The Best Spots for Hiking the Walls of Jerusalem

Discovering Tasmania’s Alpine Heart: The Best Spots for Hiking the Walls of Jerusalem

Nestled deep within Tasmania’s rugged central highlands, a place of profound beauty and ancient geological wonder awaits the intrepid hiker: the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Cradle Mountain, the Walls offer an unparalleled experience of solitude, breathtaking alpine landscapes, and a unique sense of stepping into a biblical narrative. If you’re planning an Australian adventure and crave an escape into untamed wilderness, hiking the Walls of Jerusalem is an absolute must-do. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the best spots, ensuring your journey into Tasmania’s alpine heart is unforgettable.

Unveiling the Walls of Jerusalem: A Wilderness Gem

The Walls of Jerusalem is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a testament to its pristine natural value. Named by early European settlers who saw parallels between its dolomite peaks and valleys and the ancient city, the park is a spectacular tapestry of glacial lakes, ancient pencil pine forests, and dramatic rock formations. Unlike many other Tasmanian parks, there’s no road access directly into the main basin, meaning every step is earned, and the reward is an immersion into a truly wild landscape.

Getting There & Park Essentials

• Location: Central Tasmania, accessed via Mersey Forest Road, about a 2-hour drive from Launceston. The trailhead is at the end of a gravel road.
• Access: The final stretch of road can be rough; a 4WD isn’t essential but can be helpful. Parking is available at the trailhead.
• Permits: A valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass is required. These can be purchased online or at park visitor centres.
• Season: While accessible year-round for experienced hikers, the best time for hiking the Walls of Jerusalem is generally summer (December to March) for warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn offers stunning colours but can be colder. Winter brings snow and extreme conditions, suitable only for highly experienced, well-equipped adventurers.
• Camping: Designated camping areas are available at Trappers Hut (emergency only) and the main Pine Valley area within the Walls. Remote camping is also permitted in specific zones, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

The Core Journey: Hiking the Central Walls Circuit

The most popular and rewarding way to experience the Walls of Jerusalem is a multi-day hike, typically 2-4 days, exploring the central basin and its surrounding peaks. This journey offers a deep dive into the park’s iconic features.

The Ascent to Trappers Hut

Your adventure begins with a steady climb from the car park, winding through eucalyptus forest. This initial section, while uphill, sets the tone for the wilderness experience. After a few hours, you’ll reach Trappers Hut, a historic emergency shelter that offers a glimpse into the lives of early trappers and provides a welcome rest stop before the final push into the main basin.

Entering the Promised Land: Herods Gate & Damascus Gate

Beyond Trappers Hut, the track flattens slightly before you pass through Herods Gate, a natural rock formation that feels like a gateway into another world. Soon after, you’ll reach Damascus Gate, another iconic landmark that truly ushers you into the heart of the Walls. From here, the landscape opens up dramatically. You’ll descend into the main basin, a vast expanse of button grass plains, scattered tarns, and ancient pencil pines, with the dolomite peaks rising majestically around you. This is the Pine Valley area, where many hikers establish their base camp for further exploration.

Exploring the Inner Sanctum: Must-See Spots

From your base camp in Pine Valley, a network of well-marked (though sometimes indistinct) trails leads to the park’s most captivating features. These are the best spots for day hikes and photography:

• The Pool of Bethesda: A serene, crystal-clear lake reflecting the surrounding peaks, particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset. It’s an easy walk from Pine Valley and a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
• The Temple: One of the most prominent dolomite peaks in the park, offering panoramic views of the entire central basin. The ascent involves a bit of scrambling, but the 360-degree vista, encompassing Lake Salome, Solomons Jewels, and the Western Wall, is absolutely worth the effort. This is often considered the highlight for many hikers.
• Lake Salome & West Wall: A beautiful glacial lake nestled beneath the dramatic West Wall. The walk to Lake Salome is relatively flat from Pine Valley, offering opportunities to explore the unique sub-alpine flora and spot local wildlife like wombats and pademelons. The West Wall itself provides another impressive backdrop for photography.
• Solomons Jewels: A cluster of smaller, sparkling tarns scattered across the landscape, best viewed from an elevated position like The Temple. They add to the mosaic of water bodies that define the Walls.
• The Lion & The Wailing Wall: Two more distinct rock formations that contribute to the park’s biblical naming scheme. They are easily identifiable from various vantage points within the main basin and provide excellent photographic subjects, particularly with the changing light.

