine typically takes 5–7 days. Shorter trips to Lake Cygnus or Lake Oberon and return usually take 3–4 days.

Registration is required​ for all walking options.

This is a challenging and rewarding walk suited for experienced, well‑prepared bushwalkers. Use our Walk Notes​​ to determine if this is a suitable walk for you. 

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 that you can search via the internet.​ 

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

More information

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

​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

Walker Safety Message - Multiday Walks Grades 4 and 5 - Alpine

Grade 4 and 5 Multi-day walks in alpine environments are challenging and require careful planning. Most of these walks include steep climbs, rocky ground, deep mud, cliffs, and sections that require navigation or rock scrambling. The weather in Tasmania's alpine areas can change quickly. Snow, rain, strong wind and sun can occur at any time of year.

These areas are often remote, and people can get lost, injured, or affected by weather exposure. Attempts to rescue people may take significant time, or may not be possible. Deaths have occurred.

These walks are recommended for walkers who have significant bushwalking experience. Bushwalking clubs are a good way to build skills such as navigation, managing weather, and choosing the right equipment. Walks should be chosen to match the skills, fitness, and experience of everyone in the group. The track classification guide explains the difficulty grading of each walk.

Good preparation is essential. Walkers should carry equipment suitable for all weather conditions and unplanned scenarios. See our list of recommended items to take on multi-day walks and alpine walks on our Safety In Parks page.

Learn about the dangers of cold by watching the hypothermia safety video.

For more information on safety and equipment, see Safety in parks. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles)