Arthur Range

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View from Mount Columba on the High Moor to Mount Capricorn and Pegasus Mount

The Arthur Range is a mountain range in the south west of the Australian state of Tasmania and part of the Great Dividing Range. The mountain is located south of Lake Pedder in South West National Park and is divided into two parts, the Western Arthurs and the Eastern Arthurs. Both parts are especially popular in the summer with hikers.

History

The mountain was named by George Augustus Robinson, as he gave the Mount Frederick (now Mount Hayes ) ascended in March 1830.

Geology

The Arthur Range consists mainly of quartzite and shows traces of former glaciation, such as moraines and valleys.

Flora and Fauna

Much of the Arthur Range and its surroundings is overgrown with sedge ( Mesomelaena sphaerocephala ). On the remaining land to eucalyptus forests lay out.

The most common of all animals birds occur (eg, the Yellow -tailed Black Cockatoo ). On drier sites can also be found Filander.

Climate

The climate in the Arthur Range is very changeable. Weather predictions are hardly useful because there is often sun, heavy rain, clouds, strong winds and even snow on the same day. The highest peak is classified as alpine or subalpine. In winter, all the peaks are covered with snow, but there are also common in summer, heavy snowfall, although the snow then does not remain. The climate is mainly determined by the wind. The temperatures can very quickly from very warm with winds from the north of Tasmania on very cold when winds from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

Hiking

As in other parts of southwest Tasmania, the trails are often very muddy, sometimes more than ankle-deep. In the higher regions, one still has to contend with this mud, unless bare rock outcrops.

Another problem is the frequent occurrence in Tasmania of Phytophthora ( root rot ). To prevent further spread, one should stay on established roads. In addition, is asked to go in the middle of the way, even if it is muddy, so that the plants will not be trampled by the wayside.

Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and always have food for an additional 1-2 days there.

Western Arthurs

The Western Arthurs extend in a northwest-southeast direction from Mount Hesperus to the west portal. This part of the mountain was crossed for the first time at the beginning of the 1960s.

The Western Arthurs are best reached from the campground at Scotts Peak Dam -43.0375146.29777777778 over the ersen section of the Port Davey Track.

Lakes

The Western Arthurs are dotted with many lakes that were created by the glaciers of the Ice Age. These are for example:

• Lake Oberon ( -43.148611111111146.27222222222 ): There are also camping facilities.
• Lake Cygnus ( -43.130277777778146.23777777778 ): also camping facilities
• Lake Ceres ( -43.141388888889146.25305555556 )
• Square Lake ( -43.141388888889146.26277777778 )
• Lake Fortuna ( -43.125277777778146.2275 )

Eastern Arthurs

The Eastern Arthurs extend from north to south direction from the eastern end of the Western Arthurs. Among them is the highest peak of the mountain, the steep rock pinnacle of Federation Peak. This part of the mountain was first crossed in December 1947 by a group of Hobart Walking Club.