Lake Rhona Walk

[Aztec]

Hi Guys,
Has anyone done the Lake Rhona (TAS) walk recently? What's the walk like? How's the camping there?

I'm thinking of doing it with my daughter...

[ILUVSWTAS]

The walk is nice, the camping involves alot of poo.

[Aztec]

The walk is nice, the camping involves alot of poo.

Ummm...? I may need some clarification lol

[dee_legg]

Do a search for Lake Rhona and you'll get all the clarification you need! In short... no toilet+lazy bushwalkers= lots of poo around the campsite and a compromised drinking water catchment. Using a poo tube is recommended.

I hear it's beautiful though so have fun!

[Strider]

The walk is boring as batshit. The destination is incredible. The poo problem, however, is unsightly.

[stepbystep]

I think the walk in is great. You cross the Gordon River pass through the ruins of Gordonvale and the Vale of Raselass in summer has a multitude of wildflower species, some tarns, cooling streams and great views of The Thumbs, Mt Wright and Reeds Peak leading you on. I guess some get more than others!
For your daughter you may want her to be prepared for a pretty long day and their are several muddy sections to the track. I'd also advise spending 2 nights so you can explore the range above the lake. It's really cool up there:)

[Strider]

That is true SBS - five hours of stimping through mud took the shine of it a bit perhaps!

[stepbystep]

That's why I advi people to stay a cpl nights or all they remember is the walk in and out!

[Strider]

Well I did do it as an overnighter!

[pazzar]

I love the walk in. There are only a couple of muddy sections, watch out coming out of Gordonvale - there are a couple of big holes there. I can't wait to get back in there this summer - visit number 5 for me!

[Mechanic-AL]

Can't really understand doing it as an overnighter ( unless really pressed for time ). A couple of nights means the chance to have a day wandering around on top of the range and a second night can always be spent at Gordonvale on the way out leaving a short easy walk out in the morning.
Read up on the history of Gordonvale and the Vale of Rasselas too. Makes a "batshit boring" walk way more interesting!

AL.

[sowestas]

Walk is well worth the effort. Went again in August this year on a solo trip in perfect conditions. Note that the access road had lots of fallen trees and after recent windy weather there may be more down if not many people have been through. Log crossing of the Gordon was just above water - wouldn't want to be trying to cross after heavy rain or, worse, be stuck on the other side as has happened to some this year. Track is easy to follow across the buttongrass, and finishes with a decent climb up to the lake. Agree with the recommendation to allow at least two nights so that there is a full day to climb Great Dome, Reeds Peak, Bonds Craig etc - a lovely circuit

Photo shows the lake from Reeds Peak, and the Vale which the track follows before the climb to the lake.

The setting of the beach and campsite makes it all worthwhile.

The campsite is in the scrub behind the beach. As you can see, it's only a few minutes walk to do what the signs request and do doo-doos outside the lake catchment.

[tigercat]

great photos sowestas, I have not been there yet, maybe this summer!

[tigercat]

I think the walk in is great. You cross the Gordon River pass through the ruins of Gordonvale and the Vale of Raselass in summer has a multitude of wildflower species, some tarns, cooling streams and great views of The Thumbs, Mt Wright and Reeds Peak leading you on. I guess some get more than others!

Good to hear, I have been a bit put off by tales of a long bog trot!

[Senji_Man]

Does anyone have a recommendation of a safe water source since obviously anything near the lake is going to be suspect.

[Strider]

Does anyone have a recommendation of a safe water source since obviously anything near the lake is going to be suspect.

There is a creek just before you start climbing the up to the lake, as well as several others before it. Can't remember if the last one is the same as that exiting the lake - would be best to check the map to be sure.

[Mechanic-AL]

There is a water source flowing directly into Lake Rohna off the range. It enters the lake directly below Reeds Peak. I have used water from this little creek a few times with no problems.

AL

[Wilkography]

A must do walk, I stayed at the smaller campsite and no "poo" problems. Climb up to the ridge above the main walking track that leads you into Rhona for a beautiful sunrise.

The water coming into the crater was fine to drink but there was a little bush bashing to get to a running source.

Beautiful spot.

[JohnR]

Can anyone who has been into Lake Rhona recently please update me on the condition of the campsite.

Has it been busy recently and if so has this had an impact?

Cheers

[whynotwalk]

Just saw this update on Lake Rhona access on the Parks facebook page.

Walkers accessing Lake Rhona via Richea creek are advised that the access road beyond Range Road and Tiger Road is indefinitely closed due to windfalls. Forestry Tasmania have been contacted. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service apologises for any inconvenience caused. For further enquiries contact Mount Field Field Centre on 6288 1149.

That will add a bit of time to the first day's walk (not sure how far back the windfalls are - call Mt Field for details),

cheers

Peter

[stepbystep]

Thanks Peter was meant to walk in tonight. Good info!

[icefest]

If anyone finds out how far it's closed I'd appreciate the knowledge, if not, I'll call P&W in the new year.

[north-north-west]

Thanks Peter was meant to walk in tonight. Good info!

Just take the chainsaw with you.

[whynotwalk]

No chainsaw needed - the trees have now been cleared, according to the Parks Facebook page.

[north-north-west]

No chainsaw needed - the trees have now been cleared, according to the Parks Facebook page.

Quick work. Be interesting to find out what the river crossing is like given the weather we've been having.

[JohnR]

Yes agree. Also state of campsite and numbers would be good.

Any chance of icefest or stepbystep providing an update on your return? Much appreciated.

Cheers

[whynotwalk]

An update on the update - from the Parks facebook page. There's access Jim ... but not as we knew it

Due to windfalls on the normal access road to Lake Rhona, please be advised that access is now via the following changed route: Junction of Gordon River Road & Florentine Road: Odometer 0; Drive along Florentine Road for 20 km, where you'll come to the junction of Florentine/Eleven Road (Odometer 20); Turn left into Eleven Road; Eleven Road changes name to Gittus Road. Drive for 11 km along Eleven/Gittus Road (Odometer 31). At a T junction, turn left, drive for 1.2 km (Odometer 32.2) Turn left onto Range Road, drive for 3.3 km (Odometer 35.; Turn let onto Terry Walsh Road, drive for 3.2 km. Carpark for Lake Rhona is at the end of this road. (Odometer 39).

cheers

Peter

[north-north-west]

An update on the update - from the Parks facebook page. There's access Jim ... but not as we knew it

Due to windfalls on the normal access road to Lake Rhona, please be advised that access is now via the following changed route: Junction of Gordon River Road & Florentine Road: Odometer 0; Drive along Florentine Road for 20 km, where you'll come to the junction of Florentine/Eleven Road (Odometer 20); Turn left into Eleven Road; Eleven Road changes name to Gittus Road. Drive for 11 km along Eleven/Gittus Road (Odometer 31). At a T junction, turn left, drive for 1.2 km (Odometer 32.2) Turn left onto Range Road, drive for 3.3 km (Odometer 35.; Turn let onto Terry Walsh Road, drive for 3.2 km. Carpark for Lake Rhona is at the end of this road. (Odometer 39).

You'd think they could at least allow for the inaccuracy of my odometer. Honestly, public servants just can't get anything right . . .

[Mountain Rocket]

The tree across the access road to Lake Rhona has been cleared; Access is now back to normal.

From the Parks facebook page.

[stepbystep]

Access was fine if you took the Eleven Road etc...we went down NYE. Problem was of course the swollen Gordon, helicopter rescues, missing walkers, police presence etc...

Never let anyone let you believe the Lake Rhona walk is a cuppa tea. Lotsa variables to take into account!