Bushman Bud Climbs Black Bluff in Tasmania

The rain finally cleared and so we were on!  Time to climb this spectacular mountain peak that you can see from most places on the NW Coast of Tasmania. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDR5tfTsuo

Black Bluff is 1,336m and is accessed via Taylors Flat on the Lagoona Road (approx 8-9 klms) West of Leven Canyon.  Taylors Flat is sign posted and once you get there you can see signs for the Black Bluff walk.

Half Way Up - I Hope!

Leaving Taylors Flat you walk along the Leven River for about 1.5 klms before heading towards the peak.  The first part of the walk is flat and then a a slight gradient starts as you leave the river.  This continues 1/3 of the way to the peak before you hit a mountain stream.  When wet, water cascades down here so you are walking in water and clambering over slippery rocks.  We had rain the previous 2 days which made the next 1/3 of the climb difficult and time consuming.  Almost immediately after coming out of the mountain stream you come to a plateau and after a few hundred metres you come across the amazing and spectacular view of Paddy’s Lake. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdhJaKJ4YpQ (Bushman Bud)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLUZHYm0sE0 (Girl Power at Paddy’s Lake)

Paddy's Lake - Later In Day

Paddy’s Lake is just over 1,000m above sea level and when you combine the lake and the mountainous Black Bluff in the near distance is makes for fantastic vista.  The track continues around Paddy’s Lake and before it continues upward there is a small clearing and a rock with a great view of the lake.  This is a great spot for lunch or at least a breather.  There is also a bigger clearing further around the lake just off the main track where there is a campsite beside the lake.  This has to be one of the prettiest campsites going around so if you are doing an overnighter enjoy it to yourself.

The last 1/3 of the climb, whilst not as difficult as the mountain stream is rugged and steep.  By this time (once Paddy’s Lake is reached) you are above the tree line so the view is spectacular.  Several hundred metres past Paddy’s lake is the intersection of the Penguin Cradle Mountain Track and the Black Buff Track.  

The last part of the climb circles behind the Bluff with the final 15 to 20m to the peak being a rock scramble.  You are of course met with unbelievable 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges.  At the peak you can gaze over the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and ranges picking out the famous Cradle Mountain and along side it Tasmania’s highest peak, Mt Ossa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJwXwDdnJ74 (Bushman Bud)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0-BmhIf8eE (Girl Power Hits Top)

The climb took us 4 1/2 hours to reach the summit, stopping for regular breaks.  The mountain creek section with the kids was slow going and tiresome.  Saying that we all got to the top, Bushman Bud, Joey Jess(7), Orangatang Amy (5) and Lovely Lynda (age a secret!)  The kids getting to the top under their own steam – what more would you expect after doing Mt Bogong only a few weeks earlier.  The kids really are machines!  Awesome effort girls!

Going down was an easy stroll other than the mountain creek section which took some time to negotiate.  This part of the track is made worse because it is quite overgrown in areas.  The creek had dried up a little on the way down so the rocks scramble was not so slippery.  One problem with the track being overgrown is you can’t see where you are placing your feet.

Getting to the rain forest on the lower part of the track is a welcome relief knowing you are not far from the finish.  You then can hear the Leven River ambling by letting you know you have about 1.5 klms of easy walking.

It was a tough climb in sections but the rewards of Paddy’s Lake and the view from above make the experience all the more worth the effort.

The sign from the car park suggests a six hour return, this is wishful thinking for the average person.  We took 3 hours coming down making it 7 1/2 hours in total.  I would leave yourself at least 7 to 8 hours to be on the safe side.

Well I’ve been to the top and back and thoroughly enjoyed it, get out and give it a go, its part of enjoying the great outdoors.  When you are travelling around it is an awesome backyard to have at your doorstep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9IISnJb2tY

Tags: bushwalking, mountain, Mountain;Peak Bagging, peak