Mount Pelion West
Mountain Tasmanian highland peak in Cradle Mountain region
Along Tasmania’s Overland Track, Mount Pelion West rewards trekkers with alpine tarns, dolerite outcrops and access to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park routes.
Mount Pelion West is a mountain in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and is part of the island’s Central Highlands.
It is a familiar objective for walkers on the national park’s long-distance routes; ascents are typically made from the Overland Track and nearby huts and follow marked alpine trails with rocky summit terrain.
Mount Pelion West’s routes and hut network were developed as part of Tasmania’s park and track system in the 20th century to support multi-day walking in the highlands.
The mountain sits in central Tasmania within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, inland from Tasmania’s north coast and within the island’s alpine and subalpine landscape.
- Access and seasons: Commonly reached from the Overland Track and nearby huts, with alpine conditions that can include snow outside summer months.
Tips for Visiting Mount Pelion West #
- Access Mount Pelion West as a side trip from the Overland Track-most hikers walk up from Pelion Hut or Pelion Gap early in the morning for the best views before clouds roll in.
- Book Overland Track passes and hut/campsite allocations well in advance for the Oct-May booking season-walk-ins are not reliable in peak months.
- Aim for a sunrise start from Pelion Hut to catch clear views toward Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff; the peak often becomes windy and cloud-covered by afternoon.
Best Time to Visit Mount Pelion West #
Best visited in Tasmanian summer (December-February) for the most reliable hiking conditions and minimal snow.
Weather & Climate near Mount Pelion West #
Mount Pelion West'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 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1979 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (193 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (219 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (212 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and breezy conditions.
