JERUSALEM'S CALLING
Located in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Walls of Jerusalem is a wild and inspiring alpine park with a labyrinth of highland lakes, craggy mountains and elegant stands of pure pencil pine forests. Its stunning landscape of precipitous dolerite peaks, moraines and tarns are the result of glaciation.
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Once a secret shrouded in nomenclature mystery, today The Walls of Jerusalem is an iconic National Park nestled into Tasmania's World Heritage Area. Famous for its ancient stands of Pencil Pines at Dixons Kingdom and dolerite amphitheatres, this landscape will literally take your breath away!
The route begins at The Walls of Jerusalem carpark located in the Mersey Valley and climbs steadily up to Trappers Hut, one of the few remaining standing snarer’s huts in the Mersey High Country. After this long climb through tall Eucalyptus forest, you reach the plateau where a meandering trail takes you from tarn to tarn, Pencil Pine cluster to Pencil Pine cluster. All the while the peaks of The Walls of Jerusalem come closer and beckon your curiosity. After the Wild Dog Creek campsite a short climb passes you through Herods Gate and into the Central Walls itself. Vistas of majestic Lakes and towering mountains confront you as you make your way through Damascus Gate to Dixsons Kingdom, famous for its ancient Pencil Pine forests. Turning left at Dixsons Kingdom Hut, with its original shingle roof, you will make your way towards Mt Jerusalem where a gentle, steady climb leads you to the summit with views into the central plateau's plethora of lakes and tarns, as well as back to Solomons Throne, The Temple and Cradle Mountain in the distance. Wow! You will return via the same route. |
The constantly changing landscape is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. The unique alpine vegetation and clean, crisp air of this remote highland region is sure to invigorate and inspire those with a sense of adventure.
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Overview
Difficulty Level 3, Performing Wilder Distance 23.9km Ascent 1111m Descent 1111m Terrain Rocky, technical alpine terrain with some sections of boardwalk, smoother trails and open alpine grass meadows. Approx. Duration 4 - 6hrs |
The trail leading out of Dixsons Kingdom
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The Route
- Starting from the Mersey Forest Road carpark prepare yourself for a 3km steep climb (600 metre elevation) through Eucalypt forest to reach the historic Trappers Hut (emergency shelter only).
- Shortly after Trappers, you’ll pass through Solomons Jewels and onto Wild Dog Creek, the most popular campsite in the park.
- When through Herods Gate you’re within the Central Walls. From here, it’s a magnificent journey to Damascus Gate, surrounded by dolerite mountains, past tranquil lakes and tarns including the exquisite Pool of Bethesda.
- From Damascus Gate continue west into The Walls of Jerusalem past the historic Dixons Kingdoms Hut and over Jaffa Gate for a total 3km one way to reach the turn-around point at Mount Jerusalem.
- Returning to Damascus Gate you can choose to ascend Solomons Throne (to the west) or The Temple (to the east) but add a steep climb, 1.5km return distance and 1 hour for each.
- Please note: Exercise caution if you are doing this alpine route during the latter autumn, winter or early Spring months. It is likely to be holding snow. Please check the weather forecast and be prepared for all conditions. Start your run early in the day!
Start and Finish Facilities
Toilets Yes - at The Walls of Jerusalem Carpark, Wild Dog Creek and Dixsons Kingdom campsites
Water Not that we would recommend drinking. Please bring your own. Closest water is on the trail well away from the hiking trail and from fast flowing steams or at the Wild Dog Creek campsite. We would recommend treating any water found at the campsite or on the trail.
Parking Yes - at The Walls of Jerusalem Carpark
Services The closest services are located at Mole Creek where there are some small cafes and a basic convenience store. The closest large hub with fuel, medical services and supermarkets is Deloraine (approx. 90min drive away).
Phone coverage Some patchy Telstra reception.
Toilets Yes - at The Walls of Jerusalem Carpark, Wild Dog Creek and Dixsons Kingdom campsites
Water Not that we would recommend drinking. Please bring your own. Closest water is on the trail well away from the hiking trail and from fast flowing steams or at the Wild Dog Creek campsite. We would recommend treating any water found at the campsite or on the trail.
Parking Yes - at The Walls of Jerusalem Carpark
Services The closest services are located at Mole Creek where there are some small cafes and a basic convenience store. The closest large hub with fuel, medical services and supermarkets is Deloraine (approx. 90min drive away).
Phone coverage Some patchy Telstra reception.
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Mapping & directions for this route
We have created 4 easy ways for you to choose from to safely and enjoyably navigate your way around this route. From a physical map to the more technology savvy, we have your safety at heart!
