Location and surroundings
Mount Clear belongs to the chain Australia > Great Dividing Range > Southern Great Dividing Range > South Eastern Highlands > Australian Alps > Snowy Mountains > Booth Range. It is in New South Wales, Australia, and is the highest point of the Booth Range. In the range itself it ranks first by elevation, and the surrounding country is typical alpine highland terrain with ridges, hills and open slopes rather than a single isolated summit.
The nearby landscape includes a cluster of named peaks and hills in several directions, which shows how Mount Clear sits among a broader upland system. The area is remote and elevated, with the nearest communication mast mapped only a short distance away, suggesting open country around parts of the summit area and more sheltered ground in the valleys.
Neighbouring peaks
- Shanahans Mountain (peak), 1,424 m, 6.4 km NW
- Pheasant Hill (hill), 1,447 m, 8.7 km W
- Boboyan Hill (hill), 1,399 m, 9.1 km W
- Mount Flinders (peak), 1,484 m, 9.7 km S
- Pinnacle Hill (hill), 1,201 m, 9.7 km SW
- Mount Boboyan (peak), 1,465 m, 11.0 km NW
- Boboyan (hill), 1,350 m, 11.2 km NW
- Mount Colinton (peak), 1,133 m, 11.7 km E
Compared with these neighbours, Mount Clear is the highest point in the immediate Booth Range group. Most nearby summits are lower by 100 m or more, so it forms the top of its local ridge system rather than one peak among many of similar height.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks are all to the west and northwest, shaping the broader skyline from Mount Clear. Mount Kelly rises to 1,829 m at 24.6 km NW, while Mount Scabby reaches 1,798 m at 22.9 km NW. Other high points in view include Mount Gudgenby at 1,739 m to the NW, Mt Mouat East at 1,730 m to the NW, Yaouk Peak at 1,725 m to the W, and Sentry Box Hill at 1,696 m to the W.
These higher summits show that Mount Clear is part of a larger alpine mass rather than a solitary high point. On clear days, the western and northwestern skyline should be the most prominent part of the view.
The range
Mount Clear is the highest mountain in the Booth Range, which has 8 named peaks. The range’s high point is Mount Clear itself, so there is no higher summit within that group. Its position at the top of the range makes it the reference point for the local ridge system, even though much higher mountains lie farther away in the wider Australian Alps.
The Booth Range sits inside the broader mountain hierarchy of the Snowy Mountains and the Australian Alps. For visitors, that means Mount Clear belongs to a high-country setting where ridgelines, exposed slopes and changing weather are normal parts of the mountain environment.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data, adjusted to summit elevation. At the top of Mount Clear, the warmest month is January at about 15 °C, and the coldest is July at about 3 °C. Mean temperatures stay above freezing in every month, though winter conditions can still feel cold because of wind and exposure.
The surrounding area receives about 700 mm of precipitation a year. February is the wettest month at about 100 mm, and May is the driest at about 30 mm. In this part of the Australian Alps, weather hazards can include rapid changes, strong winds, cold rain, frost and winter snow or ice on higher ground.
Best time to visit
Because the summit climate stays above freezing on average all year, Mount Clear can be visited in different seasons, but the most comfortable conditions are usually in the warmer months. The climate data point to summer and early autumn as the milder period, while late autumn and winter bring colder, windier and more changeable weather.
If you want drier conditions, the months around May are the driest on average, while February is the wettest. For a day on the mountain, it is wise to choose a stable forecast and be ready for cold mornings, sun exposure and sudden weather shifts even in summer.
Nature and wildlife
The Booth Range and the wider Snowy Mountains are high-country environments with open slopes, rocky ground and alpine or subalpine vegetation. Depending on aspect and elevation, you can expect grassland, low shrubs and scattered hardy plants adapted to wind, frost and snow. In the surrounding uplands, wildlife typical of southeastern Australian mountains may include kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, birds of prey and smaller alpine species.
At this height, the landscape is shaped more by exposure and weather than by dense forest. In colder periods, snow patches and icy ground can linger on shaded slopes, while in warmer months the terrain is usually dry and open enough for long views across the range.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Mount Clear, a certified guide is usually most useful for visitors who want local route knowledge, winter travel advice or support in poor weather. In Australia, the national mountain guide association is the Australian Climbing Instructors' Association, which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. Established guiding companies in the country include High and Wild in Katoomba.
Organised ascents in alpine terrain usually include route planning, navigation, pacing, weather decisions and safety management. For local advice, visitors often also check regional tourist information before heading into the mountains.
Safety and preparation
Mount Clear is a high mountain in exposed country, so preparation should match alpine conditions even though the summit is not extremely high by world standards. Good footwear, layers, wind protection, navigation tools and enough food and water are important. Weather can change quickly, and in winter or after cold nights the ground may be slippery or icy.
For mountain rescue in Australia, the emergency number is 000; 112 also works from mobile phones. Because the area is remote, it is sensible to tell someone your plan and carry a charged phone, but do not rely on reception in every gully or behind every ridge.
Interesting facts
Mount Clear is the highest of the 8 named peaks in the Booth Range, and the range’s high point is the mountain itself. The nearest higher mountains are outside the range, with Mount Kelly and Mount Scabby both well to the northwest. That makes Mount Clear a local high point within a larger alpine system rather than the tallest summit in the wider region.
The summit area also has mapped communication masts nearby, which is unusual enough to be useful for navigation and phone reception planning. The nearest mast is only 70 m SW, and there are 2 masts within 10 km of the top.
FAQ
How high is Mount Clear? Mount Clear rises to 1,603 m.
Where is Mount Clear? It is in New South Wales, Australia, in the Booth Range of the Snowy Mountains, within the wider Australian Alps.
Is Mount Clear the highest mountain in its range? Yes. It is the highest point of the Booth Range and the highest of its 8 named peaks.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Clear? The closest named neighbours are Shanahans Mountain 6.4 km northwest, Pheasant Hill 8.7 km west, and Mount Flinders 9.7 km south.
Is there water on the way to Mount Clear? The summit area is in open high country, so you should plan to carry your own water. For a day outing, about 1.5 to 3 litres per person is a sensible range, depending on heat, wind and route length.
Are there huts on Mount Clear? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
Is mobile phone coverage likely on Mount Clear? There are 2 communication masts mapped within 10 km, and the nearest is only 70 m SW. On an open summit a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.