Federation Peak | Australia's Most Intimidating Trek

Federation Peak undoubtedly marks the pinnacle of my hiking and climbing experiences! Forming part of a gruelling 4-day trek, my mate Stuart and I braved this exceptionally exposed peak in Tasmania’s Southwest from the 1st to 4th January 2024. The journey just to reach its base was lengthy and challenging, as the track is unmaintained and full of mud, tree roots and various obstacles to climb over. Yet all of that paled in comparison to the vertical ascent to the summit. With a sheer 600m drop to Lake Geeves below, to say I was scared would be an understatement. This climb took every bit of courage I had, and to be honest, I still can’t believe I did it! Reaching the 1,224m summit is widely regarded as one of, if not the most significant hiking accomplishments in all of Australia!
Please note: Ascending Federation Peak requires prior climbing experience and is strongly advised to be attempted only in favourable weather conditions.
All shots taken on GoPro and iPhone.

[@thegorn]

Mountaineering legend has it that Sir Edmund Hillary declared Federation Peak as Australia's only real mountain. Damn that looked hairy!

[@paulstephen_]

I can see why he said that haha!

[@gsrossco]

Well done, and nice video. My brother's friend tragically fell to his death on the descent back in 2007, definitely a climb to be taken seriously.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Seems they Dunning Kruger'ed themselves into it. Oh well lucky this time.

[@leithmurray736]

I’m 76 and in that time Ive done some risky long adventure walks . This walk of yours was off the richter scale . In a few spots I could feel my legs start to uncontrollably shake, then my thoughts went to ( and then we have to descend this ). Well done

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks Leith! I don't blame you for feeling this way... I still can't believe I did it! I've never been more scared in my life! I don't think I'll do it again either. I've conquered it now and that'll do me haha! Thanks for watching :)

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

@@paulstephen_ You need to listen to fear like that. It was telling you, that what you were doing was beyond your understanding.

[@ramio1983]

Stunning man, this Mountain Peak deserves respect. People always claim Australia to be flat and boring, but Federation Peak is a very respectable peak with some insane views, dangerous trails and craggy peaks. Thanks for sharing boys.

[@paulstephen_]

Cheers mate! You're right, and Tassie is far from flat! Probably the best mountains in Australia!

[@aaronchesebro6991]

Wow that’s a incredible climb and makes Beerwah and Tibro look like a stroll on Noosa beach! BaLLS OF STEEL well done

[@paulstephen_]

Hahaha I would have to agree!

[@almorkans3945]

When does trekking become mountaineering? Wow!

[@mark703]

Thx boys, for taking me where I've always wanted to go,

[@paulstephen_]

No worries Mark! Hope you get to go one day.

[@Pericalypsis]

Well done fellas. I climbed it late Dec 1993 / early Jan 1994. It rained every day. We had to wait a few days for a break in the weather at the base of the Eastern Arthurs, and then again another couple of days up at Thwaites Plateau. No way were we going to climb it in the middle of rain. That one dangerous ledge took me two attempts to climb down. Certain parts of my body were ... clenched. On the way down from the Eastern Arthurs, we encountered snow, rain, hail, and sunshine in the span of several hours. The amount of mud on the tracks in the lowlands was crazy. Creeks were overflowing and a little dicey to cross. It was a great experience, but since then I've stuck to day trips. Japan is a great place for that since the public transport often takes you all the way to the trailhead.

[@paulstephen_]

Wow that sounds insane! You guys got the lot haha. We actually had a span of about 10 days straight in Tassie with really good weather. We talked to a ranger who said that's pretty rare for Tassie, even for summer. I'm sure you'll have stories of that trip for the rest of your life! Thanks for watching :)

[@PerspectiveAustralia]

Holy crap, that was epic 💚. That climb was insane. You’re much braver than me. We loved your adventure 🙌

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@headwerkn]

Nice work fellas. It’s an amazing mountain. I’ve been up to the summit twice in the past few years and yeah, it doesn’t get any less intimidating the second time around (esp. when you’re leading others up there). Still, an awesome summit, such great views. The one takeaway anyone watching this and planning to climb should understand: there is a (mostly) well defined route up the Direct Accent that, while not perfectly ‘safe’, doesn’t require any death-defying moves. If you’re in a spot where it feels totally wrong and dangerous, you’re off the route. Go back to the last-known-good and reevaluate. These days the cairns are pretty good.

