Mount Ossa (Tasmania)

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.

• 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.