Introduction
Located in the heart of the Dial Range in Tasmania’s northwest, the 4.2km return Mount Dial track is an enjoyable meander through picturesque wet and dry eucalypt forests. Intermittent views across Ulverstone and the state’s northern coast are offered from the Mount Gnomon and Mount Dial summits.
Getting There
View Google Map Directions |
From Devonport or Ulverstone, take the Bass Highway towards Penguin, taking the left-hand exit outside Penguin onto South Road, which quickly becomes Dial Road. After 850m, turn right onto Sports Complex Ave, following this to the junction with Ironcliffe Road and turning left. Follow Ironcliffe Road for 8.6km. After 7km, the road is unsealed. 1.7km after the unsealed section begins, you will meet a sweeping right-hand bend and the trail carpark. The trailhead is marked with signage.
The trailhead is also the starting point for several walks, including Mount Gnomon, Mount Montgomery, and Tall Trees. |
The Trail
This route description starts at the Gnomon Carpark. Mount Montgomery Carpark or the Ferndene State Reserve trailhead offer more challenging versions of this walk. More details on these alternative routes are found on the Parks and Wildlife website.
Leaving the carpark, follow the marked track towards Mount Gnomon and Mount Dial. The trail rises steadily for the first 15-20 minutes of the walk, passing through wet eucalypt forest. This part of the trail is the steepest and most demanding section of the entire walk.
As you ascend, your surroundings change from wet to dry eucalypt forest. Once at the ridgeline, the track levels out and passes impressive moss-covered boulders before reaching the Mount Dial junction. Take the right-hand fork to enjoy the better views from Mt Gnomon Lookout before continuing to Mount Dial.
The sidetrack gently and quickly climbs to the summit of Mt Gnomon. There are several places here to sit and enjoy the views to the West, looking beyond Ulverstone towards Devonport. On a clear day, you will see Hawley Heads and Badger Heads in the distance. To the South, past Mount Duncan, you will see Mount Roland and Black Bluff in the distance.
Follow the track down back to the main trail and continue towards Mount Dial, 30 minutes away. Enjoy pleasant and relatively flat walking from here while keeping an eye out for native orchids that line the trail between October and December. Once at the Mount Dial summit, semi-obscure views across the north are offered. Return to the trailhead via the same route.
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania
Photos