[@paulstephen_]

Wow twice! That's epic! And yeah, you've said it well. That pretty similar advice I got from someone before I left: "If you feel like the climb is getting way too exposed, you're most likely going the wrong way"... which we found out on one part in particular haha!

[@RobVole1]

Crazy hike and climb. Great effort, lads!

[@stevenralser]

I did it back in 1978, and don’t remember it being that difficult. We camped at hanging lake that year.

[@johnrayner2731]

Well done lads. I was born in Tassie and spent 24 years there before heading overseas in 1974. Seeing your videos just shows me how much I miss Tasmania and what it has to offer once you get away from the standard tourist itinerary. Awesome.

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks John! It's a pretty special place hey. I live in Brisbane and it's a great spot up here for hiking, but nothing in Australia compares to Tassie's hikes!

[@rohansully584]

Far out! I don't think I could handle that last climb!! Well done!!

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you!

[@rodneygreen9900]

Damn watching that climb gave me anxiety, awesome effort lads, unreal achievement!

[@paulstephen_]

Haha thank you for putting yourself through that haha!

[@ellelbaker]

Wow! Wow! You both had me on the Edge! What an achievement. I am so so proud of you both and your achievement. Man, when determined, and with training and trust can achieve their dreams. Thankyou for sharing this feature with us so authentically.

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks so much!! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@harbour_explore]

That was sick man!👏what a bloody adventure and hectic rock climb! Definitely need to hold your nerve on that one. I need this, thanks for the inspo man!!

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks heaps mate! Easily the scariest thing I've ever done! Hope you get to do this one day :D

[@harbour_explore]

Me too man!🤜🤛

[@tournieg]

Brilliant achievement, great video 👍

[@harshgorasia6501]

Great video mate - visited Cradle Mountain myself but only did the trail walks as there was no chance I couldve taken on anything more than that! Seeing this vid has bought back those good memories , thanks for that 🎉

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks for watching! How good is Tassie hey! So many epic hikes :)

[@harshgorasia6501]

@@paulstephen_ so good mate, the long drives thru the Tasman hwy are so amazing as well

[@cristobal5096]

Awesome!

[@whisk938]

That's not a trek hike that's mountain climbing

[@Azoth5876]

Love how varied the terrain was over the trip. Gorgeous mountain and the view was great! Well done and great video!

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! It's a different world down there in Tassie!

[@gearaustralia8767]

Awesome effort fellas 😎🙌 sick trek ✌️

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Benjaminwright1991]

Awesome climbing. Feet are tingling just watching.

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! Definitely the scariest thing I've done by a long shot.

[@xGeneralGaming]

Insane, great job guys and sweet video

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks heaps! This one took me forever to edit!

[@advanturest]

That was epic mate, after watching you go up I was so worried about the decent. What an unreal experience! Cheers for filming it!

[@paulstephen_]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@manuelgutierrez5201]

Nice place, thanks for hiking to us !!!

[@paulstephen_]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sarahrosefoster]

This is terrifying ! Nice work !! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks Sarah! Teach me how to get views like you please 😁

[@mowsertas]

Awesome! Great vid! One of the better ones I have seen for a Fedder trip! Brought back a lot of memories having done that same walk a few times myself!

[@paulstephen_]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for the compliment! This video took me forever to edit.

[@franksaunders6534]

Great vlog! Well done boys!!

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks so much!!

[@edwinflynn9744]

Amazing adventure. Such a beautiful area that so very few get to visit.

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! It was epic! And yes, not many people were there... it was great haha!

[@jjj14]

Balls of steel.

[@paulstephen_]

Haha cheers!

[@two_in_tasmania]

Wow ! Fantastic effort ... says me ... absolutely shitting himself watching from the lounge chair !! I just can't fathom how the fear factor is overcome on a climb like this.

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! Yeah, I completely get that! I have had to build up my confidence over the years to do something like this!

[@mikebarton]

Good on you. 👏👏👏

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you :)

[@CooeeAdventures]

Great accomplishment 😊

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you so much!

[@AussieDangerDave]

Wow. That was terrifying lol Great video guys!

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks heaps! I really appreciate it!

[@user-xw5vq7nf2r]

What a spectacular place

[@paulstephen_]

One of Australia's best!

