A hiking guide to one of Australia’s most panoramic summit viewpoints: Mount Amos in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park.
Mount Amos in Freycinet National Park is widely considered to be one of Australia’s best summit viewpoints. The mountain overlooks Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula, a sweeping, Jurassic landscape that is guaranteed to leave you speechless.
But, before you can enjoy these world-renowned sunrise views, you’ll need to brace yourself for the 4 km steep return Mount Amos hike.
While not long by any means, it does require a fair bit of rock and boulder scrambling to reach the summit. In this guide, I’ll provide a detailed account of the walk, including what you need to complete it, as well as some epic photos from the summit.
About the Mount Amos Hike
- Hike Distance: 4 km return
- Duration: 2-3 hours return
- Elevation: 434 m of elevation gain
- Difficulty: Tasmanian Parks Grade 4: rock scrambling required
- Mount Amos summit: 454 m AMSL
Mount Amos sits within the granite mountain range known as "The Hazards". This dramatic mountainscape dominates the horizon from Coles Bay and the Freycinet National Park. While not the tallest out of the three main granite peaks, Mount Amos (454M) is the most accessible by walking and offers the best views.
Mount Amos is a very popular hike, but it is quite demanding. This is because the section near the top requires rock and boulder scrambling to traverse.
Also, there isn't a clear "trail" to reach the summit. Instead, hikers follow a route marked by yellow reflective arrows to the top. These are quite easy to follow but can still be a bit tricky in the dark— make sure to bring a good head torch!
It's clear that the Freycinet National Park Visitor's Centre does everything it can to warn people of the difficulty of this hike, you'll see a warning sign right near the trailhead. However, in all honesty, making it to the summit isn't that difficult for well-equipped hikers.
Still, hikers will need to prepare for a steep and sometimes slippery scrambling climb on hands and feet. You will also need to have a decent level of fitness.
When it comes to rock scrambling experience, I wouldn't go as far as to say that you need a great deal. In fact, the Mount Amos climb is probably a good introduction to rock scrambling peaks, especially those on similar Australian granite features. If you've ever attempted the Glasshouse Mountains hikes in Queensland, this one is much easier than those.
Since there are large, steep rock slabs to traverse, climbing Mount Amos in the wet, or if there is a chance of rain, is highly discouraged. The granite rocks become very slippery when wet.
Where is Mount Amos
Mount Amos is located within the Freycinet National Park, on the East Coast of Tasmania. This is roughly 200 km from Hobart or 180 km from Launceston, accessible by the long Coles Bay Road leading into the village of Coles Bay from the Tasman Highway.
How to Get to the Mount Amos Trailhead
The closest and primary town near the park is known as Coles Bay, which is just 4.2 km from the Wineglass Bay car park where the trailhead is. This is Freycinet National Park's main car park, catering to all of the hikes in the park, including Mount Amos and the Wineglass Bay Lookout track.
To get here, head towards the Freycinet National Park Visitor's Centre on Freycinet Drive near the start of Richardson's Beach. This is where you can pick up your National Park's pass if you haven't already. Next, continue down Freycinet Drive all the way until you reach a large car park with signs for all of the walks.
This is where you can park and begin the Mount Amos hike. Below I've included a map that features most of the walking tracks in the park. The parking icon represents the trailhead for the Mount Amos Track. As you can see, there are also toilets here if you need one.
Google Maps Pin: "Mount Amos Track"
National Parks Pass for Freycinet National Park
Mount Amos lies within the Freycinet National Park. Therefore, you'll need to purchase a parks pass online or at the Freycinet visitor centre. These passes are valid for entry to all of Tasmania's parks and the receipt must be displayed in your vehicle.
If you are spending a fair bit of time in Tassie, the annual pass offers the best value.
National Parks Pass Cost:
- 24-hours: $44 per vehicle (up to eight people)
- Holiday Passes - up to 2 months: $89 per vehicle (up to eight people)
- Annual Pass all parks: $95 per vehicle (up to eight people)
The Mount Amos Hike - Complete Guide
The Mount Amos walk begins from the south end of the Wineglass Bay car park. We decided to head up to see the famous view for sunrise, which meant a dark ascent with head torches.
As you can probably see, a few of the photos in this section were taken on the way down because it was difficult to take photos in the dark.
Following the signs from the car park to the intersection where several trails split, we began the bushwalk.
Once we figured out which one was the Mount Amos track, we continued through the forest shrub for a short distance and crossed an elevated wooden platform. Quite soon after commencing, the track began to climb, following rooty and rocky ground and passing some large boulders.
The first section is quite easy to traverse and the reflective yellow arrows were great in helping us make our way through the forest in the dark.
Soon after the ascent began, we were onto the granite feature. Again, there are yellow arrows everywhere so finding the best way to the top is quite straightforward. Admittedly though, we did have to stop and shine our torches around during some sections to make sure we were on the right path.
As we continued, we quickly realised that the ascent got steeper and steeper as we made our way up the rock face towards the summit of Mt Amos. These slippery rock slabs were easy to climb in the dry conditions, but I would imagine near impossible without fixed ropes in a downpour.
The most difficult part of the Mount Amos hike was a steep section of scrambling just before the summit. While short-lived, this section is wide and water-eroded, making it extra slippery.
There are also fewer rocks to grab onto on the way up. My advice is to follow the fault lines (cracks) in the face to help you pull yourself up on your hands and feet.
Soon after the steep section, the trail flattens and makes its way around a large boulder and through a forested tunnel before opening up to the summit of Mount Amos.
