Arthur Range (Tasmania)

Arthur Range
Looking across High Moor from Mount Columba towards Mount Capricorn and Mount Pegasus
Highest point
Peak	Federation Peak
Elevation	1,224 m (4,016 ft)
Coordinates	43°16′17″S 146°28′32″E / 43.27139°S 146.47556°E / -43.27139; 146.47556
Geography
Country	Australia
State	Tasmania
Region	South West Wilderness
Range coordinates	43°12′S 146°25′E / 43.2°S 146.42°E / -43.2; 146.42Coordinates: 43°12′S 146°25′E / 43.2°S 146.42°E / -43.2; 146.42

The Arthur Range is a mountain range in the South West Wilderness, Tasmania, Australia. The range is broken into two main section, the Western Arthurs and the Eastern Arthurs. Both sections of the range are popular overnight bushwalking destinations, generally in summer.

The range was named by George Augustus Robinson who climbed Mount Frederick (now Mount Hayes) in March 1830.

It is mainly composed of Quartzite and features evidence of past glaciation such as moraines and hanging valleys.

Much of the Arthur Range and the area surrounding land is covered by button grass wet sedgelands. Most of the remainder of the land is covered by eucalypt.

Birds are the most common animals (e.g. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos). In dryer areas, Pademelons may also be seen.

The climate in the Arthur Range is extremely unstable – weather predictions are virtually useless here, as it is very common to have sun, heavy rain, cloud, strong winds, even snow all in the same day. The top of the range is classed as Sub-Alpine or Alpine. During winter these mountains are snow-capped. Snow has been experienced every season, with regular snowfalls during summer, though many of these snowfalls don't settle. The climate is mostly decided by the wind. The temperature can change very quick with warm air from Northern Tasmania, or very cold from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

As with other parts of Tasmania's south-west, the trails are extremely muddy – very frequently it is more than ankle deep. The mud does not dissipate with altitude up the mountain range either, except where there is bare rock.

Like many other parts of Tasmania, this area is susceptible to Phytophthora (root rot). To avoid spreading it, walkers are encouraged to stay to the main trail. In order to reduce mechanical damage to plants, walkers are also encouraged to wade through the middle of muddy track sections.