Mawson Plateau

Saturday 28th May 2016

Mawson Plateau

I had been checking the weather forecast for Mount Field all week and it seemed to change daily, so when it didn't appear too bad later in the week I made the decision to go to Mawson Plateau even though I did not think it would be ideal. The main reason for this was give the group the experience of some wintry conditions and this we experienced.

Looking up to Mawson Plateau from Wombat Moor

We set out from the car park at Wombat Moor and the walk across the Moor was the usual wet affair with many puddles to avoid. We soon reached the turnoff to the plateau which was shrouded in cloud and mist at this stage.

Entering bush at southern end of Wombat Moor

Looking up to Mawson Plateau

Looking up to Mount Mawson

We began the ascent to the plateau through the boulder field. The rocks were very wet and slippery and extreme care had to be taken. The mist cleared on a few occasions to provide limited views out to the south east but it soon closed in again. As we reached the plateau proper the wind was blowing quite strongly and it was icy cold. Warm and wet weather gear was reached for and we carried on. My plan of climbing up to the summit was abandoned and also a visit to some lookouts was out of the question as no views would have been available. We simply walked directly across the plateau to the ski tow area.

Mount Mawson

Another peak on Mawson Plateau

Mawson Plateau

Visibility on the plateau was limited somewhat and as we made our way across one of the group had a tumble and injured her knee. After a brief stop she soldered on albeit with a slight limp. The plateau was rather wet due to recent rain and snow, but it was easy to avoid the puddles some of which were frozen. I don't mind walking in these conditions but I was hoping for some views for the group but alas nothing eventuated. See here for previous post and photos.
We walked down the ski tow and carried on down the road to Lake Dobson where we stopped for lunch. I had planned to walk over to Lake Seal Lookout but there was no real point to that.

Ski Tow

Ski Tow

Ski Tow

Lake Dobson

Mount Field

Mawson Plateau from the road.

After that we walked back up the road to the car. This was a really good walk despite the weather and lack of views and I think everyone enjoyed it.
Distance: 9.6 kms.
Time: 5"07"
Ascent: 350 metres
Click here to download GPX file.