Mount Ossa
Tasmania's highest peak at 1617 m, climbed as a side trip from the Overland Track's Pelion Gap
Mount Ossa rises to 1617 m in the heart of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park and is the highest point in Tasmania. Its summit is formed of massive dolerite columns. Climbing it is usually a side trip on the fourth day of the Overland Track, from Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut. From the Pelion Gap junction, the round trip is about 5.2 km and takes 4–5 hours. The route climbs gently across subalpine meadows, passes Doris Saddle, then scrambles up steep boulder slopes with a short, slightly exposed climb near the top. On a clear day you can see the peaks and lakes along the whole Overland Track. Walking the Overland Track requires a booking and a track fee during the peak season (October–May), as well as a national park pass. Alternatively, you can make a long single-day round trip from the Ammon River car park. Do not attempt the summit in heavy rain, snow or poor visibility, and allow enough daylight to return to the gap and the hut.
Opening hours
Open all day (weather permitting)
Nearby sights
- Cradle Mountain Summit Track
- Cradle Mountain & Dove Lake
- Marions Lookout
- Crater Lake
- Waldheim Chalet
- Overland Track
- Ronny Creek (Wombat Viewing)
- Lake St Clair