Walking Tours Yarrangobilly

Are you ready for the ultimate hiking challenge in Tasmania and Australia? Join us on the Western Arthur Range Traverse, a 58 km full pack hike that will test your skills, stamina and spirit.
Experience the rugged beauty of the Western Arthur Range, a remote and spectacular mountain range in the Southwest National Park. Hike along the exposed ridge, scramble over rocky peaks, camp by pristine lakes and enjoy breathtaking views. This is not a hike for the faint-hearted, but for the adventurous and experienced hikers who want to conquer one of the most difficult and rewarding wilderness hikes in the world. If you are an intermediate hiker, completed some challenging hikes and have good fitness please contact us to discuss coming along. Book your spot today and prepare for an adventure to remember.
Day 1 is Sunday but if you likely arrive in Hobart on Saturday we can arrange pick up from the airport for you (no need to book transfers) and you are welcome to join us as we enjoy Hobart. We will also be organising a catch up Saturday evening around 6pm. We will send out an invite to you for dinner and drinks provided by us Saturday night. If you would like twin share accommodation in Hobart Saturday night we will also provide the accommodation.
Day 1: Hobart to Junction Creek
We will pick you up from Hobart airport or your accommodation in the morning and drive to Scotts Peak, the start of the hike. The drive will take about 3 hours and we will stop for lunch along the way. Lunch is provided.
We will begin the hike from Scotts Peak and follow the Huon Track to Junction Creek, where we will set up our camp for the night. The hike is 8.4 km and will take about 3-4 hours. The track is well-defined, with gentle hills and multiple creek crossings. Sections of the track can be very muddy, so be prepared to walk through the mud to protect the surrounding vegetation.
We will have dinner at the campsite and enjoy the views of the Arthur Plains and the Western Arthur Range.
Day 2: Junction Creek to Lake Cygnus
After breakfast, we will pack up our camp and continue the hike to Lake Cygnus. The hike is 7.3 km and will take about 4-6 hours. We will take the Port Davey Track to the Western Arthur Range and climb up the Alpha Moraine to the crest of the range. The track is clearly visible and climbs 800 metres in elevation over 3 kilometres to a very exposed crest. The views from the top are spectacular, but also subject to changing weather conditions, so be prepared for wind, rain, fog, or perhaps snow.
After a moor crossing, we will pass below the summit of Mount Hesperus and require some boulder hopping and rock scrambling. On reaching the saddle between Mount Hesperus and The Capella Crags, we will descend steeply to Lake Cygnus, where we will camp for the night. The lake is one of the many beautiful glacial lakes in the range and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks.
We will have dinner at the campsite and relax by the lake.


Day 3: Lake Cygnus to Lake Oberon
After breakfast, we will pack up our camp and continue the hike to Lake Oberon. The hike is 4.2 km and will take about 2.5-4 hours. The track follows the crest of the Western Arthur Range and is very exposed to the weather. We will pass Mount Hayes and several steep climbs in and out of rocky gullies, with some rock scrambling required. The route is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views of the range and the lakes below.
We will reach a junction below the Mount Orion saddle, where we will take the right-hand track down to the Lake Oberon campsite. The descent from the saddle is steep, very rough and some rock scrambling is required. Lake Oberon is another stunning glacial lake, with a distinctive island in the middle. The campsite is on a small peninsula and offers great views of the lake and the mountains.
We will have dinner at the campsite and enjoy the scenery.


Day 4: Lake Oberon to Haven Lake
After breakfast, we will pack up our camp and continue the hike to Haven Lake. The hike is 5.6 km and will take about 4-6 hours. The track is the most difficult section of the traverse, with many steep ascents and descents, narrow ledges, and exposed ridges. We will need to use our hands and feet to climb over rocks and boulders, and be careful of loose rocks and slippery surfaces. The route is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who love a challenge and a thrill.


We will pass by several peaks, such as Mount Pegasus, Mount Capricorn, and Mount Sirius, and cross several saddles, such as the notorious Beggary Bumps and the Knife Blade. The views along the way are breathtaking, with sheer cliffs, jagged peaks, and deep valleys. We will also see many more glacial lakes, such as Lake Uranus, Lake Ceres, and Lake Fortuna.


