Mount Ossa (Tasmania)

Mount Ossa
Mount Ossa
Elevation	1,617 m (5,305 ft)
Prominence	1,617 m (5,305 ft)
Listing	Ultra
Location
	Mount Ossa Tasmania, Australia
Coordinates	41°52′16″S 146°02′00″E / 41.87111°S 146.0333333°ECoordinates: 41°52′16″S 146°02′00″E / 41.87111°S 146.0333333°E
Geology
Type	dolerite
Age of rock	Jurassic
Climbing
Easiest route	3½ hr return from Pelion Gap

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For the mountain in Greece, see Mount Ossa (Greece).

Mount Ossa is the highest mountain in Tasmania, at 1,617 metres (5,305 ft).^[1] It lies in the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The entire mountain is composed of Jurassic dolerite and the peak is named after Mount Ossa in Greece, which features in Greek mythology. Many other peaks in Tasmania have names derived from the legends and tales of ancient Greece.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Ascending

The peak is fairly remote from the nearest road, with more than a day's walk for most parties but the ascent involves no rock climbing and there is a well-marked track to the summit. Conditions can be very severe in winter, with powerful winds and freezing temperatures.

The lower slopes are bushy but towards the summit the rocks are mostly bare. The walk to the summit from Pelion Gap during summer usually features an array of beautiful wild flowers common in the area.

[edit] Gallery

Wild flowers on hike up to summit
Looking east back down the chimney on Mount Ossa towards Pelion East ~ 24 February 2007
Looking South from Pelion Plains at Mount Ossa