Are you wondering how difficult the Mount Amos hike is and how long it takes? After reading the warnings, we nearly didn’t attempt climbing it. But a friend’s recommendation changed our minds, and we actually found it really fun! Our experience and tips will help plan your hike.

Summary
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: moderate/hard

Disclaimer: The hiking time and difficulty are based on our experience. We are experienced hikers with a good level of fitness, used to hiking long distances and scrambling. We possess good navigation skills and use a Garmin watch* with a GPS navigation map. Always check the park alerts and notes, as trail conditions change over time, which may affect the hike’s level of difficulty.

How hard is it to climb Mount Amos?

The warnings can be daunting and almost deterred us from attempting the Mount Amos climb. But thanks to a friend’s advice (who had done it before and knew our experience level), we decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be easier than we anticipated. However, many people have different feelings about the Mount Amos hike.

So, how hard is the Mount Amos hike? It depends on your experience and gear. Mount Amos is made of granite, which can be very slippery and dangerous when wet. That’s why they say not to attempt the climb if it rained or if there’s a risk of rain. On a sunny day, fit hikers with scrambling experience and shoes with a good grip should have no difficulty with the walk. There’s no actual climbing involved, and we always found cracks, footholds, and handholds to pull ourselves up while scrambling. The path is well-marked with arrows, making it easy to follow. There are challenging parts that make the climb fun. But those who have never climbed a rock face like this may find it to be the most strenuous hike they’ve ever done.

The Mount Amos hike can be complicated if you’re not prepared.

As the climb is dangerous in the rain, you must check the weather forecast before starting.

I highly recommend carefully selecting your shoes for this hike. I wouldn’t attempt it without hiking boots or trail running shoes with a good grip. Even runners can be too slippery on granite rock to my taste. I saw a few people sliding without sufficient control, and I would have been very uncomfortable in their shoes (literally).

Some people clearly underestimate the Mount Amos hike and ignore the warning signs. When we were descending, I remember seeing two young ladies ascending with water bottles in their hands and no bag to free up their hands later. They were already impressed by the incline where the climb hadn’t really started yet, in my opinion. They make it clear from the start that there are very steep parts on this hike, and both hands are required at some stage in the climb. Be prepared for this!

It’s not uncommon to see people getting stuck on Mount Amos as it is very steep and exposed. This is even more so on the way down, so keep this in mind as you ascend. I am scared of heights but have gained experience overcoming it. Even if it risks ruining my pants, I prefer to slide down on my butt when I hike steep mountains to make it easier. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the safest and surprisingly fastest way!

How long does it take to climb Mount Amos?

The official national park website indicates that the 4-km Mount Amos hike takes three hours to complete (return trip). This is precisely what it took us, including a long break of around 20-30 minutes at the summit. The views are so spectacular that you don’t want to rush down.

I felt we took our time on this hike as I tried to protect my knee on the way down; we had many other hikes planned during our trip around Tasmania. Still, a few people were slower than us. But many fit hikers with scrambling experience took less than three hours return. If you’re there during peak season, you’ll often have to stop to let other walkers pass as it’s a one-way track in many spots.

Screenshot of the Garmin app stats for climbing Mount Amos. Time: 3 hours; distance: 4.07 km; pace: 44:20 min/km; total ascent: 395m.

As you can see from the screenshot of my Garmin stats, you can move quickly at the start of the walk (in red) before you reach the rock face. Then, it becomes more challenging, and the crowd may also slow you down. We visited during peak season, so we often had to stop to let people descend and sometimes to follow slower people ascending. There isn’t plenty of space on the path. Some people choose not to follow the arrows, but I don’t believe it’s wise.

Is Mount Amos better than the Wineglass Bay Lookout?

The view from the summit of Mount Amos is very rewarding. It’s definitely worth doing if you enjoy scrambling and a bit of a challenge. However, the Wineglass Bay lookout also provides stunning views and is a lot safer for those with no scrambling experience, inappropriate shoes, or in case of rain.

I particularly enjoyed having a view of Coles Bay during the Mount Amos climb. It made me appreciate the height I had conquered. Even if you don’t reach the summit, you can still enjoy the views and the beautiful granite rock with its various and magnificent colours. But it’s still motivating to push all the way to the top as you’ll get to see the other side and the famous Wineglass Bay.

Have you attempted the Mount Amos hike? Share your experience in the comments below!

View of Coles Bay while climbing Mount Amos in Freycinet National Park

Where is Mount Amos hike?

Mount Amos is located in Freycinet National Park, one of the most visited places on the east coast of Tasmania. The Mount Amos hike starts from the same car park as the famous walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive there from Hobart.

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Eloise

Eloise is the creator and writer of MyFavouriteEscapes.com. She writes about her experiences exploring exotic destinations and finding hidden gems closer to home. Her goal is to share tips and stories to inspire and encourage others to go on their own adventures. She loves outdoor and nature-based activities like scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, and sailing. She grew up in France and has lived in England and Turkey before calling Australia home for the past decade. So let's get ready for another adventure!

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