Lake Rhona

[dannypmccarthy]

I have a couple of questions that I was hoping might be answered. Going to Tasmania for the first time in mid-july and was hoping to do some walks while I was there, specifically Lake Rhona. Completely inexperienced when it comes to this type of thing so is it something I should attempt having never done walks or camping, especially in winter? Is the walk still open in winter? Will be going with someone else who is also inexperienced.

Thanks
Danny

[Azza]

Why Lake Rhona?

Possibly not a good idea for "completely inexperienced" - While the walk is not hard...
The Gordon River crossing is subject to flooding.
We've had a lot of rain recently if this continues through the winter months, you won't get across the log crossing.
And if you do there is a real likelihood of being stuck on the wrong size for a few days or a week or two if there is rain.
The catchment area is quite large so the river can rise quickly days after the rain.

From a safety point of view your options to retreat are limited if things go south you might be stuck and need rescuing.
Inexperienced in winter, bad weather, unfamiliar conditions, untested gear, soaking wet, hyperthermia, limited food, wrong side of river.
Its might not be the best way to get into "this type of thing."

[whynotwalk]

Hi Danny - a bold plan ... but as Azza says, Lake Rhona is not the walk to start with, especially at that time of the year. Finding the track head and getting across the Gordon River with winter flows would be your first obstacles. Then there's the mud of the Vale of Rasselas, some track-finding and navigation issues, and the fact that you'd be in the south-west of Tassie in the coolest, darkest and often windiest time of the year.

Don't get me wrong, this is a classic walk, and Lake Rhona is a gem. Nor is it one of the hardest of our walks. But it isn't straightforward for an inexperienced walker. At that time of the year, I'd be considering the Freycinet Circuit, Maria Island, or perhaps the Walls of Jerusalem (if you've got a robust tent, good winter clothes and a winter-rated sleeping bag).

cheers

Peter

[Geevesy]

Dunno about you guys, but that time of year I'd rather be in a hut...

The OT or parts of is really nice in winter - firstly it is quiet, secondly it is free, thirdly the tracks and infrastructure are good so you can be "semi" comfortable whilst it's -10 deg outside...

If you are just getting into walking and perhaps don't have the gear, I'd seriously consider the three capes (despite the cost). Freycinet is also very nice that time of year too as mentioned above.

Like the others have said, the Gordon is a risk any time in winter.

[GPSGuided]

That's a pretty crazy plan if one have had no experience with wild walks and camping, let alone in winter and in Tasmania. I have to say it, but it's outright dangerous.

There are so many nice and easier walks in Tasmania, so try something compatible with one's skills and let there be no future regrets.


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[Strider]

New to bushwalking and lacking experience, and likely also lacking good quality gear...take a look at Freycinet. It's a fantastic walk. Easy track to follow and the risks are low.

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[dannypmccarthy]

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.