Mount Amos is a big chunk of granite on the East Coast of Tasmania, and the summit hike is rightly famed for it's fabulous view. To be candid I saw a picture on the internet when I was researching where to go in Tasmania. I was hooked. A day hike with that view. I couldn't think of anything better to do on my holiday. So Mt Amos was always a destination on my Tassie road trip.
Granite is tough stuff and erodes slowly, and the act of erosion, natural and of walkers going up and down has polished the surface of this rock very very nicely. This chunk may not be as famous as Half Dome in Yosemite, or The Chief at Squawmish, but this rock is well known downunder. I've had the pleasure of going up The Chief in BC Canada and the similarities are striking. With the difference that there are no chains or ladders or steps to assist people ascending/descending Mt Amos.
In the Southern Hemisphere late June is winter and also the shortest days of the year. Because of this I'm advised by the parks people in the visitor centre that the granite is wet, slippery and lethal 99 percent of the time. In winter, there are only a bare handful of days suitable to go up. Which is where blind luck took a hand. I lucked in, the day I was there was cloudless. The route was exposed to full sunshine for some hours and was mostly dry by the time I started. (Close to 10.30 am). At the base I made some adjustments to my kit. More water/ food. Waterproofs (it's always windy atop hills. I mean ALWAYS)
As usual the signage did not offer any DISTANCES , or elevations either. What is going on with that? The route was graded DIFFICULT and there was a strongly warning to the unprepared hikers in the info booth. But in small font easy to ignore.
Like many other people have observed the walk was really more of a walk/ scramble, but this was FUN. and chances are I had a grin on my face all the way up. I stopped occasionally for a snap, said hello to people on the way up or down. In fact there were many groups of people on same mission all with varying levels of kit. One girl was tackling the slippery surfaces with tshirt, cutoff shorts and and old pair of soft brown boots with the cuffs turned over. I wasn't even certain she had tied the laces. No one else had gloves. I'm no explorer with great wisdom, but I will say gloves were a good idea.
Speed was not of the essence but somehow I walked past several groups 'resting' on the way up. But I was also overtaken by other groups. I'm fairly certain I was the only person on the summit that day with hot soup, sandwiches and warm clothes. I also had a full size tripod which I saw another photographer eying a little enviously, his own tripod stood only 6 inches tall.
Once on top I explored a bit. As I had warm clothes there was no imperative to hurry. I spent a couple of hours on the summit.
For the Wineglass Bay view I wanted to fully separate the peninsula, surround it by the sea . But the route to my right looked perilous. If I'd had a rope AND a companion then maybe.
As I've already mentioned late June days are the shortest days of the year here. (Sunset 5.42pm) and I whilst I had a head torch and was considering staying for sunset I knew I'd lost the route twice on the way up in full daylight. btw The route is marked by yellow metal triangles nailed into the rock. Some are missing, nice souvenirs for someone I suppose. Returning in the dark on my own? No, not me that day. I'd make do with the perfect blue sky instead. Oh well some hardships I can bear. Even so I came down convinced I'd bagged at least one 'keeper' from the summit that day. I got down well before sunset, but I'm certain i was the last person off the rock. Lots of people found it was just a tad chilly without a warm clothes for the summit I should think.
The scramble / walk was just tremendous fun. It give me a cheery glint in the eye afterwards, if you get lucky when you visit. I'm certain it will do the same for you. Lastly if you think I am exaggerating Mt Amos charms and dangers perhaps you may also like to read this account of another photographer who took a trip to take in the view.
http://www.longyarnfilms.com.au/mount-amos-freycinet-climb/