The shortest walk would be from Johnsons Lagoon, but there are issues with road access. There is a post in here somewhere that talks about the Gowan Brae Rd - this road is drivable a fair way in by 2WD, but gated some distance short of the lagoon, and I'm not sure how you get permission to proceed. Far as I know even foot access requires owner permission (and a nominal fee) and driving may not be allowed at all.
I went in via the Traveller, Rim Lake and Mt Oana, but that's probably a longer walk than you'd like. Via the track into Travellers Rest would be shorter but still a good bit further than the Johnsons route.
EDIT: OK, this thread has a discussion about access via Gowan Brae Rd. Have fun.
http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4775&p=341587&hilit=gowan+brae#p341587If you go into ListMap - or have the appropriate 1:25,000 TasMap - the position of the gate is marked. It's approximately 1.5km south of the Johnsons turnoff, which tallies with my GPS data. That gives you approximately 8 to 9 km of road walking or cycling to Johnsons. Then you go cross country for another 8 or 9 km. It's mostly fairly open, even the forested sections have plenty of leads. Easier to stay in the valleys rather than going over Layatinnah (some awkward bouldery cliffy bits on the western side).
Should be possible to walk in in a longish day from the gate.
Last edited by
north-north-west on Thu 01 Nov, 2018 4:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.