Bushwalk Australia

Hi!

A group of us are heading up to lake st clair this weekend? Does anyone have any recomendations on a good day walk in the area. Something a bit off the trourist trail would be perfect!

Hi Jack,

Great selection. I love the area and in recent weeks have camped in the snow on Mt Olympus and also up in the Labyrinth. Lots and lots of snow!

Are your group experienced with highland weather conditions and walking in the snow/ice and do you all have appropriate equipment? This is almost entirely what will determine the walks you can do up there this time of year...

Assuming there is a fair bit of snow at the moment, and assuming you are well equipped and experienced, you might try seeing how far you can get on the track to Mt Rufus, or up the Cuvier Valley to Lake Petrarch. Not many people that way at any time of year, but this time of year is fairly quiet in most areas. Even up the side of Lake St Clair would be a nice day stroll at this time of year - it would depend how fast you walk and the conditions as to whether you could do any round trips - out and back might have to suffice. Enjoy.

If the weather is nice Mt Rufus would be a cracking walk... take your snow shoes!

Here's what the car park looked like a few weeks ago and I would expect it will probably be much the same this weekend!

I'd suggest Little Hugel. Should be achievable in a day, and even if you don't make the summit, there are great views of a number of lakes along the way. Some nice forest too, with Pandanis and the like that look nice with a bit of snow.

If there's a lot of snow, it might be difficult to follow the track all the way to the top. If you do make it, and have visibilty, there are excellent views over the Cuvier valley to the cliffs of Mt Olympus.

Good luck

Wello

The amount of snow around and its condition will probably influence your decision. Little Hugel is an excellent suggestion. Mt Rufus may have too much snow. The Cuvier Valley can be a bit of a slog especially when wet, which it usually is, but it is the way to Mt Othyris (southern end of Olympus and off the beaten track) and can be done in a day. Have fun.

I'd have to say that in my opinion, Little Hugel has one of the best mountain views for a day walk in Tasmania (comparable to Pillenger). However, it would be tricky in Snow (although not high, so worth a shot if you're experienced).

However, even just a visit to Shadow Lake and ... the other lake just near there ... can't remember ... would make a nice day walk.

Forgotten Lake - somewhat appropriately named it would seem.

MJD wrote:The amount of snow around and its condition will probably influence your decision. Little Hugel is an excellent suggestion. Mt Rufus may have too much snow. The Cuvier Valley can be a bit of a slog especially when wet, which it usually is, but it is the way to Mt Othyris (southern end of Olympus and off the beaten track) and can be done in a day. Have fun.

I'd agree with the walk up to the two lakes. Both Shadow Lake and Forgotten Lake will keep the cameras busy - see here.

And don't forget Lake Solitude, a short step from the other two.They all make a pleasant round walk.
Depending on WHY you walk of course, we used to find all sorts of goodies to look at along the Lake Track towards Echo Point, although if it's covered in snow this is limited.A wander along the Hugel River from Shadow Lake towards Mt Hugel is also attractive with some very nice and photogenic plant life,Pandanis etc. If there is a light covering of snow you should see some wildlife there also.The walk to the top of Little Hugel is not too bad,as before mentioned, depending on the parties experience. I once found a set of Native Cat tracks on the rock at the summit just before I found myself standing above a Wedge Tailed Eagle soaring directly beneath me. The views terrific.
Great stuff.

Thanks for all your great ideas guys! Really appriciated it! Ended up doing the Shaddow Lake Circ which was incredible.


This is a photo i took around bronte park, i'll up load some more when i get a chance! just wanted to say thanx everyone!

Hi Jack, nice photo! What day was it taken? Look forward to seeing the other pics

Luke

Fizzygood wrote:Here's what the car park looked like a few weeks ago and I would expect it will probably be much the same this weekend!

That said we will be staying there a couple of nights shortly and planning a day walk (hopefully) on 15th August. I was thinking about the Shadow Lake circuit as we haven't done it (or any of the other elevated walks close by). Looks like it might be OK from other posts and pics. Any thoughts on this or other suggestions. I don't want to walk the lakeside side track to/from Narcissus or Echo Point. It's nice but we've walked it before to finish the OLT. I guess it will depend on the weather and amount of snow around. We don't own snowshoes, if needed can we hire them there?

Hi John,
Shadow Lake is one of my favourite campsites, so i'd definitely recommend it. A side trip to Little Hugel is a must if conditions are right... I agree with SoaB in that it's one of the best views you can get from a day walk.

dee_legg wrote:Hi John,
Shadow Lake is one of my favourite campsites, so i'd definitely recommend it. A side trip to Little Hugel is a must if conditions are right... I agree with SoaB in that it's one of the best views you can get from a day walk.

Thanks Dee. I've got it pencilled in for now and we'll see how the conditions are when we get there.