Arthur Range

The Arthur Range is a mountain range in the South West Wilderness, located in south-west Tasmania, Australia. The range is broken into two main sections, the Western Arthurs and the Eastern Arthurs. Both sections of the range are popular overnight bushwalking destinations, generally in summer.

For the mountain range in New Zealand formerly known as the Arthur Range, see Wharepapa / Arthur Range.
Arthur Range
Looking across High Moor from Mount Columba towards Mount Capricorn and Mount Pegasus
Highest point
Elevation1,224 m (4,016 ft)AHD [1]
Parent peakFederation Peak
Coordinates43°16′17″S 146°28′32″E
Geography
Arthur Range is located in Tasmania
Arthur Range
Location in Tasmania, Australia
CountryAustralia
StateTasmania
RegionSouth West
Range coordinates43°12′S 146°25′E

History

The Arthur Range lies in the traditional country of the South-West Nation of the Aboriginal Tasmanian people[2] and the traditional name is Loinnekumme (LOINNE.KUM.ME).[3] The range was renamed by George Augustus Robinson for Governor George Arthur after Robinson climbed Mount Frederick (now Mount Hayes) in March 1830.[4]

In December 2018, a Par Avion plane being piloted by Nikita Williams crashed into the ranges. There was poor visibility at the time.[5]

Geology

It is mainly composed of Quartzite and features evidence of past glaciation such as moraines and hanging valleys.

Flora and fauna
Federation Peak within the Eastern Arthur Range

Much of the Arthur Range and the area surrounding land is covered by button grass wet sedgelands. Most of the remainder of the land is covered by eucalypt.

Birds are the most common animals (e.g. yellow-tailed black cockatoos). In dryer areas, Pademelons may also be seen.

Climate

The climate in the Arthur Range is extremely unstable – weather predictions are virtually useless here, as it is very common to have sun, heavy rain, cloud, strong winds, even snow all in the same day. The top of the range is classed as Sub-Alpine or Alpine. During winter these mountains are snow-capped. Snow has been experienced every season, with regular snowfalls during summer, though many of these snowfalls don't settle. The climate is mostly decided by the wind. The temperature can change very quickly with warm air from Northern Tasmania, or very cold air from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

Walking

As with other parts of Tasmania's south-west, the trails are extremely muddy – very frequently it is more than ankle deep. The mud does not dissipate with altitude up the mountain range either, except where there is bare rock.

Like many other parts of Tasmania, this area is susceptible to Phytophthora (root rot). To avoid spreading it, walkers are encouraged to stay to the main trail. In order to reduce mechanical damage to plants, walkers are also encouraged to wade through the middle of muddy track sections.

Hikers should ensure they are well prepared for any weather conditions, and have enough food for one or two extra days.

Western Arthurs

The Western Arthurs extends generally East-West from Mount Hesperus to West Portal. This section of the range was first traversed by Europeans in the early 1960s.[6]

Access to the Western Arthurs is usually from the Scotts peak dam camp site (43°02′15″S 146°17′52″E) via part of the Port Davey Track.

The Western Arthur range can be seen on the left hand side

Lakes

The Western Arthurs are studded with many lakes formed from ice-age glaciers. Among these are:

Mountains

From the north western end, closest to the Port Davey Track:[7]

  • Mount Hesperus (1099m)
  • Mount Hayes (1119m)
  • Procyon Peak (1136m)
  • Mount Sirius (1151m)
  • Mount Pegasus (1063m)
  • Pegasus South (1053m)
  • Mount Capricorn (1037m)
  • Dorado Peak (1068m)
  • Mount Comumba (1042m)
  • The Dragon (1006m)
  • Mount Shaula (914m)
  • Mount Taurus (1011m)

Eastern Arthurs

The Eastern Arthurs runs North-South from the end of the Western Arthurs and includes the highest peak of the range, the striking Federation Peak. This section of the range was first traversed in December 1947 by a group from the Hobart Walking Club.[8]

Lakes

From the north include:

  • Lake Leo
  • Lake Ron Smith
  • Lake Shaw
  • Earl Lake
  • Lake Cracroft
  • Lake Brewsher
  • Dragonfly Lake
  • Lake Payens
  • Lake Gaston
  • Hanging Lake

Mountains

From the north:

  • Cerberus Hill (541m)
  • East Portal (1008m)
  • The Dial (1083m)
  • The Gables (1058m)
  • Four Peaks (1062m)
  • Federation Peak (1225m)
  • Geeves Bluff (1152m)

Named features
  • Luckmans lead
  • Boiler Plates
  • Stuart Saddle
  • The Needles
  • Goon Moor
  • Thwaites Plateau
  • Devils Thumb
  • Bechervaise plateau

See also

References
  1. "Federation Peak, Australia". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
  2. Kirkpatrick, Jamie; Lefroy, Ted; Harwood, Andrew (October 2018). "Turning place into space – Place motivations and place spaces in Tasmania". Landscape and Urban Planning. 178: 112–121. doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.05.027.
  3. Plomley, NJB (1991). Tasmanian Aboriginal Place Names (PDF) (Report). Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery. p. 26. Occasional paper No. 3. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  4. Doran, Kevin (2004). Federation: Australia's Adventure Peak. Desdichado. p. 14. ISBN 0-9586935-1-X.
  5. "'I love my job': Queensland pilot's dream ends in tragedy in Tasmania". ABC News. 10 December 2018.
  6. Chapman, John (1998). South West Tasmania (4 ed.). JOHN CHAPMAN. p. 12. ISBN 0-9596129-5-5.
  7. refer to Tasmap 1:25,000 'Crossing', Razorback, Glovers - or to map on page 150 of Chapman's South West Tasmania book
  8. Chapman, John (1998). South West Tasmania (4 ed.). JOHN CHAPMAN. p. 144. ISBN 0-9596129-5-5.
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