5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 2 days trekking with a full pack
  • 2 days walking / snowshoeing
Accommodation
  • 3 nights camping
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts

4 Days$1995AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: WJW

Trip highlights

  • Central base camp location with access to a wide range of trekking and snowshoeing opportunities
  • Walk through Tasmania's last remaining stands of ancient Pencil Pine forests
  • Opportunity to summit some of the region's highest peaks, including Solomons Throne, Mt Jerusalem and The Temple
  • Unique wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and spectacular alpine scenery as far as the eye can see
  • Visit historic mountain huts and learn about the fascinating highland heritage
  • Suitable for walkers who have not used snowshoes before

The Walls of Jerusalem is Tasmania's only true alpine national park. To truly appreciate the grandeur of this alpine setting, fit and hardy walkers should consider walking and snowshoeing through the highlands during the winter months when the landscapes are blanketed with fresh snow. The Walls of Jerusalem are only accessible by foot, and this walking and snowshoeing itinerary provides an ideal introduction to winter camping without the commitment of carrying full backpacks. Following the route from the Fish River, past the historic trapper's hut and beyond the scattered tarns known as Solomons Jewels, is your base camp. From here your days are filled with sensational excursions carrying only the day's necessities, returning each evening to your comfortable camping set up. The trip is suitable for those who have never snowshoed before as time will be allocated to learn the art of this increasingly popular mode of winter travel. Depending on the weather, we aim to explore the heart of the "Walls", and climb Mt. Jerusalem, King Davids Peak and possibly reach the remote outer areas known as Golden Gate and Zion Vale by either foot or on snowshoes.

Activities:

Itinerary

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We pick you up early this morning in Launceston, from one of our two pick up locations. Our first pick up point is at 7:45am from the Grand Chancellor and our second pick up point is at 8am at the Penny Royal. You will then be transferred to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park (travel time approx. 2 hours). Carrying our full backpacks into this magnificent highland area will provide us with a challenge but we will be given plenty of encouragement from our guides as well as snacks and numerous rest stops along the way. Once the plateau has been reached, the walking is flat and spectacular as we pass by numerous tarns and lakes en route to our base camp for the next 3 nights. On arrival we set up camp, relax and enjoy the amazing surrounds of the rugged mountain of King Davids Peak (1499m). Walking Distance 7km | Walking Time 4 hours. *You will need to arrive in Launceston the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 2:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals:  L,D

Today we head out from our camp (carrying just our day packs) passing Lake Salome and the Pool of Bethesda before reaching the imposing dolerite Gate of Damascus. From the 'Gate' we walk through a rare stand of ancient pencil pines, coming to lush grasslands known as Dixons Kingdom. The cultural heritage hut here was built in the early 1930s by Reg Dixon, a trapper of the time. After a short break enjoying our lush green surrounds, we head off to climb Mt Jerusalem. On a clear day the views from Mt Jerusalem stretch across the central highlands where you will see why the area is referred to as the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes'. Our return route to base camp either takes us through the Gate of the Chain or the Golden Gate. Either way spectacular sub-alpine scenery awaits. Walking Distance 8-12km | Walking Time 6-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is another bushwalker's dream. After breakfast at our scenic camp, we continue to explore this alpine paradise carrying just day packs. We can climb Solomons Throne from where we have an excellent view of the area we walked on the previous day. From here we head south and enjoy yet more of the lakes, tarns forests and open grass lands that make this such a superb and pristine walking location. For those that are keen there are more opportunities to climb the surrounding peaks such as The Temple and King Davids Peak. Our last night is spent enjoying the views of the peaks featured along the famous Overland Track from our comfortable camp. Walking Distance 8-12km | Walking Time 6-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we bid farewell to this truly outstanding part of Tasmania's World Heritage Area and begin our walk off the plateau. We meander past the sparkling tarns of Solomons Jewels, descend steeply through tall eucalyptus forests filled with melodious bird call, and stop for a rest at the old Trappers Hut. The final section of gentle downhill track gives us time to reflect on the last six days of outstanding bushwalking. Just before lunch we meet up with our transfer bus and driver, shrug off our trusty backpacks and drive to Mole Creek village for a celebratory pub meal together. Congratulations on completing one of Tasmania's most magnificent and unforgettable wilderness walks! We return to Launceston by approximately 5pm, our two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal. Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • 3 nights camping at a remote base camp
  • 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners
  • Transport by private minibus
  • National Park fees
  • Snowshoes, overpants & gaiters
  • Tents, backpack, sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit

