If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding day hike in Tasmania, Mt Murchison should be at the top of your list.
Rising to 1,275 meters, this peak in the West Coast Range offers one of the most spectacular climbs in the region.
I’ve done many incredible hikes across Tasmania, but Mt Murchison truly stands out with its ever-changing landscapes, thrilling rope climbs, and exposed ridges.
I have to say, this might just be my absolute favourite day hike in Tasmania!
From the steep climbs to the final push along the exposed ridge, this hike is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for an adventure, the summit views will leave you speechless!
How to Get to the Mount Murchison Trailhead
The trailhead for Mt Murchison is located just off Anthony Road (B28) near Tullah, on Tasmania’s west coast. If you’re coming from Hobart, it’s about a 4-hour drive (303 km), while from Launceston, it’s around 2.5 hours (201 km).
If you’re looking for the starting point on Google Maps, search for Mount Murchison Track Head.
Keep an eye out for the small gravel parking strip along Anthony Road—the trailhead is only marked by a small sign, making it easy to miss.
There are no facilities here, so make sure you bring everything you need before setting off.
Mt Murchison Trail Details
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about this trek:
- Distance: 5.3 km return
- Elevation Gain: 683m
- Duration: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Starting Point: Mount Murchison Track Head
Rainforest Hike to Shaded Creek
The trail kicks off with a steep but beautiful climb, weaving through a dense rainforest filled with ferns, mossy boulders, and towering trees.
Further up, the forest thins, and the path tightens, bringing you to a spot with a couple of large boulders—an ideal resting point before the climb ahead.
A short 20m walk from the break spot brings you to the first lake, located alongside Shaded Creek.
The trail follows the creek for a few hundred meters, offering great photo opportunities.
The Climb Begins: Steep Sections and Rope Climb
From here, the trail gets steeper and more technical. The rainforest gives way to rocky terrain, and soon you’ll find yourself scrambling up exposed sections of the mountain.
The views start opening up, giving you glimpses of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
One of the most exciting parts of the hike is the rope-assisted climb. It’s a steep rock face, but with the rope for support, it’s manageable—even if you’re not an experienced climber.
I found this section to be a fun challenge—it adds a real sense of adventure to the hike!
Final Ascent to The Summit
Once you’re past the rope section, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Looking west, you’ll see Lake Murchison sprawled out below, with the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park extending toward the horizon.
Just before the final summit ascent, you’ll need to navigate a narrow, exposed ridgeline—one of the most thrilling yet challenging parts of the hike.
The path is rocky and uneven, with sheer drop on one side. On windy days, extreme caution is advised, as strong gusts can make the crossing dangerous.
Mt Murchison Summit
Standing at the 1,275m summit, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. The 360-degree views are absolutely stunning, and it’s the perfect spot to take a break, soak it all in, and snap some summit photos.
Facing north, you’ll look straight down at Tullah and the winding shores of Lake Rosebery, while Mount Pearse (1,001m) and Rocky Sugarloaf (974m) rise on the horizon.
Facing northwest, you’ll see the town of Rosebery in the distance, with the impressive Lake Pieman Forest Reserve nearby.
To the northeast, the Mount Farrell Range dominates the skyline, with Murchison Dam and the calm waters of Lake Mackintosh lying just beneath its rugged peaks, offering an unforgettable view.
Looking to the east, you’ll see the legendary Cradle Mountain (1,545m) and Barn Bluff (1,559m) standing proudly on the horizon.
If that wasn’t enough, looking south, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Shaded Lake, framed by its dramatic, jagged mountain peaks, creating an awe-inspiring alpine scene.
Final Thoughts
For those who love steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, and summit views that stretch for miles, Mt Murchison is a must-do.
It was easily one of the most memorable highlights of our 3-week trip around Tasmania, pushing our limits while rewarding us with some of the best summit panoramas in the state.
If you thrive on technical terrain and big mountain scenery, this hike won’t disappoint!
The thrill of reaching the summit was only matched by the urgency of my descent. As the weather shifted rapidly, I found myself moving quickly down the mountain, racing against dark storm clouds and the first drops of rain—a powerful reminder of Tasmania’s unpredictable conditions.
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