Pine Valley

Getting there

Access is easiest via the private ferry across Lake St Clair to Narcissus Hut.

Private bus from Hobart (3 hour drive) was the best transport option for us. The morning flight arrival meant we could get to Pine Valley same day (just). We used Tasmanian Wilderness Experiences and can't speak highly enough of them - well priced and great service.

Maps

Which maps cover the area?

Route/Trail notes

It is roughly a 3 ~ 4 hour bushwalk into the valley via the Pine Valley turn off on the OLT. The track into the valley is very good with a couple suspension bridges and duckboarding. Tassie Nat parks always has good facilities and Pine Valley is no exception with a hut, tank water and toilet. Tent spaces are a premium and the hut is reasonably small so don't turn up on a public holiday, we did by accident and contemplated sleeping in the trees!

We based ourselves at Pine Valley and did day trips to Acropolis and Labyrinth. Acropolis is the more strenuous of the two with a steep walk through forest, flattening out onto duckboards and then a traverse up to the summit. There are a few tricky spots on the traverse, so make sure you are physically up to the task. There is no water up there either, so ensure you bring enough. Also worth going early as the track through the forest is not well marked, so it would be easy to miss it in the dark. Labyrinth is an easier walk, with only one major ascent up to the saddle (one section is up a waterfall!). The opposite side has a gradual drop down to the lakes area. Recommend going up the Labyrinth Lookout and taking in the views (assuming you are not clouded-in). I personally enjoyed Labyrinth over Acropolis only for its little lakes and varied scenery. Camping here is possible, but it is quite exposed so make sure you are prepared for it. We had beautiful weather both days (really warm on Acropolis section - drank over 3ltrs of water!). With an extra day up our sleeve we headed back to Narcissus Hut and camped overnight to take the ferry back over the lake. We were booked on the afternoon ferry so we walked part way around the lake edge and generally lazed about taking in the great scenery and beautiful weather. You can walk around the lake instead of taking the ferry. Takes roughly 5 hours and can be a bit treacherous when wet.