[@soberphobicdesigns]

Well captured

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you :)

[@steve24550]

Well done guys. That's a great achievement. I tried to walk in from Scott's Peak Dam a few years ago. Got rained off the Western Arthurs. Never even got a glimpse of Fed Peak. Probably just as well. It looks a bit gnarly to me !

[@paulstephen_]

Damn, sorry to hear you didn't get the weather. Hopefully you can go back and try it again one day soon! Thanks for watching!

[@TasdazDownunder]

Grats on climbing Fed. I've always been fascinated by it but my fear of heights would rule this one out. Watching this confirmed that lol. Great video

[@paulstephen_]

Haha thanks for watching my video at least :)

[@greatsouthernoverland]

Well done fellas! My brother and I did Fed peak in the early 90s walking from Lake Pedder with a bit of the Western Arthurs on the way. Other than the boardwalk camps not much has changed at the peak :D Big milestone for you both

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! Wow, that's pretty cool! Love hearing from people who did the climb decades ago. Such an amazing experience!

[@kenmc5745]

Great video. I remember when your Uncle presented the slides at a BCBC slide night and while I always thought what a trip. But your video showed how extreme that final climb is. Thanks for sharing because this old hike has no plans to do it.

[@paulstephen_]

Wow that's amazing! Uncle John hasn't shown me this slideshow haha. I should ask him! And yes, I think I captured the climb pretty well with the GoPros on our heads. Thanks for watching Ken!

[@kenmc5745]

I contacted JC before making sure that it was the same person. Once again nice video.

[@surfclimbcycle]

4:27 - 4:41 Was there a few years ago - I remember that plank! ☺

[@jhayd22]

how good's tibrogargan, cool stuff mate subscribed instantly

[@TheShmooty]

Epic I remember attempting it a couple years back and we baulked at the ledge (7:18) when the weather blew in. It’s super dicey up there ain’t no standard rock scramble. Good effort glad you made it back down. People miss the ledge and that’s it 😢

[@paulstephen_]

I think you made the right choice mate. We were very fortunate that we didn't have any wind or rain. Plus, it was overcast, which helped! Honestly, we couldn't have asked for better conditions. I hope you get to attempt it again in the future!

[@ScalingSummits]

Great shots and editing Paul, was your neighbour at Cutting camp, glad to see you both got to the top with relatively good weather.

[@paulstephen_]

Hey Liam, just watched your Fedders video. Nice work! Great to hear from someone we saw along the way! Glad you enjoyed my video too :D

[@waterfallsaustraliabymark]

nice video Paul!

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks heaps!!!

[@chuzeychuze9905]

Well done lads that's bloody insane. I'd never be able to do something like that.

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks mate! I never thought I would be able to either. This took a lot for me do get up there!

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

There are ways to do this safely. freesolo vertical with a backpack ain't it.

[@TheVeganFoodieGirl]

Climbed Fedders a few years back. Wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. Really important to stick to the cairned route. Looks like you must have been off it a few times cause you had some way sketchier stuff than us! Well done. It’s a great feeling isn’t it. Ps The toilet is new. It definitely needed one in there. You guys should have pushed on to Hanging Lake. Bit sketchy to get there with full packs but it’s stunning. Maybe your next trip!

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks mate. We found it pretty hard to follow the cairns a few times as we couldn't always see the next one ahead. I wonder if some have been removed. Anyway, we got there in the end! Best feeling in the world when you get to the top :)

[@AlloffroadAu]

well done, I wish I wasn't scared of heights lol

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! I used to be the same. I've had to push myself over the years to get better with heights. It's all a mental game!

[@antpoo]

Well done, I did Western Arthur’s no problem, but I just don’t know if I’ve got the nerve for the fed.

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks! It took every bit of courage I had to do this!

[@whophd]

This should be more famous than Kosciusko. How do we rank these? There must be a mathematical way to measure something! Amazing, I was in Cradle Mountain and Strathgordon at the same time as this. Bloody Covid meant I could barely walk around Dove Lake; this was supposed to be my 4th attempt to scale it and the weather was perfect after the last two attempts were snowstorm and blizzard. Really my first attempt was the biggest waste because I was young and strong, but too stupid to take the easy way. I even thought “Face Walk sounds nice!” Literally halfway through it I put 2+2 together and realised “OHHH, CLIFF-FACE WALK”. Your video reminded me of that bit 😅😅❤

[@paulstephen_]

Haha I agree, Federation Peak isn't very well known at all! Hope you had a great trip to Tasmania nonetheless!

