Discover a mountain landscape only accessible by foot on this exclusive walk in the magnificent Walls of Jerusalem, Tasmania's only true alpine National Park.
On this trip we use a comfortable base camp near the main peaks, allowing for delightful day walks with light packs into the heart of this spectacular mountain region.
On the first day we make the short, steep hike up to the base camp with full packs, then set up our tents on raised timber platforms nestled amongst the wilderness.
You'll have the chance to climb King David's Peak and Mt Jerusalem, from where views stretch across much of Tasmania, or venture to remote outer regions such as Golden Gate or Zion Vale.
Each evening we return to camp, situated near a stunning cluster of alpine tarns known as Solomons Jewels, where your guides will prepare gourmet camp meals served with a view.
Utilising the base camp, this trip is an ideal introduction to remote wilderness walking in one of Tasmania's most pristine alpine environments, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
Brought to you by
Departure & return
Launceston
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Distance Walked
28-34kms
Weight Carried
Full packs for 2 days (14-18kgs)
Accommodation
Wilderness camps
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Price
from AU$2,195 pp
Plan your Trip
We pick you up early this morning in Launceston, from one of our two pick up locations. Our first pick up point is at 8:15am from the Grand Chancellor and our second pick up point is at 8:30am at the Penny Royal. You will then be transferred to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park (travel time approx. 2 hours).
Carrying our full backpacks into this magnificent highland area will provide us with a challenge but we will be given plenty of encouragement from our guides as well as snacks and numerous rest stops along the way. Once the plateau has been reached, the walking is flat and spectacular as we pass by numerous tarns and lakes en route to our base camp for the next 3 nights. On arrival we set up camp, relax and enjoy the amazing surrounds of the rugged mountain of King Davids Peak (1499m)
Today we head out from our camp (carrying just our day packs) passing Lake Salome and the Pool of Bethesda before reaching the imposing dolerite Gate of Damascus. From the 'Gate' we walk through a rare stand of ancient pencil pines, coming to lush grasslands known as Dixons Kingdom. The cultural heritage hut here was built in the early 1930s by Reg Dixon, a trapper of the time. After a short break enjoying our lush green surrounds, we head off to climb Mt Jerusalem. On a clear day the views from Mt Jerusalem stretch across the central highlands where you will see why the area is referred to as the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes'.
Our return route to base camp either takes us through the Gate of the Chain or the Golden Gate. Either way spectacular sub-alpine scenery awaits.
Today is another bushwalker's dream. After breakfast at our scenic camp, we continue to explore this alpine paradise carrying just day packs. We can climb Solomons Throne from where we have an excellent view of the area we walked on the previous day. From here we head south and enjoy yet more of the lakes, tarns, forests and open grass lands that make this such a superb and pristine walking location.
For those that are keen there are more opportunities to climb the surrounding peaks such as The Temple and King Davids Peak. Our last night is spent enjoying the serenity of the Tasmanian Alpine environment from our comfortable camp.
This morning we bid farewell to this truly outstanding part of Tasmania's World Heritage Area and begin our walk off the plateau. We meander past the sparkling tarns of Solomons Jewels, descend steeply through tall eucalyptus forests filled with melodious bird call, and stop for a rest at the old Trappers Hut. The final section of gentle downhill track gives us time to reflect on the last four days of outstanding bushwalking. Just before lunch we arrive back at our bus, shrug off our trusty backpacks and drive to Mole Creek for a celebratory meal together at the locally run Earthwater Cafe.
Congratulations on completing one of Tasmania's most magnificent and unforgettable wilderness walks! We return to Launceston by approximately 3.30pm, our two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal.
Tour details
This adventure involves trekking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You carry a full pack (approx 14-18kg) on the first and last day. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Walks can be steep in sections, and some ascents may involve sections of scrambling. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (up to 18kgs). You should walk regularly with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best preparation for your trek is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.
- 2 professional wilderness guides
- 3 nights camping at a remote base camp
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
- Transport by private minibus
- National Park fees
- Tent, backpack, gaiters
- Sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
- Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
- Emergency communications & group first aid kit
- Tent, backpack, gaiters
- Sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
- Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
- Emergency communications & group first aid kit
Comprehensive gear list supplied upon booking
Comprehensive gear list supplied upon booking
Our 3 nights in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park are spent at Wild Dog Creek base camp. Situated at the foothills of the area's highest mountain, King David’s Peak (1499m), we set up our tents on elevated wooden platforms. A permanent kitchen and dining platform provide rustic shelter from the elements and a panoramic spot to enjoy a hot drink, a chat about the day’s events and a hearty evening meal together. A composting toilet and fresh drinking/washing water is located close by.
We provide strong, twin-share bushwalking tents, which give each occupant a personal access door and storage vestibule for individual use. Our tents weigh between 2.5 and 3.2kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant. We use a range of high quality 3-4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered on our adventures. Brands that are most commonly used are Wilderness Equipment and One Planet.