This easily accessible circuit begins from the visitors centre at Cynthia Bay and can be tackled in either direction. The Mount Rufus track initially leads through eucalypt forest and pockets of cool temperate rainforest. As the trail ascends towards the Mount Rufus summit, the vegetation shifts again to snow gum sub-alpine forest, before alpine plant communities dominate the peak. The 1416 metre summit provides sweeping vistas across the mixed vegetation below, backdropped by other impressive mountains including Frenchmans Cap and Mount Olympus. The track descends and winds through Richea Valley, named after the padani and scoparia heath plants which grow here. In spring, the palette of reds, pinks and yellows displayed by the flowering scoparia is a stunning spectacle. The track meets the edge of Shadow Lake, a bushy and quiet place to set up camp for the night. At this point, there is the option to summit Little Hugel via some extra climbing and bouldering up Little Hugel Track. With majority of the hike complete, enjoy a refreshing morning swim and breaky beside the lake before returning back to the starting point. Keep the eyes peeled for a sunbathing snake (or three) at the lake.
Mount Rufus and Little Hugel Loop, Tasmania.
Moderate
