Tasmania’s Turning of the Fagus

Written by Mont Ambassador Geoff Murray

This year’s Turning of the Fagus in Tasmania was a little early this year. All it takes is a few cold nights and some wind and the leaves will fall before the nominal time to turn which is Anzac Day.

This year I decided to walk up onto a range on Tassie’s West Coast. I had been here a few times before but not during Fagus time.

As I neared the top of the climb I ran into a photographer that I knew and he gave me the unwelcome news that most of the leaves had fallen.

Ever hopeful I  pitched my Moondance I FN in a sheltered spot and hoped I would find some worthwhile scenes the next day.

The night was a mild one with a short sharp drop to just under zero before rising to 7°C by the time I woke up at 5am. I’m still using the incredible Zero Superlight sleeping bag although as winter approaches it won’t be long before a warmer bag will be required.

I left the tent when there was just enough light to see where I was walking and headed up onto a ridge that I knew gave excellent views.

I found the odd worthwhile Fagus bush and viewed superb views of the misty landscape below so the trip certainly wasn’t a loss. 

And it’s always good to get out.

Geoff Murray

Mont Ambassador