  • Travel to and from Launceston before or after the trip
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation

Wilderness Camping

Our 3 nights in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park are spent at Wild Dog Creek base camp. Situated in the shadow of the areas highest mountain, King David’s Peak (1499m), we set up our twin share tents on a maze of elevated wooden platforms. A permanent kitchen and dining platform provide rustic shelter from the elements and a panoramic spot to enjoy a hot drink, a chat about the day’s events and a hearty evening meal together. A composting toilet & fresh drinking/washing water is also available.

We provide strong, 2 person, bushwalking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. Our tents weigh between 2.0 and 2.5 kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant. We use a range of high quality 3-4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered on our adventures.

Suitability

Moderate

5

This adventure involves trekking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You carry a full pack (approx 14-18kg) on the first and last day. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Walks can be steep in sections, and some ascents may involve sections of scrambling. Walking in snowy conditions can make the walking harder, taking the trip grading towards moderate to challenging. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (up to 18kgs). You should walk regularly with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best preparation for your trek is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 December to 15 February, and for any trip that overlaps a public holiday.

Priceper person from

$1995AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Tent SupplementAUD$50
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Walls of Jerusalem Winter Experience trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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You’d be surprised how much food you’ll eat after a day’s trekking. Our guides are experienced when it comes to preparing meals in wilderness locations. We are able to have fresh produce almost every night along the trail. Lunches usually consist of vegetable wraps with hams, chicken or salami, while evening meals can vary from curries, stroganoff and pastas. Deserts include improvised apple pie, and even a chocolate mousse if you’re lucky! Start your day with a hearty porridge or muesli, with snacks throughout the day including fruit and nuts, muesli bars and some fruit.

As this is a full pack adventure, each trekker is required to carry a portion of the group’s food, whether it be a couple of cucumbers, lettuce heads or a bag of pasta. All types of dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free, nut free etc.

We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.

Tasmania prides itself on clean pure water and most of the water along the track is safe to drink without purifying. Our guides will let you know the best spots to fill up your water supply.

Unfortunately there are no shower facilities in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. For those who are concerned about washing, the closest you’ll come to a bath are the alpine lakes that are accessible each day, where you can have a quick refreshing dip. However, for a real cleanse we recommend you bring baby wipes (remember to take them out with you as well!).

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability in mud, snow or slippery tree roots. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

We highly recommend that you have high cut hiking boots for this trail. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you may encounter mud and snow along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day.

You will be returned to your accommodation at approximately 5pm on the final day of the trek.

You can either leave your excess luggage at the hotel that you stay at the night prior to the trip beginning, or alternatively, we can store it for you at our office in Launceston.

Unfortunately there are no charging facilities in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. We recommend bringing extra batteries or solar chargers for your phones. To conserve battery power on your mobile devices, turn your phones into flight mode.

As the Walls of Jerusalem is renowned as being a true wilderness walk, you cannot expect phone reception while on the trail. For certain mobile carriers, there is sometimes sporadic phone reception. However, this cannot be relied upon. Our guides carry emergency satellite phones which allow them to communicate with our base in Launceston if any emergencies arise. Rest assured you are not completely alone in the wilderness.

This trek commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing at 2pm on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing and that you bring along all of the gear/clothing required for your expedition with you.

For day 1 and 4 of this trip you will need to carry all equipment to the base camp in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90litres in capacity. Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be between 14-18kg. For day 2 and 3 of this trip you will just carry a day pack containing the day’s necessities (approx 5kg).

You will need to have a good level of fitness for the Walls of Jerusalem Winter Experience. You will be trekking in remote areas for up to 7 to 8 hours a day. Two days will be with a full pack weight (approx 14-18kg) and the other two days will be with a day pack. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be rough and steep in sections. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, through muddy sections and scramble over rocks. This is a true wilderness walk. Snowy conditions will make the walking more challenging.

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Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.