Introduction
Steeped in early pioneering history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the 4-hour climb up Higgs Track in the Great Western Tiers is a rewarding Day walk. Throughout the medium difficulty, 500m climb to the Lady Lake Hut walkers cross stunning creeks, tunnel through attractive wet sclerophyll forests and meander across an alpine plateau. The walk can be extended into a long day walk or multiple-day hike by continuing to Lake Nameless.
Getting There
View Google Map Directions |
From Launceston take the Bass Highway southwest through to Deloraine. As you pass through Deloraine take the Mole Creek Road and continue for 8km before turning left onto Dairy Plains Road. After 13km, turn right onto Western Creek Road and then left onto Westrope Road. 4km later turn right onto Dale Brook Road. The Higgs Track begins from the signposted carpark at the end of this gravel road. |
The Trail
The Higgs Track was originally cut in the 1870s as an access route to graze cattle on the plateau of the Great Western Tiers at 1130m. Once you’re on the trail, climbing the 500 metres necessary to get to the top, you can’t help but wonder if there was possibly a better alternative?
The trail begins with a flat stroll along a well-built path through the dry open forest to Dale Brook, a picturesque creek which would make for a great 30-minute return walk if short on time. From here, the trail crosses the creek via a bridge and begins to steeply climb up the lower ridges of the escarpment. Your surroundings quickly change to vibrant wet sclerophyll forest and the true beauty of the area unfolds in front of you. Myrtles, Sassafras and Blechlnum ferns line the stoned path as you continue to climb. It is lovely hiking in any weather.
After more than an hour of long zigzagging track, the pitch gets steeper with cairns marking the route through the now subalpine rainforest. After another steep section, the trail gains above the tree line and the alpine plateau presents itself. Behind you is a beautiful view of the rugged face of the tier and the productive plains of the Meander valley below. In front of you, the ageless Lady Lake and the adjacent hut. Please note that once you are on the plateau, you are exposed to the elements and the weather can change at any moment. As such, appropriate clothing should be taken in any season. It should take roughly 2 hours to reach the top.
The trail continues across the plateau for 300m to the hut, weaving its way past pools and creeks of icy runoff. Lady Lake Hut is open to hikers and makes for a fantastic spot to stop of lunch while soaking in the history and sheer awe of the place. Please take care to pack out all your rubbish.
From here you may like to extend your walk by visiting some of the more distant tarns and lakes such as Lake Lucy Long, Westons Lake or Lake Nameless (where an additional hut is located). The trail returns via the same route.
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania.
Photos
