South Wellington Plateau

Thursday 22nd February 2018

South Wellington Plateau

Just a short walk today, but it still took 4 hours as it was mostly off track.
I started at the large car park above Big Bend on Mount Wellington and skirted around the mount on the western side, walking across the moor. It was much drier than when I was here about a month ago, which was good as it made for easy walking.

Thark Ridge

Dead Island

Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington

I was heading for Hutchinsons Fireplace and once past these rocks I walked over to it and then up on the rocks near it, where there were some good views.

Hutchinsons Fireplace

Hutchinsons Fireplace

Near the Fireplace

Morning Fog

Heading over the plateau

More morning fog

The Derwent

The next goal was to walk across the plateau to the ridge that runs along the western end of the plateau. It was easy and very pleasant walking across here as it was another perfect day and it did not take too long to reach the top of the ridge.

The Plateau

The Plateau with ridge in the distance

Ascending the ridge

Once on top of the ridge I picked up the old pad that runs the length of it. It is mostly indistinct, but it does not matter, as it is just as easy to find your own way. I reached the end and sat on some handy rocks with a view.

Rocks with a view

Dead Island

Thark Ridge

  The descent was through some large rocks but I was soon out on the moor again and headed over to Dead Island, crossed over it to the other side and made a bee line back to the start.

Rock on the way down

This was a really enjoyable short walk and most of it was off track. The plateau area and the moor lands are quite delightful.
Distance:  7.2 kms.
Time: 4'03"
Ascent: 150 metres
Click here for GPX file.