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Here is a sample of the mapping and directions available as a PDF download or printed waterproof versions
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FREE TO DOWNLOAD
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Digitally interactive map for use on your smartphone (FREE)
This map is available for use on a smartphone using the Avenza Maps app. It runs on Android or iOS (iPhones & iPads) and lets you display the route map in detail and see exactly where you are on it. This will be invaluable in an emergency or if you are just unsure of your location on the course. You don’t need to be within mobile phone range to use the map as it’s stored locally. To load the map, open the Avenza app, go to Add Map, select the QR code icon and point your phone at the QR code here. To get the Avenza map app for your phone, see www.avenzamaps.com or just search for Avenza on the App Store or Google Play. For instructions on loading and using Avenza maps, see www.terrainium.com.au/UsingAvenzaMaps |
Concluded the route? Don't forget to get your completion badge or lapel pin!
Atop West Wall
Solomons Throne with Pencil Pines
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Highlights
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A vista of thousands of small lakes and tarns awaits you from the summit of Mt Jerusalem
About The Walls of Jerusalem National Park and World Heritage Area
With thanks to the Tasmanian National Parks & Wildlife Service and Mole Creek Information for access to the following information...
Overview
This relatively small but stunningly beautiful park is located on a high plateau of dolerite peaks, and features alpine vegetation and endemic conifer forests.
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is spectacular and remote high country, sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago. This relatively small but stunningly beautiful park is located on a high plateau of dolerite peaks, and features alpine vegetation and endemic conifer forests. The Park is situated on the western side of the extensive central plateau of Tasmania, in approximately the centre of the island. Thousands of lakes formed by an ice cap during relatively recent glaciation cover the plateau and the features known as the Walls of Jerusalem are a series of higher, craggy hills. From a distance, these peaks seem to be the dominant feature but once within the Walls, in fact, the major features are the typically U-shaped glacial valleys and pretty lakes. Today, water remains an ever-present feature in the numerous lakes, tarns and trickling streams.
With no road access to its boundary, this alpine wonderland is for exploring on foot. The most visited part of the park is inside ‘the Walls’, flanked by towering fluted dolerite peaks. To get there from the carpark, it’s an initial steep walk up to the only formal campsite at Wild Dog Creek. From here on, it’s a gently undulating landscape, with dolerite peaks guarding an impossibly beautiful alpine garden. Here the gods have played, dropping generous dollops of lime green onto an olive-grey canvas, finishing with delicate strokes of pink, red, orange, gold and white.
The name Walls of Jerusalem appears on plans by surveyor James Scott dating back to 1849 and the biblical theme was taken up from the early days for park features, including Ephraims Gate, Zions Gate, Herods Gate (Saddle before Salome), Pool of Bethesda (tarn just before Damascus Gate), Pool of Siloam , Wailing Wall and The Temple.
With no road access to its boundary, this alpine wonderland is for exploring on foot. The most visited part of the park is inside ‘the Walls’, flanked by towering fluted dolerite peaks. To get there from the carpark, it’s an initial steep walk up to the only formal campsite at Wild Dog Creek. From here on, it’s a gently undulating landscape, with dolerite peaks guarding an impossibly beautiful alpine garden. Here the gods have played, dropping generous dollops of lime green onto an olive-grey canvas, finishing with delicate strokes of pink, red, orange, gold and white.
The name Walls of Jerusalem appears on plans by surveyor James Scott dating back to 1849 and the biblical theme was taken up from the early days for park features, including Ephraims Gate, Zions Gate, Herods Gate (Saddle before Salome), Pool of Bethesda (tarn just before Damascus Gate), Pool of Siloam , Wailing Wall and The Temple.
Cultural heritage
Tasmanian Aboriginal people have had, and continue to have, a connection to the country where the Walls of Jerusalem is found. At the time of European arrival, this park was part of the territory of the Big River nation. Aboriginal people used a range of strategies to flourish in this sub-alpine and alpine environment, such as building shelters, using fire to manipulate the landscape, and sustainably managing the finite resources. Aboriginal heritage sites are present throughout the park, and today's community continue to connect with this cultural landscape.
Europeans first arrive in the area in the early 1800s, with the Central Highlands being used as a hiding place for bushrangers. By 1819, grazing licences were awarded and the high country became the domain of stock keepers. Just a decade later, the thousands-of-years-long occupation of this country by Aboriginal people ended, with the remaining Aborigines driven from their homelands by the ever-expanding settlers.
Europeans first arrive in the area in the early 1800s, with the Central Highlands being used as a hiding place for bushrangers. By 1819, grazing licences were awarded and the high country became the domain of stock keepers. Just a decade later, the thousands-of-years-long occupation of this country by Aboriginal people ended, with the remaining Aborigines driven from their homelands by the ever-expanding settlers.
