In Tasmania, it s spoken of in almost religious awe. Federation Peak, or simply Fedder, is the most striking and terrifying mountain in Australia, its intimidating summit rising like a spike from the remote and rugged Eastern Arthur Range, 30 kilometres from Tasmania s south coast.
In real terms, Federation Peak is far from the highest mountain in the land. It stands almost 50 metres lower than Hobart s Mt Wellington, and 400 metres shorter than Tasmania s highest peak, Mt Ossa. But in perception, no mountain in Australia stands above it, and with very good reason.
See Also
To reach the top of Federation Peak, you must enter a grey area between bushwalking and rock climbing. The final ascent is on near-vertical quartzite walls, with a sense of exposure unmatched by any other mountain that walkers can reach in Australia. Look between your feet on this climb and all that you see is Lake Geeves, a fear-provoking 600 metres below you.