I was invited by my sister and brother in law to join them and their friend Paula on a walk in the Lake Augusta area of the Central Plateau. Their intention was to search for some remote huts on the plateau.
It was great to get out in some of Tasmanian’s fabulous alpine terrain once more, but it was a very cold day for summer. For most of the day, the temperature was less than 8°C and there was also a strong cold wind. However, it was mostly sunny, and if you could find shelter out of the wind then it was quite pleasant.
We drove and parked at the western end of the Augusta Spillway and then set off along a faint vehicle track around the west side of the lake.
On the way we passed some Scoparia in flower.
And some Cushion Plants.
The track we were following eventually left the side of the lake and went to the west towards Tin Hut Lake.
There were some stunning alpine gardens.
The road took us to Tin Hut. It seemed in reasonable condition.
After inspecting the hut, we walked back part of the walk to Lake Augusta and then branched off, walking through fairly open country to the James River. We had to walk along it a short distance to find an easy crossing spot.
Then more off track walking. We threaded our way around scrubby thickets. The going was quite reasonable.
Our next goal was Little Spilt Rock which we soon reached.
There were extensive views of the Central Plateau and Lake Augusta in particular.
Next, we found a sheltered spot to have lunch and then carried on, walking cross country to the north west. Paula had an old version of the topographic map that had hat marked to far from the four wheel drive road to Pillans Lake.
We spent some time looking for this hut with no success. Perhaps it never existed? Right in the location shown on the map was a very large hut shaped boulder. It may have fooled the cartographers?
Leaving this spot, we made our way through more beautiful alpine meadows to the four wheel drive road.
We then followed this road back to Lake Augusta.
On the way, we detoured slightly to visit another old hut – Allisons Hut.
In times of low water, you can cross Lake Augusta quite easily either by 4WD or walking.
At the far side, we had a few more kilometres to walk to get back to the car. Our whole walk was about 24 kilometres – longer I think than we were expecting. But we had visited some very nice scenery.
Thanks to my sister and brother in law – Alicson and Shane for inviting me along.