king davids peak and lake Salome from mount jerusalem

The Walls of Jerusalem in Tasmania's Central Highlands is a popular destination for a relatively doable overnight wilderness camping experience.

It is a spectacular location with a number of rugged peaks and numerous glacially formed lakes (tarns). It is reasonably accessible for a one or two night trip.

solomons jewels near to wild dog creek campsite

However, the plateau on which the Walls sit averages around 1200m of elevation with peaks being up to 1500m. Compared to an average Tasmanian day walk it is isolated and potentially prone to exposure so you must go well prepared at all times of the year.

the weather can change quickly on the central plateau

We had a serious dump of snow on one visit a couple of years ago in early January (i.e. Australian summer).

The Walls are a number of tall dolerite peaks which form a natural amphitheatre which surrounds a grassy region dotted with tarns and pencil pines and other features. Consistent with the biblical theme the Walls are entered through different gates with Herod's Gate being just beyond the campsite.

duck board inside the walls site just beyond herods gate

Most people walk into the Walls, camp for one or two nights, and then walk back via the same route. We recently did a trip where we combined the Walls with Lake Adelaide in a circuit of around 25 kms.

We took 3 days and 2 nights. If you want to spend a day exploring the region within the Walls themselves add and extra day and night.

Its a 6.5km walk from the car park to the campsite at Wild dog Creek where you'll find camping platforms, water and a compost toilet.

On the way you'll pass Trappers Hut.

After overnighting at the campsite we walked through the Walls region, then out through a pencil pine forest, eventually reaching Dixon’s Kingdom – a hut built by highland cattleman Reg Dixon in 1950. This pre-dated the region being declared a national park and World Heritage Area.

pencil pine forest on track to dixons kingdom

From Dixon's kingdom we diverted briefly from our circuit to climb Mt Jerusalem for it's stunning views.

views from mount Jerusalem - cradle mountain and barn bluff in the distance

Resuming the circuit we headed to Balls Lake, past the Balls Lake Hut before reaching the northern end of Lake Adelaide where we camped for a second night.

Next morning, with clear blue skies, we followed the Junction Lake track past Stretcher Lake and Lake Loane to where we rejoined the main Walls of Jerusalem track and returned to the carpark.