The Western Arthurs: A Cautionary Tale

[whynotwalk]

The dubious descent to Lake Oberon

Occasionally, in my former work with Tas. Parks & Wildlife, I was called on to advise would-be bushwalkers. A number of times I was asked about the Western Arthurs. I’d been there in the 1980s, and it still remains one of the most profound walking experiences of my life. But I was cautious in how I advised walkers, because I knew my youthful experience - 6 fine days out of 7 - is not normal. And I knew it was one of the most challenging, reasonably accessible, walks in Tasmania.

In January this year I had a somewhat different 6 day experience in the Arthurs. And all those warnings about terrain and weather came back to haunt me. Yes, the track is much clearer now than it was 35 years ago. And yes, there are more people walking the track. There are even hardened tent sites and toilets. But it’s still a walk that will challenge even the fittest of walkers.

I’ve just finished a 3 part blog about my return to the Arthurs. It starts here:
http://www.naturescribe.com/2017/06/bac ... s-for.html

Cheers

Peter

[Thornbill]

Great writing Peter, as always. A very enjoyable read.

[whynotwalk]

Many thanks Thornbill.

[philm]

Excellent write up of the trip. Its a great lesson you tell about making the best decisions in the conditions - experience is a tough teacher as it gives you the result first and the lesson afterwards!

[north-north-west]

That's the WArthurs - the most Tasmanian weather of anywhere in Tasmania.

Last time in there I had nearly 40 degree heat one day and a freezing downpour with flooded creeks the next.

[cajun]

Fantastic read thanks.

[JohnR]

Yes great read thanks Peter.

Make sure you give it another crack.

I did my third trip (although this time only A to K) in early January 2017 and enjoyed every minute of it. We started off in poor weather and then got increasingly blue skies from Cygnus on. That early bad weather meant many parties turned around which inturn meant we had Haven Lake to ourselves on a bluebird day.

If you contemplated using a rope going down into Oberon then you'll definitely need one for descending the Tilted Chasm. From your experience and background no doubt you're all over the well know obstacles of the WAs.

Enjoy your next attempt and no doubt you'll time your departure so you have a good weather forecast for the backend of the walk. Just one of the many advantages of living in Tassie.

Cheers,

John

[beardless]

G'day Peter

Always enjoy reading your stories. It is good to be reminded of how hard it can be in such weather and the reality of what it is often like.

Earlier this year on a 14 day Arthur Range traverse we had the first seven days without rain and I still found Lake Oberon to Haven Lake some of the hardest walking I have experienced. You clearly made the right decision. It would be many times more difficult with wet rock and driving rain.