Photo: איתן פרמן 13:56, 4 December 2006 (UTC) / Public domain
Walls of Jerusalem National Park is a pristine wilderness in Tasmania's Central Highlands, named for its natural rock formations that resemble the walls of the ancient city. This remote park offers a true backcountry experience with alpine landscapes, ancient pencil pines, and crystal-clear tarns. It's a haven for experienced hikers seeking solitude and dramatic scenery.
Highlights & What to See
- The Walls of Jerusalem: The iconic dolerite cliffs and peaks that give the park its name, best viewed from the Trappers Hut area or the summit of King Davids Peak.
- Lake Ball and Lake Loane: Serene alpine lakes perfect for photography and spotting wildlife like wombats and wallabies.
- Pencil Pine Forests: Ancient stands of endemic pencil pines, some over 1,000 years old, found along the track to the Walls.
- Heritage Huts: Historic trappers' huts and the modern Trappers Hut provide shelter and a glimpse into the park's past.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot Tasmanian devils, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife, including the elusive wedge-tailed eagle.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors allocate 3–5 days for a multi-day trek along the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit, which covers about 45 km. If you're short on time, a day hike to Trappers Hut and the outer walls is feasible, but be prepared for a full day (8–10 hours) of challenging walking. The park is remote, so self-sufficiency is key.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Lake St Clair National Park: Australia's deepest lake and the end point of the Overland Track, offering stunning walks and boat cruises.
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Iconic alpine scenery, including the famous Dove Lake walk and Cradle Mountain summit.
- Mole Creek Karst National Park: Explore limestone caves like Marakoopa and King Solomons, with glowworm displays and underground streams.
- Mount Field National Park: Home to Russell Falls, one of Tasmania's most beautiful waterfalls, and alpine walks.
- Central Highlands: A region of wild rivers, fishing spots, and historic towns like Derwent Bridge.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Lake St Clair National Park — MeiQuong / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park — Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mole Creek Karst National Park — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mount Field National Park — Noodle snacks / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Central Highlands — mdalmuld / CC BY 2.0
- Overland Track — Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0