Freycinet Peninsula Circuit

[gregm]

Has anyone done this circuit walk as a day hike. I would travel anti-clockwise as recommended and give Bryan's Beach a miss. Any estimate of time for return trip from track to top of Mt Freycinet. Also degree of difficulty of this peak compared with Cradle Mtn, Barn Bluff & short but slippery Mt Amos.
Currently near Lake St Clair & will be at Freycinet in about 3 weeks time. Haven't got topo map yet but info I have suggests <30k's .
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Greg

[tasadam]

When I was there in March '05 I walked from the bottom of Wineglass beach (campsite) across the beach, across the isthimus, and down to Cooks beach, and return via same route to camp. I remember that as a day walk. It was hot.

[stepbystep]

Hey Greg,
I did the circuit as a daywalk in December, it was a tick under 32km which included summiting Mt Freycinet. It took us 7.5 hrs and due to the easy grade of the track walking is not difficult, but 30+ km in a day is a fair walk nonetheless - best to start early in the day if possible to avoid the crowds and carry at least 2L of water. A magic area! I did the circuit in a clockwise direction which left the flatish section along Hazards beach to the end of the walk rather than over the saddle where the crowds gather at the lookout, that would be my recommendation.
Enjoy!

[north-north-west]

I've done it as a daywalk three or four times, the most recent on my last visit, and that included the sidetrip down to Bryan's and summitting both Freycinet and Graham. I always go clockwise - as steppy says, you miss the worst of the crowds and have the easier finish. Walking along Wineglass and then climbing up to the saddle would be harder once you've done the rest of the Peninsula.

Very early start, latish finish, and by the end of it you know you've been walking, but there's good standard track almost all the way and the beach sections are mostly easy going.
Just carry plenty of water, although even Freycinet has probably been getting a bit of rain lately . . .

[tasadam]

Agree about the water, that was one of the reasons why we walked from the camp to Cooks Beach (where the water tanks were...)

[gregm]

Thanks for the feedback. Just completed a couple of walks of around 25k's in Cradle & Mt Field areas which took me around 8 hours. Walking Freycinet sounds a little easier which should compensate for extra distance. Going clockwise sounds preferable. Doing the harder bits first works for me. I always start with around 4 litres of water which is probably too much for Tassie but I don't mind carrying extra weight (Day pack usually around 12kg - good training for overnighters). Would love to do an overnighter but have to get back to the missus. PS - Walked the Mt Rufus circuit last Sunday and experienced the full spectrum of weather. Had two sessions of hail and two of snow, which for a Queenslander is a special experience. Also had freezing cold winds, lots of sunshine at times and warm fine weather to finish off the walk. Alongwith the great views and lack of crowds, this challenging weather is what makes Tassie such a special place for hiking.
Cheers Greg

[gregm]

Completed the walk yesterday including Mt Freycinet but excluding the side trip to Bryans. Took 9h20m including a wasted 20mins after I missed the unmarked track to Mt Freycinet. Luckily I came across a couple of English hikers who had a proper map & back up the hill we went to find the track.
At 58 and not as fit as I'd like to be, at the end of the day it was great to be back at the car. Feeling better today though so might try Mt Amos to loosen up the muscles.
Now looking forward to tackling Barn Bluff & Cradle Mtn again. When I attempted it 3 weeks ago I left late and went via Hansons & Scott Kilvert before summiting Barn Bluff in driving rain & very strong winds which persisted for the rest of the afternoon so missed Cradle Mountain on the way back. If I get good weather I'll take the easy route along the OT which will save around 1 hour of walking plus be much easier on the legs. The other way however is much more scenic and a great walk. # weeks left in Tassie and loving every minute of it. Have a great day.