Back country - remote
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.6%
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Not suitable
Slow
5:00
Moderate
4:00
Fast
From the Lake Tennyson campground, cross the outlet stream. Follow a rough 4WD track around the shores of the lake until you arrive at the base of a small forest on the hillside.
Head up through the grass, sticking close to the trees as the trail is easier here. There's a faint trail up the hillside and you'll soon be on the summit of Mt McCabe. Enjoy the views, then drop down along the ridge, towards Mt Princess, to a saddle. There's a steep grunt up the other side, picking your way around rocks.
At another low saddle, you'll see Princess Bath. It's a spectacular sight! Descend the scree to Princess Bath. Make your way around the Eastern shore of the tarn, then follow the tussock up to Pt 1906. Follow the ridge towards Maling Pass - there is a trail in parts for most of this. It's mostly easy and obvious to follow.
At the pass, join the 4wD road/ St James cycle trail and enjoy the descent. After around 4.5km, you'll come to the Lake Tennyson outlet stream. You can either cross the stream and cut across the tussock/ occasional bog back to the campsite/ carpark or just follow the 4wD track back to Tophouse Road and then follow this back to the campsite.
The off track option (which this gpx file follows) is about 3km/ 10 mins faster than the road.
This trail includes the peak Mount McCabe.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
It's about an hour's drive from Hanmer Springs on a good gravel road.
61 km
148 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
You'll need a clear day to easily navigate the ridgelines.
Non-existent.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters
Plenty - streams, a lake and tarns.
Snow and ice in winter/ spring.
Snow and ice in winter/ spring. Very exposed.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Princess Bath
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.