Mount Ossa (Tasmania)
Mountain Tasmania's highest peak within Cradle Mountain reserve
Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa sits in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Walkers follow rough trails through alpine heath and button grass; many combine the climb with the Overland Track.
Mount Ossa is the highest peak in the Australian state of Tasmania, reaching 1,617 m (5,305 ft). It sits within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and forms part of the Central Highlands and the Pelion Range.
The summit is a popular objective for walkers and is commonly reached from the Overland Track or from the nearby Pelion huts, with a marked route leading to the top. Vegetation changes from cool temperate rainforest at lower elevations to alpine heath and rock near the summit, and weather can change rapidly.
Geographically Mount Ossa occupies central Tasmania’s highland plateau and is part of the park’s network of trails and huts that support multi-day hiking routes.
- Elevation and park: Highest mountain in Tasmania at 1,617 m (5,305 ft) and located within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
- Access and route: Commonly climbed as a side trip from the Overland Track or via the Pelion area; the summit route is a marked path but can be steep and exposed in poor weather.
Tips for Visiting Mount Ossa (Tasmania) #
- Plan climbs in the Tasmanian summer and late spring (warmer, longer days and less snow) and start very early to take advantage of stable morning weather and better visibility for summit views.
- Access is typically made via the walking routes in the Pelion area on the Overland Track rather than by road; factor the Overland Track itinerary or a day trip from nearby huts into your plans and check track conditions with Parks & Wildlife Tasmania beforehand.
- Aim for weekdays or outside peak Overland Track weeks to reduce congestion on approach tracks, and allow extra time for the final sections, which involve short steep or rocky scrambles that slow group progress.
Best Time to Visit Mount Ossa (Tasmania) #
Best visited in Tasmanian summer (Dec-Feb) when trails and summits are most accessible.
Weather & Climate near Mount Ossa (Tasmania) #
Mount Ossa (Tasmania)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1756 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (191 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and breezy conditions.
