Walls of Jerusalem Circuit

HIGHLIGHTS

• This magnificent alpine area is only accessible by foot.
• Spectacular campsite locations including two nights spent at a remote base camp.
• Abundant wildlife and stunning endemic wildflowers
• The opportunity to summit numerous peaks and the views gained as a reward for our effort
• Delicious evening meals cooked by your wilderness guides
• Majestic stands of thousand-year-old pencil pines and sparkling lakes as far as the eye can see

This area showcases spectacular mountain scenery, pristine wilderness, and rare and wonderful endemic flora and fauna. We start in the south of the National Park, bushwalking up onto the Plateau to our grassy camp nestled by Lake Myrtle. From here we can choose to summit Mt Ragoona and Cathedral Mountain, both which provide impressive views over the southern wilderness of the famous Overland Track and the headwaters of the mighty Mersey River and its Never Never region. The trek continues through remote alpine herb fields and highland lake country, sidling Lake Adelaide, Lake Meston and Junction Lake to name a few. In the northern confines of the park, we base camp at Wild Dog Creek and spend two days exploring the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Central Walls region. There is an option to summit King Davids Peak (1499m), Tasmania's 10th highest, as well as walks up Mt Jerusalem, The Temple, and Solomons Throne.

This National Park offers majestic, spellbinding landscape paired with world-class walking opportunities. Join us in exploring Tasmania's captivating and unforgettable Walls of Jerusalem.

ITINERARY

DAY 2: Transfer Launceston to Lake Rowallen, walk to Lake Myrtle

Today you will be collected from your accommodation in Launceston at approximately 8 am and transferred to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park entry point. Carrying our full backpacks into this magnificent highland area will provide us with a challenge, but with plenty of encouragement from our guides as well as snacks and rest stops, the climb is achievable and well worth it. Our trek will take us up onto the central plateau conservation area through forests and button grass plains, past Lake Bill and on until we reach our stunning campsite on the northern shores of beautiful Lake Myrtle. This beautiful campsite is a highlight of the day: a natural grassy meadow manicured to perfection by the resident wildlife. Settling in for the evening we enjoy a hearty meal whilst gazing upon the majestic view of Mt Rogoona's sheer cliffs rising high above the lake. 

Walking Distance: 7 km | Walking Time: 6 hours

DAY 3: Lake Myrtle to Lake Meston

After a warm breakfast, we strike camp and continue on past the shores of Lake Myrtle, through alpine vegetation and around the base of Mt Rogoona. Time and weather will dictate whether we choose to attempt a summit of this superbly situated peak. Now that we are on the plateau our walking is gently undulating, and the low alpine scrub gives us wide views in all directions. Continuing on down the other side of the saddle, we zigzag through myrtle rainforest until we reach our second campsite at Lake Meston - depending on time you may hike to the northern campsite or stay by the historical at the base of the saddle; these huts are a common feature in the Tasmanian wilderness and are treated respectfully as historical artefacts. The stories behind the huts are always fascinating and your guides delight in sharing them with you Our camp tonight overlooking the Lake is, again, magnificent. 

Walking Distance: 7km + side trips | Walking Time: 4-6 hours

DAY 4: Lake Meston to Lake Adelaide

This morning we break camp and say farewell to the stunning Lake Meston. We quickly pick up a trail that skirts around the edge of Lake Adelaide - ducking through thick rainforest vegetation and popping out at great spots to view the lake - keep an eye out for the elusive platypus as you work your way around the eastern edge of the Lake - there are a few options for campsites tonight - your guides will choose one to fit in with weather and timing.

Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: Up 5 hours

After packing up camp we continue following the lakeshore until we come to the intersection of the Lake Junction and Walls of Jerusalem tracks. Here we begin our entrance into the heart of the National Park. We trek past glacial tarns and alpine herb fields, with the mighty peaks of the central Walls coming into view. Making camp by lunchtime we have the afternoon to duck in and have our first glimpses of the Central Walls. This comfortable camp at Wild Dog Creek will be our base for the next two nights. 

Walking distance: 14km | Walking Time: 7-8 hours

DAY 6: Central Walls of Jerusalem

Today is a bushwalker's dream as we explore the central Walls area. With only a day pack on we hike up to Damascus Gate and then descend to the awe-inspiring Dixon's Kingdom. An ancient forest of immense pencil pines gives us a glimpse into Tasmania's Gondwanan heritage. These beautiful, endemic trees are thousands of years old each and standing in their presence is truly humbling. Leaving this magical spot behind we pass Jaffa Gate before ascending Mt Jerusalem (1459m) which rewards us with extensive views of the Central Plateau with its countless lakes and tarns. We then return to our camp at Wild Dog Creek to enjoy another delicious and well-earned meal prepared by your guides. 

Walking Distance: 8-12km | Walking Time: 6-8 hours

DAY 7: Wild Dog Creek to Mersey Valley, transfer to Launceston

This morning we bid farewell to this truly outstanding part of Tasmania's World Heritage Area and begin our walk of the plateau. We meander past the sparkling tarns of Solomons Jewels, descend steeply through tall eucalyptus forests filled with a melodious bird call, and stop for a rest at the old Trappers Hut. The last section of the gentle downhill track gives us time to reflect on the last six days of outstanding bushwalking. Just before lunch we meet up with our Tasmanian Expeditions transfer bus and driver. Shrugging off our trusty backpacks, we board the bus and cruise to the village of Mole Creek for a celebratory pub lunch together. Congratulations on completing one of Tasmania's most magnificent and unforgettable wilderness walks! We will drop you at your Launceston accommodation by approximately 5 pm. 

Walking Distance: 6km | Walking Time: 3 hours

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 2 professional wilderness guides
• 5 nights camping
• 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
• Transport by private minibus
• National Park fees
• Tent, backpack and gaiters
• Sleeping bag, inner sheet and inflatable sleeping mat
• Emergency communications and group first aid kit