South/West NP Day Walk Recommendations

[katefawcettbradley]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to this forum so bare with me!
I am heading over to Tassie again in a few weeks and was after some day walks along Gordon River Road. My list so far includes:

• The Needles
• Sentinels
• Mount Wedge

But am looking for further recommendations from people who commonly venture into the area. I’ll be going solo so nothing too crazy (was considering Mount Sprent but I’ve read a few things that makes me want to save that for when I have a buddy).

All opinions and recommendation greatly appreciated!

Kate.

[L_Cham_67]

Those 3 are probably the pick of the bunch, although another option is Mt Mueller, but that's a little more demanding and not actually on the Gordon River Road; it's off it by a few kms. Clear Hill likewise is a great walk, but that's 20km up a gravel road...
There's a few good little short/very short walks on the road out: Junee Cave, Marriott's Falls, Twisted Sister/Timbs Track, heck, even the Creepy Crawly Walk! (which is more of a place to stretch the legs to be honest...)
I'm yet to do Mt Sprent so I can't tell you what that's like, and there might be some off track options, but I'm not really sure on what they're like.

[whynotwalk]

Hi Kate - welcome to the forum. All the walks you mention are worthy. The Needles and the Sentinel Range are a little less straightforward that Mt Wedge, but no particular problems if you have favourable weather.

Further down, off the Scotts Pk Rd, the walk from Condominium Creek up to High Camp (Mt Eliza) Hut is a classic. It’s the start of the Anne Circuit, but well worth doing as a steep there & back day walk. If you’re happy with scrambling up large dolerite boulder fields, and again if the weather is kind, the climb to the Eliza Plateau, with stunning views down over Lake Judd, is really worth some extra effort.

I’d recommend getting an up-to-date weather forecast for the day(s) you plan to go there. SW weather is different (!) You can either get it on line (say for Strathgordon) or from the notice board at Mt Field NP visitor centre.

Enjoy this wonderful part of Tassie!

cheers

Peter

[johnw]

Hi Kate, As a fairly regular Tassie visitor, with a spouse who doesn't walk, I'm always looking for things that pretty much match your requirements. I've done all three that you mention. In order of difficulty I'd rank them 1. Sentinels 2. Wedge 3. Needles. Another easy-ish option well worth considering is Twelvetrees Range (partly trackless). As Peter said all best done in good weather. I'll probably be researching the area again soon for a planned visit at the end of the year.

[eggs]

Recently did Mt Sprent from near the end of the road.
Wonderful day walk.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Recently did Mt Sprent from near the end of the road.
Wonderful day walk.

Have to agree with Eggs. Have done Sprent a few times and in good weather the views are second to none. A good track goes all the way to the top, it is a very easy walk.

[wander]

I'd echo the good solid track up Sprent comments.

And the views even only 1/2 way up are worth the trouble. So if you reach your turn around prior to the peak you will still have a great wander. Subject to usual SW weather caveats.

[doogs]

Clear Hill is another fantastic walk not too far off Gordon River road. The track is fairly straightforward (once you find the start). It's easily done as a relatively short day walk and the views are very pleasant.

[Doonish]

Agree about Clear Hill, straightforward and such pleasant walking.

Another option that hasn't been mentioned yet is Mt. Cullen, which is offtrack, but virtually all buttongrass if you take the right lead. Some info on the forums at http://www.bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12888&p=170666&hilit=cullen#p170666.

[katefawcettbradley]

Wow thanks so much guys, that's great information!

I think I will be adding Sprent to the list after getting your more up to date reviews Good tips with checking the Mount Field weather board too.

Furthermore, would Ted's beach be my best bet for camping within the region specified. I plan on staying in Mount Field a few nights as well but hoping for somewhere in amongst your recommended walks for a few days too.

Thanks again!

Kate.

[north-north-west]

Do Timbs track too. Some lovely forest and a good lookout on the way.

There's also a good off-track climb up Mt Cullen. It's still fairly open from the fires, so scrub isn't an issue.