Mt Roland – A Spectacular Cradle Mountain Side Trip

7/02/2017Morgan Cardiff

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7/02/2017Morgan Cardiff

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On this Cradle Mountain side trip you’ll scramble over the large boulders of the Mt Roland Massif and, on a clear day, gain spectacular views all the way to Bass Strait.

Highlights

Stunning tall eucalypt forest
High alpine boardwalk though endemic alpine vegetation, including the beautiful Richea Scoparia
Clear day views all the way to Bass Strait
Opportunities for side and round trips across the escarpment

The Mt Roland Massif

There are a few ways to get to the top of Mt Roland in Tasmania, and they have varying degrees of difficulty. The most common route leaves Gowrie Park via O’Neil’s road. The trail initially follows a wide access track for about an hour before you cross a small creek and scramble through the steepest section, which takes you up the central valley to a large saddle (900m).

From there take the left (signposted) to Mt Roland (to the right takes you along the other ridge to a different starting point for those that want to make a loop out of it and hike Mount Van Dyke).

Also Read:

• Best Multi Day Hikes in Tasmania
• Best Waterfalls in Tasmania

From here a series of intermittent boardwalks designed to reduce the impacts of foot traffic on the vegetation, takes you around the backside of the mountain with stunning views off to the south and southeast.

Boardwalks are gradually replaced by a rocky trail and after another hour or so, you’ll reach the summit, which is at the top of a little scrambleover the jurassic rock, including some large boulders. You’ll be 1233m above sea level! Soak it up.

Essential Gear

Hiking Books or sturdy shoes
Camera
Water and snacks
Jacket/raincoat (weather can change very rapidly in the Tasmanian Alpine region)
Head torch (if going in the late afternoon)