Timing

Only return via the old tramline if it hasn’t been raining, as there is a small river crossing.

Access

From Glenorchy follow signs to Routeburn Track all the way. This will lead you over the Rees River, then a hard left into Priory Road. Straight after crossing the Dart River turn right into Routeburn Road and after 5km Lake Sylvan is signposted on the right.

This last section is unsuited to large campervans, although many do make it.

Track

The start of the track is after the swingbridge over the Routeburn River. The peaks here are on a grand scale, although you only ever get to see them on the drive and at Lake Sylvan outlet.

The track is wet and boggy after rain and weaves through open red beech forest. Make sure you follow the orange triangles, especially if you have to leave the track to circumnavigate a wet patch. Blue and pink triangles are for trap lines. Follow only orange triangles.

After 20 minutes is the junction with the old tramline.

Continue over the uneven and broken moraines before arriving at the circular viewing platform by the lake outlet.

The return via the tramline track is wetter, narrower and boggier but has some more open views due to the lower revegetation of the beech forest. There is a small river crossing near where the loop rejoins the main track.

European History

The Cook brothers milled timber, including totara from the area.

Scheelite mining took place in the area.