Itinerary
Highlights
~ Explore Tasmania’s only true alpine National Park at your own pace.
~ Summit mountain peaks including Mt Jerusalem, The Temple and Solomon’s Throne.
~ Spectacular base camp, centrally located to a diverse range of walking opportunities.
~ Unique wildflowers and abundant wildlife.
~ Fascinating highland heritage and history.
Day 1 Launceston – Wild Dog Creek Camp
Your journey begins with a transfer (approx. 7.30 AM) from Launceston to the picturesque township of Deloraine. After a brief stop for coffee, continue the drive through the stunning Mersey Valley towards the mountains of the Great Western Tiers and Central Plateau. The drive will take about 2 to 2.5 hours approximately.
Arriving at the trailhead, your self-guided hike begins with climbs through Eucalyptus dominated sclerophyll forest up to the historic Trapper’s hut; a great spot for a rest before tackling the final challenging section of this steep but rewarding ascent.
Upon reaching the lip of the alpine plateau, the trail levels out and the views open up all around you. Admire the spectacular view with grand, jagged peaks of the Cradle Mountain in Lake St Clair National Park, sparkling glacial tarns and ancient conifer forests as far as the eyes can see.
Continue the walk to your base camp at Wild Dog Creek this afternoon. Set up your tent beneath King Davids Peak for your first night under the stars.
Meal*: Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Camping
Hiking Distance: 6 KM Hiking Duration: 4 Hours approx.
*NOTE: self-preparation/cooking
Day 2 Walks in Walls of Jerusalem National Park
Enjoy breakfast while watching the sunrise light up the surrounding wilderness. At your own time, leave your gear and tents set up at Wild Dog Creek and carry only the necessities in a day pack as you head off to explore the central Walls area.
A recommended day walk option is to follow the main track south-east through Herods Gate, past the sublime Lake Salome and then on under the imposing West Wall dominated by King Davids Peak and Solomons Throne. This will lead you to a track junction at Damascus Gate and continue in a south easterly direction to slowly descend into the magnificent and ancient pencil forest of Dixons Kingdom. From the historic hut, follow a well-defined path through Jaffa Gate, past an array of tarns before ascending the trail up to the top of Mt Jerusalem. The summit offers a superb panorama of the Walls and across the glittering expanse of ‘The Land of A Thousand Lakes that stretches across to the Central Plateau.
Meal*: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Camping
Hiking Distance: 8 – 12 KM Hiking Duration: 6 – 8 hours approx.
*NOTE: self-preparation/cooking
Day 3 Walks in Walls of Jerusalem National Park – Launceston
After breakfast, break camp at Wild Dog Creek. The final day provides you with plenty of time to leave the bulk of your gear and wander back up the track to explore once again. Climb a trail of amazing rock work through the boulder field of The Temple for a final awesome view of this spectacular, irreplaceable World Heritage area.
Alternatively, take the relatively short scramble up to the peak of Solomons Throne and gaze along the ridge line to King Davids Peak and southwest to Lake Adelaide, the head waters of the Mersey River.
Both these walks are approximately 2 hours return from Wild Dog Creek base camp. Allow at least 4 hours to return to the car park from Wild Dog Creek. You will be transferred at your pre-arranged time in the afternoon and brings you back to your accommodation in Launceston. The tour concludes.
Meal*: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking Distance: 6 – 13 KM Hiking Duration: 4 – 6 hours approx.
*NOTE: self-preparation/cooking
Inclusions
~ 2 nights accommodation, camping style on twin sharing basis;
~ 2 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners;
~ return transportation by private minibus: Launceston to start of hike location, end point to Launceston;
~ National Park fees;
~ tent, backpack, gaiters;
~ sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat;
~ all camping equipment including cooking & eating equipment;
~ emergency communications equipment.
Exclusions
~ air/land travel to Launceston, Australia;
~ visa arrangement, if required;
~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;
~ expenditure of personal effects;
~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.
Important Notes
~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking.
~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ This self-guided trip is good for 2 hikers to go.
~ Should you require a visa to enter Australia, it is your responsibility to obtain such a document before departure.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.
~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.
~ Nights are spent in the walls of Jerusalem National Park at Wild Dog Creek base camp. Situated at the foot of the area’s highest mountain, King David’s Peak (1,499 M), you will set up your own tent on elevated wooden platforms nested in the bush. A composting toilet and drinking/washing water is located close by.
~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ If hiker presents difficulty in completing the hike of the day, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker (and travel companions) in mind. Special arrangement/evacuation will be at hiker’s own expense.
~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
