Mount Stronach Reserve Walk – A North East Summit Away From the Crowds

A Steady Forest Climb to Panoramic Views Near Scottsdale

Rising above the farmland south of Scottsdale, Mount Stronach provides a rewarding summit walk without the crowds found on many of Tasmania’s better-known mountain tracks. The Mount Stronach Reserve Walk climbs steadily through forest along a combination of natural-surface track and unsealed vehicle route before reaching a large rocky lookout with expansive views across Scottsdale and the surrounding North East countryside. A short continuation beyond the lookout leads towards the summit area and trig point. There are no major scrambling sections or particularly technical obstacles, but the sustained climb makes this a solid workout and a good option for walkers wanting something more challenging than a short lookout stroll. Sections of the route may also be shared with mountain bikes and occasional vehicles, so walkers need to remain aware of other track users.

See also:

• Camping Scottsdale
• Camping Waterhouse Point
• Camping Bridport
• Camping Branxholm
• Camping Bay of Fires
• Caravan Park Bridport
• Walk Ralph Falls

Walk Overview

Location: Mount Stronach Regional Reserve, near Scottsdale, North East Tasmania

Distance: Approximately 5 km return

Time: Approximately 2.5 hours return

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Track Type: Return, climbing to a rocky lookout and summit area

Track Surface: Natural-surface walking track and unsealed 4WD road, with rocky and potentially muddy sections

Best Time: A clear day for the best views across Scottsdale and North East Tasmania

The Walk

The Mount Stronach walk begins from the Buckneys Road area south of Scottsdale. From the trailhead, the route heads into the forest and begins a steady climb towards the upper slopes of Mount Stronach. Rather than tackling a series of short, extremely steep climbs, much of the difficulty comes from the sustained nature of the ascent. The route continues uphill through native forest, using sections of natural track and unsealed road as it gains elevation above the surrounding farmland. Higher on the mountain, the forest begins to provide glimpses of the countryside below before the route reaches one of the walk’s main highlights – a large rounded rock that provides an excellent natural lookout. From here, continue a short distance towards the summit area and trig point before returning to the trailhead along the same route.

The Forest Climb

Much of the Mount Stronach experience comes from the long climb through the forest. The lower slopes feel quite enclosed, with trees and understorey vegetation limiting distant views while you steadily gain elevation. The route isn’t technically difficult, but the continuous uphill walking means it requires considerably more effort than the approximately 5-kilometre distance might initially suggest. Take your time and enjoy the quieter surroundings – this isn’t generally a walk where you’ll encounter a constant stream of other bushwalkers.

The Lookout Rock

Near the top of the climb, the forest opens around a large rounded rock outcrop that provides the best views of the walk. From the rock, the landscape drops away towards Scottsdale and the agricultural country of North East Tasmania. On a clear day, the combination of farmland, forested hills and distant ranges creates an impressive panorama. This is a good place to stop for a break before continuing towards the summit. Take care around the edges of the rock, particularly when surfaces are wet.

Mount Stronach Summit

The route continues beyond the main lookout towards the upper reaches of Mount Stronach. A summit cairn and trig marker provide the final objective of the walk. The summit itself is less about dramatic alpine terrain than the satisfaction of reaching the top after the long forest climb. For the best uninterrupted views, the large lookout rock encountered near the summit is likely to be where you’ll want to spend the most time.

Sweeping North East Views

Clear weather makes an enormous difference to this walk. From the lookout, views extend across the patchwork of farmland surrounding Scottsdale, with forested hills and more distant ranges forming the backdrop. The elevated perspective also provides a good appreciation of the contrast between North East Tasmania’s agricultural valleys and its extensive areas of native forest. Low cloud can completely obscure these views, so save Mount Stronach for a day when the summit is likely to remain clear.

A Quieter Tasmanian Summit

Mount Stronach’s relative lack of fame is part of its appeal. It doesn’t attract the visitor numbers of Tasmania’s national park mountains or the better-known tracks around Launceston and the East Coast. Instead, this is a straightforward local mountain walk where you may encounter relatively few other