Mount Anne Circuit

Distance 24km | Climb 1,526m | Descent 1,539m | High point 1,423m

The Mount Anne Circuit is a challenging multi-day hike in Tasmania’s Southwest National Park, offering dramatic views and remote wilderness. Spanning approximately 24km, including a side-trip to the summit of Mount Anne, the circuit traverses rugged terrain, high-altitude ridges and pristine forests. It typically takes three to four days to complete and requires advanced hiking experience and careful preparation.

The trail is physically demanding and requires advanced hiking skills. It includes steep ascents, descents, exposed ridgelines and sections requiring scrambling.

Hiking the Mount Anne Circuit

Day 1: Condominium Creek to High Camp (3.6km, 2–3 hours)
The trail begins at the Condominium Creek car park with a steep and demanding ascent of 900m to High Camp. This section is challenging and should only be undertaken by experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. High Camp provides basic facilities, including an emergency shelter hut, a toilet and tent sites. There is also a water tank. Walkers are strongly advised to refill here, as water sources are scarce until Lonely Tarns. Hikers can either camp overnight at High Camp or continue on to Shelf Camp, depending on their schedule and weather conditions.

Day 2: High Camp to Shelf Camp (3.1km, 2–3 hours)
This section is highly exposed and involves extensive rock scrambling and navigation. A good map and compass are essential, as the route crosses large boulder fields and open terrain. The trail begins with a scramble up the boulder field above High Camp, leading to Mount Eliza (1,289m). From here, the track crosses the Eliza Plateau and continues over boulder fields near Eve Peak (1,388m). At a junction, walkers can either summit Mount Anne (1,413m) as a side trip or proceed directly to Shelf Camp.

Shelf Camp is on a rock slab and is extremely exposed to the northeast, making it vulnerable to strong winds. A self-supporting tent is essential, and securing it with rocks is recommended. The campsite has a toilet pod, and the maximum stay is three nights.

Day 2 or 3 side trip: Mount Anne summit (2km return, 2 hours)
The summit of Mount Anne offers expansive views but should only be attempted in good weather and visibility. The route involves significant exposure and challenging rock scrambling, with some walkers using safety lines for added security. Experience with heights is essential. At 1,423m, Mount Anne is the highest peak in Southwest National Park, providing panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Day 3: Shelf Camp to Lonely Tarns (3km, 4.5–6.5 hours)
This section of the circuit is particularly demanding. Walkers face exposed terrain, limited water sources and technical obstacles. The route includes The Notch, a challenging section requiring pack hauling and a 15m rope. Boulder hopping and careful navigation are common throughout this stretch. After traversing the difficult terrain, walkers reach the Lonely Tarns campsite. Lonely Tarns provides tent platforms with anchoring chains and a toilet pod.

Day 4: Lonely Tarns to Red Tape Creek (12km, 4.5–7 hours)
The final section of the circuit begins with varied terrain, including planking, rock slabs and muddy patches, as the trail ascends to Sarah Jane Plateau. The descent to Red Tape Creek features extensive planking and bridges, which help protect the surrounding environment.

Walkers must arrange transport at the end of the circuit, as the trailhead at Condominium Creek is 8km from Red Tape Creek along Scotts Peak Road.

Practical details

The trailhead is at Condominium Creek, around two hours’ drive from Hobart along the Scotts Peak Dam Road. Parking is available, but the area is not served by public transport.

There are no facilities along the Mount Anne Circuit. Campsites are basic, offering flat ground but no infrastructure. Hikers must carry all supplies, including food, water and waste disposal equipment.

A Parks Pass is required to access Southwest National Park. Hikers should register their trip with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service before departure.

Scotts Peak Dam Road, Southwest TAS 7116
Website parks.tas.gov.au