Saturday 2/03/2024 Mount Murchison Track Carpark on B28 – Mount Murchison Track – Mount Murchison (1278m)
Mount Murchison Regional Reserve, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
I was keen to do this walk as it is considered one of the best day walks in Tasmania. We planned to complete the parkrun at Zeehan, Tasmania’s newest parkrun for event number 4 and hike tomorrow. The weather however had different ideas. With showers and wind forecast for Sunday and a fine afternoon today we had to make it happen.
Max elevation: 1276 m
Total climbing: 752 m
Total descent: -744 m
Average speed: 2.10 km/h
Total time: 04:32:39
We had a slow start after we had a look at the spray tunnel in Zeehan, battled with an automated petrol station, went back to Zeehan to find Steve’s lost AirTag, and had lunch before finally starting the walk just after 1:30pm. So with the official time listed as five hours, we knew we would have a late finish.
The climbing started as soon as we left the road and was fairly unrelenting. The beautiful mossy forest was a distraction but with multiple tree roots which were quite slippery care needed to be taken. The trail climbs steadily through the forest until all of a sudden you emerge from the trees and the vistas start to emerge. There was a gorgeous tarn fed by a waterfall and the views just kept on getting better. The trail was quite good but we needed to be on the look out for orange arrows or rock cairns to ensure we stayed on route.
There was really only one challenging section, which was a steeper rock section that was wet and potentially slippery. I believe there was a rope here at some stage but not today. Once we passed this section the trail was fairly straightforward. The final section has some exposure but not too extreme. To reach the summit it was necessary to descend on the other side of a small pass and traverse a short way before the final scramble up to the trig. It was quite euphoric to reach this point and drink in the 360-degree panoramic views. We were so glad we came today as the weather was fantastic, clear and sunny. The scenery was breathtaking with a large amphitheatre of rock, beautiful alpine tarns and views to Cradle Mountain and beyond.
Lake Mackintosh and distant peaks from Mount Murchison summit
The wind was a little cool so we didn’t linger but were very satisfied with our efforts. We began the descent in the afternoon sunshine being careful as going down is always more difficult. All was going well until we reached the forest section which I knew would be slippery. I wasn’t prepared for it to be like a skating rink. I must have slipped at least seven times. It was not just the roots but the ground surface was a bit damp and just gave way under my feet. We were so glad to get back to the car in one piece. It was the most difficult part of the walk.
Mount Murchison is the highest peak in the West Coast Range (1278m). The walk is relatively short but the rewards are enormous. It deserves the title of the best day walk in Tasmania.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Mount Murchison, located within the Mount Murchison Regional Reserve in western Tasmania, is the highest peak (1,275 metres) in the West Coast Range. This region is renowned for its rugged mountains, temperate rainforests, and diverse ecosystems.
Landscape Features and Geology
Jurassic dolerite: The peak and surrounding range are formed primarily from Jurassic dolerite, a dark-coloured and fine-grained igneous rock intruded millions of years ago.
Glacial sculpting: Evidence of glacial activity is present in the form of U-shaped valleys and carved rock faces, particularly on the mountain’s flanks.
Cirque and tarns: The summit area includes a glacial cirque (amphitheatre-shaped valley) containing several permanent tarns (small alpine lakes).
Scenic Highlights
Panoramic views: The summit offers 360-degree panoramic vistas encompassing the West Coast Range, surrounding valleys, and Cradle Mountain in the distance on clear days.
Alpine landscapes: The upper slopes transition into alpine terrain with expansive views and exposed ridgelines.
Mosses and waterfalls: The lower slopes are characterised by temperate rainforest, abundant moss covering the vegetation, and waterfalls cascading down dolerite cliffs.
Local Flora
The vegetation on Mount Murchison varies with elevation:
Temperate rainforest: Lower slopes support a dense temperate rainforest dominated by myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii), celery pine (Phyllocladus aspleniifolius), and sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum).
Mosses and ferns: The moist environment fosters a diverse range of mosses and ferns that create a lush and green understorey.
Alpine vegetation: At higher elevations, the vegetation thins, with pockets of snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) and low-lying shrubs adapted to the harsh conditions.
Local Fauna
The fauna of Mount Murchison reflects the diverse habitats present:
Birds: Wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax), currawongs (Strepera spp.), and scrub robins (Drymodes olivacea) are commonly seen birds.
Mammals: Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and pademelons (Thylogale spp.) may be encountered in open areas at lower elevations.
Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are present but nocturnal and rarely seen. Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) may be found in streams at the base of the mountain.
Indigenous History
The Palawa people are the traditional custodians of this land. Evidence suggests Aboriginal Tasmanians frequented the Mount Murchison area for hunting, fishing, and resource gathering for thousands of years. Oral histories and artefacts may hold stories about this connection to the land. Consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people is needed for a deeper understanding of their relationship with Mount Murchison.
White History
European exploration of the West Coast region began in the early 19th century. Mining activities, particularly for gold and copper, initially impacted the area. The Mount Murchison Regional Reserve was proclaimed in 1999, recognising the region’s natural and scenic values. The development of the Mount Murchison Summit Track allows access to the peak while aiming to minimise environmental impact.
Other Nearby Walks
Mount Murchison Regional Reserve offers a range of walking tracks catering to different interests and fitness levels:
Mount Read Track: A multi-day hike traversing the West Coast Range with stunning views and historical significance.
Lake Linda Track: A shorter walk leading to a scenic lake nestled amongst rainforest.
Tullah Lakeside Loop Track: A family-friendly track offering views of Lake Burbury and surrounding mountains.
Mount Murchison offers a challenging yet rewarding day walk for experienced hikers. The summit rewards with breathtaking views, diverse flora adapted to different elevations, and a glimpse into the geological history of the region.
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