Beyond the Main Circuit: Extended Adventures & Panoramic Views

For those with more time and a thirst for even grander vistas, the Walls of Jerusalem offers additional rewarding excursions.

Mount Jerusalem: The Ultimate Panorama

Standing at 1,459 metres, Mount Jerusalem is the highest point within the national park and offers the most expansive, unobstructed views. It’s a challenging but highly rewarding side trip from Pine Valley, typically taking a full day. From its summit, you can gaze across the entire park, identifying all the features you’ve explored, and beyond to the vast expanse of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The views are truly breathtaking and are a highlight for many experienced hikers.

Lake Adelaide & Dixon’s Kingdom

For a multi-day extension, consider heading north from the main Walls basin towards Lake Adelaide and Dixon’s Kingdom. This area is even more remote and less frequented, offering an unparalleled sense of solitude. Dixon’s Kingdom is famous for its magnificent stands of ancient pencil pines, some thousands of years old, creating an almost mythical forest environment. This extension requires careful planning, excellent navigation skills, and a self-sufficient approach, but it rewards with a truly immersive wilderness experience.

Planning Your Walls of Jerusalem Adventure: Essential Tips

Hiking the Walls of Jerusalem is a serious undertaking that requires careful preparation. The weather in Tasmania’s alpine regions can change rapidly, and conditions can be extreme.

Gear & Safety Checklist

• Layered Clothing: Essential for fluctuating alpine temperatures. Include thermals, fleece, and a warm hat.
• Waterproofs: High-quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants are non-negotiable.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots: Broken-in, waterproof boots with good ankle support are crucial for the varied terrain.
• Navigation Tools: A detailed map (Tasmap 1:25,000 Walls of Jerusalem), compass, and a GPS device or app are vital. Tracks can be indistinct, especially in bad weather.
• Food & Water: Carry all your food, snacks, and sufficient water. While there are water sources (lakes, tarns), it’s advisable to treat all water before drinking.
• Shelter & Sleeping: A robust tent, warm sleeping bag (rated for alpine conditions), and sleeping mat if staying overnight.
• Cooking Gear: A lightweight stove and fuel. Open fires are strictly prohibited.
• First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including blister treatment, pain relief, and any personal medications.
• Emergency Beacon: A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is highly recommended for all remote Tasmanian hikes. Mobile phone reception is non-existent.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, even on cloudy days.

Leave No Trace Principles

As part of a World Heritage Area, it’s paramount to adhere to Leave No Trace principles:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
• Dispose of Waste Properly (pack it in, pack it out, including all food scraps).
• Leave What You Find.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts (no fires allowed in the Walls of Jerusalem).
• Respect Wildlife.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

An Unforgettable Australian Wilderness Experience

Hiking the Walls of Jerusalem is more than just a walk; it’s an immersive journey into one of Australia’s most spectacular and untouched wilderness areas. The sense of peace, the raw beauty of the dolomite peaks, the ancient pencil pine forests, and the sparkling alpine lakes combine to create an experience that is both physically challenging and profoundly rewarding. Whether you’re seeking solitude, breathtaking photography opportunities, or simply an escape from the everyday, the Walls of Jerusalem offers an adventure unlike any other. Add this incredible Tasmanian wilderness hike to your Australian travel bucket list and prepare to be captivated by its wild, biblical beauty.