The Summit: Mount Amos Sunrise View
The Mount Amos sunrise view is perhaps one of the most spectacular in Australia. The rocky peak looks directly over Wineglass Bay and the rest of the Freycinet Peninsula, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the park.
This view is iconically Australian. The deep blues of the bay are crowned by a stretch of clear, turquoise water edging white-sand shores. In the distance, you see the green peaks of Mount Freycinet and Mount Graham, framing the background with their might. It's one of my personal favourites in Australia!
We sat and waited for the sun to slowly ascend and light up the bay with beams of orange light. Sunbursts of colour appeared on the distant peaks and the white-sandy shores of Wineglass Bay turned to gold.
The Best View of Wineglass Bay
View tip: In my opinion, the best view to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Amos is just a bit further down from the summit.
If you carefully continue down past the large obvious boulder, you'll be rewarded with uninterrupted, panoramic views of Wineglass Bay— and perhaps even escape the crowds.
Descending to Wineglass Bay
Many people will tell you that the descent is more difficult than the climb up. However, if you have decent shoes on and the rocks are not wet, then making your way down the granite face isn't too bad.
You also have the option of slowly coming down the steeper sections on your bum if you find it challenging. This is what Haylea did and she found this a lot easier.
We completed the Mount Amos hike in just under two hours, with roughly 45 minutes at a fair pace on the way up and about an hour on the way down. However, as you can see from the photos, we ended up staying up at the summit for quite a while after the sunrise had passed.
Following this one, we headed on for the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, which included a stop at the Wineglass Bay Lookout and camping on Hazard's Beach!
Tips for Hiking Mount Amos
Heading out for the sunrise hike to Mt Amos? Read these tips first!
- Remember your National Parks pass and display the receipt or sticker on your vehicle
- Leave an hour before sunrise for the best views
- Plan the hike in good weather conditions
- Don't climb Mount Amos in the wet or if it is going to rain
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, trail running shoes, or hiking boots (trail runners are better in my opinion as you'll be able to scramble easier)
- Continue on 100M from the summit for uninterrupted views of Wineglass Bay
- Take your rubbish back with you
Where to Stay Near Coles Bay For Walks in Freycinet
My top 3 choices for places to stay before enjoying the walks in Freycinet National Park.
1. Picnic Island Luxury
Ever wanted to stay on a private island? What better place to do so than on Picnic Island, a beautiful island gem just off Coles Bay. Visitors will have the entire island to themselves with rustic waterfront cabins and a fully-equipped kitchen and living area.
2. Freycinet Lodge Mid-Range
Located in a waterfront location within Freycinet National Park, it offers luxury cabin-style accommodation, two restaurants, and a bar. You’ll also get a buffet breakfast included. This is one of the best-located spots to begin your Freycinet National Park walks.
3. Eagle Peaks Budget
This is a unit-style accommodation option featuring a dining and seating area, a fully-equipped kitchen, and great scenery at your doorstep. It has good WiFi and free private parking near Coles Bay.
Camping in Freycinet National Park
For those in caravans or vans, you'll be stoked to find out that there is an abundance of great camping spots in the area. The closest campsite to Mount Amos is the Freycinet National Park campground. However, this one is always in high demand and there's even a ballot system that operates in peak seasons.
Otherwise, you can try some of the others below:
- Big4 Iluka
- Swan River Campsite
- River and Rocks Campsite (free)
- The campground at Freycinet Paintball ($10)
Should I Hike the Wineglass Bay Lookout Track or Mount Amos?
While the Wineglass Bay Lookout is spectacular, the views on offer at the Mount Amos summit are much better. This is because you'll be much higher, offering a better vantage point of the curling bay.
You'll also have much fewer people to crop out of your photos!
FAQs About Hiking Mount Amos
Is the Mount Amos hike dangerous?
This one is a little dangerous due the steep sections and the possibility of getting stuck in the wet. However, most well-equipped walkers with a bit of scrambling experience will breeze through this one.
What is the Mt Amos walking time?
Expect roughly 1 hour up and 1 hour down in good conditions. Plan for at least 3 hours return.
How high is Mount Amos?
The summit of Mount Amos is 445 metres above sea level, with the highest point in the granite Hazard range being 485 metres (Mount Dove).
Is Mount Amos near Cradle Mountain?
Mount Amos is located in Freycinet National Park, which is on the east coast of Tasmania, approximately 300 km from Cradle Mountain.
More Epic Things to do on Tasmania's East Coast
I hope that this guide to hiking Mount Amos in Tasmania has been useful for you in planning your epic adventures in Freycinet National Park.
While you're here, why not stop by some of my other hiking and adventure guides?
I guarantee you'll find some great travel and adventure inspiration!
- 65 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania - My ultimate guide to exploring Tassie, complete with must-visit icons & hidden gems.
- Hikes in Tasmania - Discover 40+ of Tassie's best hiking trails, including short walks and long overnight treks!
- Waterfalls in Tasmania - A guide to 25+ of Tasmania's best waterfalls!
- Where to Stay in Tasmania - The ultimate accommodation guide to help your stops and places to stay.
- Best Tours & Experiences in Tasmania - This years' roundup of my favourite bookable tours & experiences across Tassie!
Nivi Manohar
Wednesday 28th of July 2021
Thank you for this post - it really helps me as I am planning my first ever hike up Mount Amos.
Would you know at what time you started your hike approximately to make it in time to view the sunrise up top?
Thanks, Nivi
Olly Gaspar
Wednesday 28th of July 2021
Hey Nivi,
I went up for the first time in Autumn for sunrise. I can't remember the exact time but I'd say if you wanted to make it up to Mount Amos summit for sunrise, leave at least 1.5 hours before the sun comes up.