G Collingridge and WC Piguenit, 'Arthur Range', 1888,
(Tasmaniana Library, SLT) Although not the highest mountain in
Tasmania, Federation Peak (1224m) is a difficult climb that for
decades resisted every challenger. Despite many attempts, this
jagged fang of quartzite at the eastern end of the Arthur Ranges
was not climbed until 1949. Sprent referred to it as 'The
Obelisk' when he viewed it from Mt Picton. Paintings of the peak
by Piguenit on his way to Port Davey spread its fame further. TB
Moore applied its name in 1901, honouring the Federation of the
Australian States. In 1905, Richard Geeves penetrated as far as
Lake Geeves under the southern cliffs of Federation Peak.
Several unsuccessful attempts in the 1920s followed. Persistent
summer exploratory work after the Second World War paved the way
for attempts on the final summit block in the late 1940s. Four
members of a larger party from the Geelong College Exploration
Society, led by John Bechervaise, climbed the peak in January
1949. Bechervaise acknow