Barn Bluff

Mountain Prominent Tasmanian peak overlooking Cradle Mountain area

Barn Bluff in Tasmania rises above the Cradle Mountain area as a distinctive rocky summit; walkers use marked trails and scrambling sections to reach viewpoints across alpine heath and glacial valleys.

Main image

Barn Bluff is a distinctive mountain peak in northwestern Tasmania, located within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is known for its prominent granite tors and alpine summit.

Walkers encounter steep, rocky slopes and exposed granite outcrops on the ascent; reaching the summit rewards hikers with wide views across the national park and surrounding highlands. The route involves a steep scramble on marked paths rather than technical climbing.

The landform is a product of Tasmania’s geological history, with granite intrusions and glacially influenced shaping producing the current tor-strewn summit. The area has been part of the national park and protected for conservation and recreation.

Barn Bluff stands within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in northwestern Tasmania, set among highland plateaus and peaks that form the park’s central massif. Access is via park tracks and trailheads maintained by the national park service.

  • Elevation and viewpoint: The summit reaches approximately 1,559 metres and is a recognised feature within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, offering panoramic views over the surrounding alpine plateau.
Barn Bluff
Barn Bluff area, Cradle Mountain region, Tasmania, Australia
-41.7270, 145.9211
Accessible year-round (daylight hours recommended)
Free

How to Get to Barn Bluff #

Barn Bluff is reached via sealed and then gravel roads into the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair region. The nearest visitor facilities are at the park entrances; most walkers use the established trail network and car parks. Check Parks Tasmania for current access conditions and track advisories.

Tips for Visiting Barn Bluff #

  • Start the walk early to avoid afternoon clouds which can roll in and obscure views from the summit.
  • Wear shoes with good grip-the final approach crosses steep talus and rock slabs.
  • If approaching from Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park walks, combine Barn Bluff with nearby tarns and look for wombat tracks at lower elevations.

Best Time to Visit Barn Bluff #

Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable conditions for reaching the ridge; Tasmanian mountain weather is famously changeable.

Summer
Dec-Feb · 5-20°C
Warmer and usually the most accessible time for ridge walks, though weather is changeable.
Autumn
Mar-May · 0-15°C
Clearer air and striking colours in subalpine vegetation; fewer crowds.
Winter
Jun-Aug · -8-5°C
Snow and ice-only for well-equipped, experienced parties.

Weather & Climate near Barn Bluff #

Climate

Barn Bluff's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2146 mm/year), wettest in July.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
16°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

168 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (213 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

213 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (213 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

213 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (244 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

244 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (235 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

221 mm
Rainfall
8.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (203 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

203 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

172 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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