This trip to Mt Hanley (1630m) requires multiple navigational decisions as you decide whether to go over or sidle around rocky obstacles. The scrambling required is never technically difficult, but there’s real exposure in places and it’s a unique and satisfying tramp. 

Moke Lake is visible for much of the walk as are the wrinkly mountains lining Moke Creek West Branch to the north and west. On the way back down Williamson Spur giant silver shards of rock jutting from the ridge are passed. And as with any adventurous walk, you’ll finish feeling satisfied after a big day out – and perhaps a touch relieved to be back.

From Moke Lake campsite, follow the Moke Lake Loop Track anticlockwise (west), until the flank of Williamson Spur. Turn north and follow the farm fence until you see foot trails climbing steeply through scrub onto Williamson Spur. Continue up the spur to a flat section at 780m, known as the ‘secret viewpoint’, for excellent views of Moke Lake. 

The next section advertises what is to come. If you don’t like it, you can turn back here knowing this walk wasn’t for you. (And the stroll back around Moke Lake is quite nice.)

Continuing up the spur is a combination of pleasant ridge travel interspersed with periods of scrambling. It’s often best to sidle around an obstacle, but sometimes the slopes are too steep and slippery and you’ll have to go over. Progress can be slow although there are periods of extended easy walking, for which you’ll be thankful. 

The final few hundred metres to the summit of Mt Hanley involve the most scrambling and navigation decisions, and the views from the top are similar to what you’ve already seen for much of the walk. 

Descending by the same route can feel easier due to familiarity with the terrain. However, this may not be the case on Williamson Spur. At times you’ll stand at the edge of what looks like a small cliff and wonder how on earth you got up this section. But you did, so trust those instincts and pick your way carefully down through the rocks. 

Around the 1060m contour you can choose to turn south off the spur and descend steeply through tussock, down to Moke Lake Loop Track. Look ahead for your route through patches of matagouri closer to the lake. From there it’s clockwise back to the car park.