Walls of Jerusalem National Park

Walls of Jerusalem National Park is a wild, high-country wilderness in Tasmania’s Central Plateau, named for its dolerite cliffs and peaks that evoke the ancient city’s ramparts. This is a place for serious walkers and those seeking solitude among alpine lakes, ancient pencil pines, and a landscape shaped by ice. You won’t find crowds here — the park is remote, with no road access to its heart, and the reward is a raw, untamed Tasmania that feels a world away from the coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk to the Walls: The main track to the central plateau is a challenging 6–8 hour return hike from the trailhead, climbing through subalpine forests to the open highlands. The final section traverses a moonscape of dolerite boulders and tarns.
• Lake Adelaide & the Temple: The park’s iconic landmark, the Temple, is a sheer dolerite pillar that forms part of the ‘walls’. The lake below is a classic spot for a wild swim or a picnic with views.
• Pencil Pine Stands: Seek out the ancient pencil pines (Athrotaxis cupressoides) near the lake, some over 1000 years old. These rare, fire-sensitive trees are a living link to Gondwana.
• Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian pademelons. The park is also home to the elusive platypus in the creeks.
• Heritage Hut: The Trappers Hut, built by fur trappers in the 19th century, offers a glimpse into the park’s human history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors allocate a full day for a long hike to the Walls and back. For a deeper experience, plan an overnight trek to Lake Adelaide or the Temple, which allows time to explore the plateau’s many tarns and peaks. The park is best visited between December and March when the weather is most stable. Access is via a 4WD track from the B13 highway (Mersey Forest Road); a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park: Just south, this is Tasmania’s most famous alpine park — combine a visit for a full week of high-country walking.
• Mole Creek Karst National Park: Explore limestone caves and underground rivers, a short drive from the Walls trailhead.
• Launceston: The nearest city, with excellent food, Cataract Gorge, and the Tamar Valley wine region.
• Great Western Tiers: A scenic escarpment with waterfalls, forests, and the Liffey Falls walk.

Please check official sources for current details.