We will reach Haven Lake, where we will camp for the night. Haven Lake is aptly named, as it offers a welcome respite from the harsh terrain and weather. The lake is calm and serene, and the campsite is sheltered and spacious.


We will have dinner at the campsite and rest our weary legs.


Day 5: Haven Lake to Lake Rosanne
After breakfast, we will pack up our camp and continue the hike to Lake Rosanne. The hike is 6.7 km and will take about 4-6 hours. The track is slightly easier than the previous day, but still involves some steep climbs and descents, and some rock scrambling. We will pass by Mount Taurus and Mount Scorpio, and cross the High Moor, a large plateau with many small tarns and pools. The High Moor is often boggy and wet, so be prepared to get your feet wet.
We will reach Lake Rosanne, where we will camp for the night. Lake Rosanne is another beautiful glacial lake, with clear water and a sandy beach. The campsite is on the eastern shore of the lake and offers great views of the lake and the range.
We will have dinner at the campsite and enjoy the sunset.


Day 6: Haven Lake to Scotts Peak
After breakfast, we will pack up our camp and finish the traverse. The hike is 15.2 km and will take 6-8 hours. The track is mostly downhill and follows the Arthur Plains Track to Scotts Peak. The track is well-defined, but can be very muddy and slippery in places. We will need to watch our step and walk through the mud to protect the vegetation.


The track passes by several creeks and rivers, such as the Arthur River, the Cracroft River and the Spring River. We will need to cross these waterways carefully and avoid getting wet or swept away. We will also enjoy the views of the plains and the forests as we hike back to the car park.


We will drive to Cape Raoul, where we will stay overnight at a hotel. We will have dinner at the hotel and rest after the long hike.


Day 7: Cape Raoul to Hobart
After breakfast, we will visit Cape Raoul, a spectacular coastal feature with towering cliffs and rock formations. You will have the add on choice of exploring Cape Raoul by helicopter or sea kayak or both or private charter boat with the kayak group.


These are additional cost to the tour cost. We will also see some wildlife, such as wallabies, echidnas and seabirds.


We will have lunch at the cape and then drive back to Hobart, which will take about 1.5 hours. We will check in to our accommodation in Hobart and have some free time to explore the city.
We will visit some of the attractions in Hobart, such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Salamanca Market, the Battery Point Historic District, or the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
We will have dinner at a restaurant and enjoy the nightlife of Hobart.


Day 8: Hobart
The tour is set to end at 2pm. If you need to leave Hobart to get back home you can leave the tour at any time during this day.
If you are able to stay for some of the day or all day this is the relaxed plan.
After fully cooked breakfast, we will enjoy the sites and sound of Hobart. Take in the Derwent River, visiting the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). We will also visit some of the other attractions in Hobart, such as the Cascade Brewery (lunch), the Maritime Museum of Tasmania and the Hobart Convict Penitentiary. It is laid back and casual, therefore if we ike a place we may stay there longer and cut short the itinerary.
At 1400 or any time required during the day we will drop you off at the airport or your accommodation and end the tour.
We will be issuing a pack list and some of the pack list is compulsory. Example you will need gloves that keep your hands warm in alpine areas (not necessarily the gloves you use at Thredbo skiing) plus a whole lot of other gear.
We will be taking substantial safety gear to ensure this is a safe hike.
Cost $975.00pp
What's Included:
3 nights twin share accommodation. 3 and 4 star
2 transfers between the airport and Hobart
3 dinners
3 breakfasts
Extensive safety equipment for the trip including a beacon.
Extensive first aid carried on the trip
All transport to the hike start, to Cape Raoul and back to Hobart.
Full pack list for the hike.
Entry and transport costs to activities in Hobart.
Extensive planning and consultation for the trip
What's not included
All lunches
All food during the hike. You must bring all food for the hike and carry it in a full pack.
Lets do it! Lets add one of the most challenging hikes in Australia to the done list.