Western Arthurs Traverse

The Western Arthur’s Traverse will commence with pick-up from your Launceston CBD accommodation between 8am and 8.30am on Day 1 of the tour. A full pre-departure briefing will be held at our office. The briefing will be approximately 2 hours in duration. You will then take part in an afternoon training walk to get to know your guides & fellow walkers. This walk will be used by your guides to provide them with insight into the overall preparation you have undertaken for the traverse and give them a solid idea of your technical skill level and fitness. The training day location may be weather and group dependent. The training day will include off track navigation, boulder scrambling, basic team work skills, height exposure and a high degree of fitness. Possible training day locations are: - Mt Arthur - Mt Barrow - Ben Lomond Plateau A picnic lunch will be provided & you will be dropped at the group hotel in Launceston in the late afternoon. You will have the evening free to finalise your packing and explore Launceston. NOTE – Walking times are averages for a fit group unimpeded by severe weather conditions and further group dynamics that could affect the overall length of the day Walking Distance: 6-8km. Walking Time: 4-6 hours

Meals:  L,D

We depart Launceston at 6:00am and transfer to Scott's Peak Dam. The drive takes around 4 hours (plus breaks) and rest stops are made underway at Campbelltown, Brighton and New Norfolk. Morning tea is provided en route to the Huon Campsite near Scott's Peak. After a light lunch we commence our trek to Junction Creek along a well-defined track, crossing numerous smaller creek systems. This section of the trail can be very interesting in wet conditions. Traditionally camp is set up around 5pm on this day. Walking Distance: 9km. Walking Time: 3-4 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

We depart camp this morning at around 8am, and we continue along the Port Davey Track until branching off to the base of Alpha Moraine. This is a long, exposed and steady 2-3 hour climb. Once at the top of the ascent, the relatively easy trek on to our next camp at Lake Cygnus takes us around numerous rocky outcrops and sub-alpine moorland. Walking Distance: 9km. Walking Time: 5-8 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we climb the first of the high peaks, Mt Hayes. The trail continues on to Square Lake where we aim to have lunch. The exposed section between Mt Sirios and Mt Orion provides a good challenge and the first steep descent along the traverse takes us into the chasm and to our camp at Lake Oberon. This descent will require packs to be hauled and full concentration on rock scrambling. Walking Distance: 5km. Walking Time: 4-6 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breaking camp early the traverse becomes significantly more physical. The trek takes us through numerous gullies and climbing sections, where pack hauling will be essential and team work paramount. Mt Pegasus is tackled early on, followed by Mt Capricorn where traditionally lunch is had in good weather before a significant descent taking around 2 hours. The day is highlighted with expansive views of the south west and large remnants of past glacial activity in the region. Walking Distance: 5km. Walking Time: 6-8 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a possible contingency/rest day. This day may fall anywhere within the itinerary depending on group and weather conditions.

Meals:  B,L,D

This day takes us through the jagged peaks of the “Beggary Bumps” / “Buggered Bumps”. After a relatively easy warm up we encounter the steep and difficult descent into the Tilted Chasm, which takes up to 3 hours. Negotiating the final route through this section of the Arthurs is challenging and rewarded with easier walking towards the end of the day. Depending on weather and group dynamics an optional side trip to Mt Taurus can be offered before descending into camp at Haven Lake. Walking Distance: 4km. Walking Time: 6-8 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early and easy side trip can be offered to Mt Alderbaren (3 hours) before continuing with an enjoyable walk down Kappa Moraine to the McKay Track junction to camp for the night. Walking Distance: 5km. Walking Time: 4-6 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

From our camp we walk the McKays track back to Scott's Peak Dam, we will be met by our driver and stay the night with a BBQ feast in the bush. Walking Distance: 15km. Walking Time: 6-9 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

We wake this morning and drive back to Launceston where the trip concludes.

Meals:  B