European Culture
From the mid 1850s, the region was used during summer for cattle grazing, with bush huts and stockyards being built. Hunters and trappers roamed the plateau in winter, with the winter pelts of possum and wallaby superior to that from the lower regions. Trapper Reg Dixon built Dixons Kingdom Hut from local pencil pine in the 1930s. He and wife Elsie lived there from 1946, tending cattle that grazed in the walls.
The name Walls of Jerusalem was first found on an early plan by James Scott, based on his survey of the area in the mid 1800s. From the 1930s-1960s, Reg Hall, a Launceston barrister, made numerous visits to the area, awarding him the title in bushwalking circles as ‘The Weindorfer of the Walls’. Reg named more than a dozen features to continue the biblical theme started by Scott. (Halls Island on Lake Malbena is named for him.) Dick Reed, who helped build the huts at Lake Meston and Junction Lake, also spent considerable time in the area, promoting it’s beauty to others.
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park was proclaimed in 1981 and in 1982 it became part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is now an integral part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. In the last few years the Parks has seen an explosion of overnight hikers and is challenged by the fragile juggle of visitation and preservation, especially of the stands of Pencil Pines.
The name Walls of Jerusalem was first found on an early plan by James Scott, based on his survey of the area in the mid 1800s. From the 1930s-1960s, Reg Hall, a Launceston barrister, made numerous visits to the area, awarding him the title in bushwalking circles as ‘The Weindorfer of the Walls’. Reg named more than a dozen features to continue the biblical theme started by Scott. (Halls Island on Lake Malbena is named for him.) Dick Reed, who helped build the huts at Lake Meston and Junction Lake, also spent considerable time in the area, promoting it’s beauty to others.
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park was proclaimed in 1981 and in 1982 it became part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is now an integral part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. In the last few years the Parks has seen an explosion of overnight hikers and is challenged by the fragile juggle of visitation and preservation, especially of the stands of Pencil Pines.
The name Walls of Jerusalem appears on plans by surveyor James Scott dating back to 1849 and the biblical theme was taken up from the early days for park features, including Ephraims Gate, Zions Gate, Herods Gate, Pool of Bethesda, Pool of Siloam, Wailing Wall and The Temple.
Flora & Fauna
Alpine landscapes are rare in Australia. The Tasmanian high country is one of the most unspoilt alpine areas in the world.
The prominent rock type in the park – Jurassic dolerite – forms its striking fluted peaks. These have intruded through a plateau that is older still, from Permian sediments laid down in a shallow sea. Most recently, during a series of Ice Ages, the land took its present form as glaciers carved their route, sculpting and smoothing.
This is harsh country for survival, with frequently freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls and strong ice-bearing winds. Trees are stunted and conifers replace snow gums at about 1000 metres. Groves of thousand-year-old pencil pines are a precious feature in the park, however tragically many have been destroyed by fire. Elsewhere, herbfields, grasslands and heathlands prevail. Spectacular domes of lime-green and olive-green cushionplants hug the ground. In springtime, scoparia fields bloom crimson, pink, orange, gold and white. And in summer, mountain rockets’ seed capsules fire red. The Walls of Jerusalem puts on a flower show to make gardeners envious and artists reach for their brushes.
Amongst all this, the fauna is surprisingly diverse and abundant, cleverly adapting to the conditions. Wombats, wallabies, pademelons, possums, quolls, devils, echidnas, native rats, long-tailed mice, skinks, snakes, frogs and numerous insects all find food and shelter here. In the lakes and tarns live platypus, anaspides, galaxiids, frogs and burrowing crayfish.
This is harsh country for survival, with frequently freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls and strong ice-bearing winds. Trees are stunted and conifers replace snow gums at about 1000 metres. Groves of thousand-year-old pencil pines are a precious feature in the park, however tragically many have been destroyed by fire. Elsewhere, herbfields, grasslands and heathlands prevail. Spectacular domes of lime-green and olive-green cushionplants hug the ground. In springtime, scoparia fields bloom crimson, pink, orange, gold and white. And in summer, mountain rockets’ seed capsules fire red. The Walls of Jerusalem puts on a flower show to make gardeners envious and artists reach for their brushes.
Amongst all this, the fauna is surprisingly diverse and abundant, cleverly adapting to the conditions. Wombats, wallabies, pademelons, possums, quolls, devils, echidnas, native rats, long-tailed mice, skinks, snakes, frogs and numerous insects all find food and shelter here. In the lakes and tarns live platypus, anaspides, galaxiids, frogs and burrowing crayfish.
We ask you to tread gently, remembering that we are visitor's to their habitats.
Help the The Walls of Jerusalem National Park!
There are some active volunteer groups who help to preserve & protect The Walls of Jerusalem National Park. We strongly encourage you to get involved!