Mount Ossa
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Mount Ossa | |
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Looking North towards Mount Ossa from Pelion Plains |
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Elevation | 1,617 metres (5,305 feet) |
Location | Tasmania |
Coordinates | |
Type | dolerite |
Age of rock | Jurassic |
Easiest route | 3½ hr Return from Pelion Gap |
Mount Ossa is the highest mountain in Tasmania, at 1617 metres. It lies in the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is fairly remote from the nearest road (more than a day's walk for most parties) but the ascent involves no rock climbing and there is a well-marked track to the summit. Conditions can be very severe in winter, with powerful winds and freezing temperatures. The lower slopes are bushy but towards the summit the rocks are mostly bare. The entire mountain is composed of Jurassic dolerite.
The walk up to the summit from Pelion Gap durring summer time features a beautiful array of wild flowers common in the area.