[@whophd]

​@@paulstephen_ I did I did. Can't wait to come back. I was just talking about it to my partner literally 10 minutes ago, how it was a success in terms of meeting wildlife. Hobart and Cradle Mountain more so - so many pademelons, even caught a wild Tassie Devil on video - with surprisingly little in Strathgordon (probably due to the less fertile soil?) other than a really keen possum!

[@whophd]

Climbed a hill in Strathgordon to see some INCREDIBLE mountains in the distance and yours must have been amongst them. I felt like I was in a scene of Lord of the Rings. Gulp!

[@teatowel11]

Wow, that is a real climb. About as difficult as it is sane to do without ropes. Impressive that you completed it without someone who had done it before.

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! It was just as difficult to navigate up as it was to climb!

[@jakehughes8224]

Wow thats scary to watch!

[@paulstephen_]

It was easily the scariest thing I've ever done!

[@mercury683]

Wow....I would never be able to do this....I am so scared of heights!

[@paulstephen_]

It's not for the faint of heart... even I can't believe I climbed this!

[@angusgrant2342]

Loved the vid guys! How difficult is the climb compared to Mt Tibrogargan?

[@paulstephen_]

Thank you! It's definitely more exposed than Tibro's main route up, but I'm not 100% sure about the caves route. I'm still yet to do that. I've heard it's pretty similar in exposure, maybe even harder!

[@eileenharte4944]

Where to for your next adventure? Would you do rhe great Alpine walking track?

[@paulstephen_]

My next big trek will be up in North Queensland in September! I'm hoping to head to the Vic Alpine region a year after that.

[@PhilthySteel]

Are we there yet ? Not yet mate!

[@AngusMurray]

What a mission! Did you find the rocks to be slippery? Everything looked pretty damp

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks Angus! No, the rocks were very easy to grab onto. I doubt that would've been the same if it were wet!

[@AngusMurray]

​@paulstephen_ oh that's good! Yeah gonna say 😂

[@Geckoblade64]

Does the vertical section require technical climbing skills? or just a lot of balls? Wondering for when I attempt it myself. Mean video!

[@LeGou]

First do Mt Anne . If you can candle brutal hills ,rock scrambling and sketchy oh shit moments. Federation is a total nope for me lol

[@paulstephen_]

I would agree with that. Mount Anne still requires a bit of climbing to the summit, with a little bit of exposer. So, it's a good one to do to prepare yourself for the Fedders. It's nowhere near as exposed though, and the trek getting there is much harder due to the long, unmaintained trail. I'm fortunate enough to live near the Glass House Mountains in QLD which has some really good mountains where I can practice my climbing on. So yes, defs do some practice on other mountains beforehand.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Yes. They were there because they were off the route and suffering from Dunning Kruger. It was dangerous and they are lucky.

[@mapleflag1832]

Holy sh.t, i got vertigo just watching that !!!!!

[@paulstephen_]

Thanks for putting yourself through that to watch it haha!

[@LeGou]

As a fellow tasmania you boys have some serious balls. I love climbing but this is a hell no. Respect

[@paulstephen_]

Haha thanks mate. I still can't believe I did it!

[@adrianloney8009]

Is that the waterfall in the great northern ad (hitchenbrook) someone died there last week (fall).9pm golden hour in tas

[@paulstephen_]

I think you may be thinking of Davies Creek Falls

[@darkbin180]

nuce

[@ErzbergAdventures]

Mt Linday might not be as high, but its definitely way more extreme.

[@paulstephen_]

I would agree with you on that, but it's not a trek getting there like Federation Peak is (hence why I wrote "trek" in the title haha). I hope to climb Mount Lindesay one day!

[@ErzbergAdventures]

@@paulstephen_ yeh definitely not a multiday trek.

[@matthiaszakors7164]

Not many people wear a backwards cap hiking

[@imachamp68]

Thats a big no from me!

[@paulstephen_]

Haha thanks for watching at least!

[@tonykourounblis1854]

No thanks I’ll take a chopper

[@paulstephen_]

Haha good idea

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Why are you doing stupid things? What is the point of freesolo'ing while scared and with a backpack on? The fear is you knowing that you're beyond your capabilities. Think about the poor SAR people who have to risk themselves to pick up your body.

[@Davidbrompton58]

Yeah, they should’ve stayed at home, with you.