Introduction
Considered one of the best multi-day hikes in Tasmania, the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit is a 3-4-day trek taking in lush alpine valleys, rugged mountain tops, spectacular views and stunning lakes. The 24km route described here combines the Walls of Jerusalem National Park’s most notable highlights, including the Central Walls, Dixons Kingdom, Lake Ball and Lake Adelaide. Side trips also include climbing Tasmania’s 10th highest mountain, King Davids Peak (1,499m), Mount Jerusalem (1459m), and visits to the idyllic Pools of Bethesda.
You need to register for this walk. Free bookings can be made via the Parks and Wildlife website.
Getting There
View Google Map Directions |
The Walls of Jerusalem circuit walk begins just outside of the National Park near Lake Rowallen. From Launceston, take the Bass Highway southwest towards Deloraine. After 50km, turn off onto Mole Creek Main Road (B12) and continue for another 16km before forking left onto Mersey Forest Road. Continue along Mersey Forest Road for another 20km, passing the Lake Parangana power station before towards Lake Rowallan. Then take the gravel road on the left just after the Fish River. The carpark for the Walls of Jerusalem walks another 5km further along this rough and occasionally steep track. Toilet facilities are available at the start of the walk. |
The Trail
Walking within the Wall of Jerusalem National Park is an exposed and isolated wilderness experience. It is essential that hikers are suitably equipped for all weather conditions, even in summer months. This guide describes the ascent of either Mount Jerusalem or Solomons Throne. Accessing these higher reaches of the National Park should not be attempted during extreme weather or late in the day.
The circuit is completed clockwise from Wild Dog Creek to Lake Adelaide in 3-4 days. If conducted in 3 days, combine either days 1&2 or 3&4 as listed below.
Day 1 – Trailhead to Wild Dog Creek – 6.5km
The first day’s 3-hour, 6.5km hike to Wild Dog Creek begins from the Mersey Forest Road carpark just outside the National Park. The walker registration station is located 10 minutes. For the first 2.5km, the trail steadily climbs 500m up a well-defined track through dry sclerophyll forest before reaching Trappers Hut. The hut, built in the early 1900s, was used by possum trappers and now provides hikers with emergency shelter during poor weather.
From Trappers Hut, the climb gently subsides, and the track winds its way past many stunning mountain tarns known as Solomon’s Jewels. Forest conditions also change, with snow gums, pencil pines and alpine ferns becoming more prominent. After enjoying the scenery, the track opens onto a boardwalk section of alpine undergrowth just below Wild Dog Creek, the camp for the night. Three-tiered areas of camping platforms and toilets are provided at Wild Dog Creek. The toilets are located on the third and highest tier.
Day 2 – Wild Dog Creek to Dixons Kingdom – 4km & 6km of side tracks.
The second day’s hike offers the 2-hour return ascent of Mount Jerusalem or a 1-hour return to Solomons Throne from Dixons Kingdom. Whatever the choice, the experience is incredible, and both peaks provide vast views of the greater Central Highlands.
Leaving Wild Dog Creek, the hike begins with a short 600m climb to Herods Gate, the main entry point to the Walls of Jerusalem’s central basin. Nestled between King Davids Peak and Mount Ophel, the gate provides an initial glimpse into the grand scale of the landscapes within the Walls. Once past the gate, Lake Salome is skirted for 500m as the track follows the base of King Davids Peak towards the middle of the basin. A short side track to the northeast leads to the Pool of Bethesda, an idyllic lake surrounded by ancient pencil pines. Back on the track, Damascus Gate, the saddle between the Solomons Throne and the Temple is reached.
The side trip to Solomons Throne is a steep uphill scramble, and the track is not recommended in snow or stormy conditions, as falls could easily occur. After climbing the base, the trail edges below the western cliff face before ascending the slope via a steep crevice. Below you, to the southeast, the pencil pine forests of Dixons Kingdom and many further lakes, including Lake Ball, can be seen. Once on top, make your way to the northern side to the summit of Solomons Throne. From here, excellent 360-degree views of the Central Plateau stretching out to Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair are achieved.
Returning to Damascus Gate, the trail meanders downhill via a stone-stepped track through beautiful pencil pine forests to Dixons Kingdom. Easily regarded as some of the prettiest walking found in Tasmania, this track is an absolute pleasure to follow. The second night’s campgrounds and toilet facilities can be located near the emergency-only Dixons Kingdom Hut.
The Mount Jerusalem side track leaves from the Dixon Kingdom and heads uphill to the north via a gentle incline. The climb to the summit of Mount Jerusalem is quite manageable, and the track is generally well-defined. After passing a small alpine lake, the final ascent zigzags up the rocky slope. In clear weather, the views from the top are fantastic, detailing thousands of nearby alpine lakes and many of the tremendous central mountain ranges.
Day 3 – Dixons Kingdom to Lake Adelaide – 5km.
Leaving Dixons Kingdom, the trail leads southwest to Lake Bell via Jaffa Vale. The track for this 2.5km section becomes more challenging and less defined as rippling creeks, and twisted pencil pines occasionally crowd the path. This section isn’t well marked or signposted, and loosely sticking near the western edge of the vale is recommended.
Once at Lake Bell, the trail skirts its edge to the west through an enchanting myrtle forest. The decaying Lake Ball Hut, used only in emergencies, is passed before opening to the tranquil marshland edged of the lake. The track reenters the forest and quickly descends to Lake Adelaide, the third camp of the hike. Watching the sunset over Lake Adelaide is the perfect way to finish off a great day of hiking.
Day 4 – Lake Adelaide to Trailhead – 8km.
From Lake Adelaide via the Junction lake Track, the final walk weaves past cushion plant gardens, trickling creeks and shimmering mountain tarns. Walking through this open grassland can be muddy but sticking to the track is necessary to avoid damage to the alpine plant life.
This grassland section is easygoing, with only a slight 50m incline across the 6km distance before meeting Day 1’s track above Trappers Hut and descending to the carpark.
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania.
Photos
View Walls of Jerusalem photos
Hazards and Warnings
As is the case with any alpine walking in Tasmania, It can get extremely windy and cold on the higher sections of this walk, so be sure to pack appropriately. For more information on the conditions within Walls of Jerusalem, please see the information provided by Parks and Wildlife.