Overview
Walk Grade: Easy
The ‘Walls of Jerusalem’ comprise a central basin of meadows, lakes and tarns, set amid ancient stands of endemic pine. Surrounded by jagged peaks and set on the edge of Tasmania’s high central plateau, an artist could not imagine a more perfect panorama of alpine beauty. Whether cloaked in winter snows and explored on snowshoes or carpeted in summer bloom, with time to stroll, a visit to ‘The Walls’ is a truly memorable experience.
This Alpine park is only accessible on foot. Our itinerary is flexible and relaxed, with a base camp after the first day of walking which enables us to explore the area with day packs.
Pick-Up/Drop-Off from Hobart or Launceston
2023-24 Departures:
November 6th -8th 2023
December 14th-16th 2023
February 15th -17th 2024
Map Sheet Tasmap 1:100000 ‘South Coast Walks’
South Coast Track- John & Monica Chapman
DAY ONE
Distance: 7 km
Estimated Time: 4 hours walking
From Launceston our drive out to the trail-head near Lake Rowallan takes approximately 1.5 hrs. Following outfitting (morning tea provided), we commence a steady climb around Howells Bluff to Trappers Hut within the national park. Normally having lunch here (or along the way), the afternoon involves an easy sub-alpine ramble past the tarns of Solomon’s Jewels and on to our campsite at Wild Dog Creek.
Day Two
Distance: 7-10 km
Estimated Time: 3-6 hours walking
We take day-packs and set off to discover this magnificent area. We explore the lakes and forests, ramble through the amphitheater of peaks choosing one or two for a summit side trip (determined by the weather). If the group is fit and moving well perhaps even including Mt Jerusalem to the south. The tarns and lakes, alpine meadows and jagged peaks surround us throughout the day, all and within easy reach of our campsite in case the weather changes.
Day Three
Distance: 7 km
Estimated Time: 3 – 4 hours walking
We will pack up our camp and return the way we came on Day One. In good weather an alternative route may be an option. We will have lunch somewhere on the way back down and should return to the carpark by early afternoon.
Our listed tour price includes:
- Pre-trip planning and advice.
- Transport to/from trail-head from Hobart or Launceston
- Comprehensive equipment – High quality gear that will keep you safe in all conditions. You’ll need to bring footwear and personal clothing (socks, underwear, baselayers and a fleece).
- All permits and insurances as required (we recommend you also obtain some form of additional personal travel/property insurance).
- All meals provided and prepared for the duration of the tour (most diets can be catered for, just ask).
- Experienced guides who carry meals, group equipment, communications and safety gear.
For our guided walks the majority of your gear is provided as part of the tour cost. We do this to ensure everyone is properly outfitted to a similar standard.
Our gear selection has been finetuned through decades of experience and experimentation in Tasmanian conditions. We use high-end, lightweight products that strike the perfect balance between weight, functionality and comfort.
A 9-10kg pack weight (without water) is achievable by sticking closely to our recommended gear list. You are welcome to bring your own alternative equipment and discuss its suitability with our guides. It is advisable to bring any extra personal items you are unsure taking, as we can store unwanted items until the end of the trip.
Gear Provided
- Tent (twin- share or single)
- Groundsheet
- Backpack (50L -internal frame pack and liner bag)
- Mattress (insulated/inflatable)
- Sleeping Quilt (-9c, high-loft down, water repellent.
- Sleeping bag liner (silk)
- Waterproof Jacket (Goretex or Event jacket with hood)
- Waterproof over-pants
- Head-torch (Small LED headband torch & attached whistle)
- Water bottle (1L).
- Meal kit (bowl/plate/mug/spork).
- Toilet roll & hand sanitiser.
- Microfibre towel
- Insulated jacket (or your own equivalent, preferably down or synthetic insulation)
- Fleece mittens
Optional Gear Provided:
These are included in the tour price
- Gaiters (nylon boot & sock covers)
- Day pack (lightweight / ultra-packable 20L backpack for optional side-trips)
- Crocs (camp shoes)
- Wash basin (personal basin to collect water for washing)
- Walking Poles (recommended if you have any former lower leg or balance issues)
Personal Items:
- Walking boots/shoes (these should be comfortably worn in, but not so old that glue failure is a risk. Low cut shoes are acceptable for those used to bushwalking in them, however they may not be compatible with gaiters.)
- Long pants or shorts (synthetic fibers are best, NOT COTTON as it is slow to dry and saps warmth)
- Underwear
- Thermal top and bottoms
- Shirt for walking (synthetic or wool, NOT COTTON as it is slow to dry and saps warmth)
- Light fleece or wool jacket (for walking on colder days)
- Socks- 2-3 pairs (NOT COTTON, one pair to be kept dry for evenings)
- Sun hat
- Beanie
- Toiletries (please do not bring soap)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- A small tube of sunscreen
- Personal medications/sanitary items*
*Please bring personal pain relief. Also consider personal antihistamines, diarrhea medications and re-hydration salts (in addition to more specific personal medications). Guides carry bandages, tapes, dressings and antiseptic paste as well as some emergency medications.
Most Tasmanian walkers and don’t use water purification products, as water sources in wilderness areas are generally safe. However you are welcome to bring them for peace of mind (tablets will suffice).
The Walls of Jerusalem is a perfect introduction to multi-day walking. While it is not without its challenges (a substantial climb on the first day, uneven surfaces underfoot) the difficulties never last too long and our pace will be relaxed. On the second day, we will be exploring the “Walls” with day packs, and although some of the summits may be a bit steep and rocky, they will always be optional.
That being said, this walk still requires a reasonable amount of fitness. You must be able to carry a 10kg pack for hours on end, over uneven terrain and up climbs of 500m.
Wilderness Expeditions classifies the Walls of Jerusalem as an Easy walk. It should be noted that our classification system is specific to the walks we run in Tasmania, and as there is no universal grading system what we consider “easy” may be more challenging than something that is considered “hard” elsewhere.
Easy
Easy walks are on well formed tracks, with generous time frames and relatively short distances. Elevation gain per day is usually modest (up to 500m) and any steep sections will be short and technically easy. While the tracks covered might not be manicured paths, they require no technical skills or prior experience and should be comfortably manageable for first time walkers with a basic level of fitness.