Location: Southwest National Park
Length: 12 kilometres return
Grade: 4 (bushwalking experience recommended for steep grades and sparse signage)
Distance from: Hobart - 135 km, Launceston - 278 km, Devonport - 316 km
Southwest National Park is a Tasmanian treasure. Consuming nearly the entire southwest quadrant of the island, this protected swath of land is as wild as it gets. There are no roads carved into this pristine patch of wilderness save for a few tracks that take you to the outskirts. The only way to explore this park is by foot, boat or plane.
Two of the tallest peaks in the park are Mount Eliza and Mount Anne. Eliza is the shorter and safer walk with the indomitable Mount Anne towering off to the northeast. The beauty of the Mount Eliza walk hits you right at outset as you climb through buttongrass plains to colourful Alpine Heights. And with Mount Anne looming in the distance, you'll get extraordinary views of Lake Pedder and the Franklin Range.
You'll have to take the famous Lyell Highway into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to New Norfolk where you'll link up with the Gordon River Road. Follow this beautiful road for 60 kilometres before taking a left on Scotts Peak Road for another 21 kilometres to find the Condominium Creek carpark and the trailhead to both the Mount Eliza and Mount Anne walks.
The drive from Hobart takes about 2 hours and 41 minutes over 135 kilometres. Launceston sits 278 kilometres away making the drive 4.5 hours. Devonport, Tasmania's north coast port city, is 316 kilometres away and nearly a 5-hour drive.
The trail starts at the Condominium Creek carpark. You'll start a steep ascent east right away. The first few kilometres are the most difficult but you'll be rewarded with better views of Lake Pedder and the Franklin Range with every step. All you need to do is turn around to look west every time you stop to catch your breath.
You'll climb nearly 700 metres in the first few kilometres with two mountain saddles to break up the ascent. It's on a well-graded gravel track with some boardwalk. The walk meanders through buttongrass plains before breaking into Alpine highlands just below Mount Eliza's plateau. And just before you break the timberline, there's a side trail that takes you to High Camp Hut where you'll find water and composting toilets.
You might want to hydrate for the last bit of the climb as it takes you up a boulder scree. It is very steep and exhausting but the views from the plateau are worth it. Once atop the Mount Eliza's plateau, you'll have panoramic views of some of the wildest lands on planet Earth. Head over to the northeast side of the plateau, towards the snowcapped Mount Anne in the distance, to get a towering view of Lake Judd below. The trail then climbs back down the mountain exactly the way you came for nearly 12 kilometres return.
Always tell someone of your hiking plans before entering Southwest National Park. It is a remote stretch of land and you'll need someone to report you missing for a search to be conducted.
Alpine highlands in Tasmania are known for unpredictable weather where you can experience rain, sleet, snow, hail and heavy fog at a moment's notice. Remember High Camp Hut if you are stuck in incliment weather on the trail and always pack warm clothes, plenty of water and food.
The last bit of the hike requires a high level of physical fitness as you scramble up a steep rock scree. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes with plenty of traction.
