Mount Stronach Reserve Walk
- September 16, 2026
A steady, quiet climb through forest to a panoramic lookout rock and summit trig point in the Mount Stronach Regional…
Hidden among the granite country of Tasmania’s North East, the Cube Rock Walk leads through the Cameron Regional Reserve to one of the region’s more unusual natural landmarks – a huge, almost cube-shaped granite boulder perched high on a rocky outcrop. Beginning near Little Blue Lake at South Mount Cameron, the route follows an old 4WD service road through regenerating bushland before crossing a creek and climbing towards increasingly impressive granite slabs and outcrops. The landscape has an interesting history. Much of the surrounding country was heavily disturbed by the former Dorset Tin Mine, but native vegetation is gradually reclaiming the old mining landscape. At the top, Cube Rock provides a striking destination along with expansive views across the Cameron Regional Reserve. On the return journey, there are also glimpses towards the brilliantly coloured waters of nearby Little Blue Lake.
Location: Cameron Regional Reserve, South Mount Cameron, North East Tasmania
Distance: Approximately 5 km return
Time: Approximately 2–3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Track Type: Return to Cube Rock
Track Surface: Old 4WD service road followed by natural foot track, creek crossing and granite slabs
Best Time: A clear, dry day – exposed granite can become slippery after rain
The Cube Rock Walk begins near Little Blue Lake in the South Mount Cameron area. From the trailhead, pass through the gate and follow the old 4WD service road into the Cameron Regional Reserve. The first part of the walk passes through regenerating eucalypt forest and heathland across country once heavily affected by tin mining. Follow the track markers as the route gradually leaves the broader vehicle track and heads towards the higher granite country. Partway along the walk, the route crosses a creek before beginning the more sustained climb towards Cube Rock. As elevation increases, granite becomes increasingly prominent, with large slabs and boulders replacing much of the softer forest terrain. The final approach climbs onto the summit outcrop, where the distinctive Cube Rock provides the unmistakable destination. After exploring the rocky summit area and enjoying the views, return to the trailhead along the same route.
The walk takes its name from the enormous granite boulder sitting prominently on the upper rock slabs. Weathering along natural fractures in the granite has created the rock’s distinctive block-like appearance, making it look remarkably like a giant stone cube placed on the landscape. Surrounded by other rounded boulders and broad granite slabs, Cube Rock is an impressive example of the granite formations found throughout much of North East Tasmania. It’s also an excellent photographic subject, particularly against a clear blue sky. Take care when exploring around the boulders and don’t attempt unnecessary climbing on exposed or wet rock.
Granite is one of the defining features of the North East Tasmanian landscape. Across the region, erosion has exposed enormous granite slabs, tors and individual boulders, often creating unusual shapes and formations. The upper section of the Cube Rock Walk provides an excellent example of this landscape. As the track climbs, broad granite surfaces begin to dominate and the vegetation becomes lower and more open. These rock slabs provide excellent viewpoints but can become extremely slippery when wet, particularly where moss or lichen is present.
The elevated granite outcrops around Cube Rock provide the main scenic reward of the walk. On a clear day, views extend across the forests, heathlands and former mining country of the Cameron Regional Reserve. The open rock provides a very different perspective from the enclosed forest encountered during the lower sections of the walk. It’s worth allowing additional time at the top to explore carefully, have a break and enjoy the panorama before beginning the descent.
One of the most unusual sights in this part of Tasmania is nearby Little Blue Lake. The former mining pit is famous for its extraordinary turquoise-blue water, a legacy of the area’s extensive tin-mining history. Depending on vegetation and visibility, walkers may catch glimpses of the brightly coloured lake from higher sections of the Cube Rock route. Little Blue Lake can also be visited separately from the nearby roadside lookout and makes an easy addition before or after the walk. Despite its inviting appearance, the lake is not recommended for swimming.
The landscape surrounding Cube Rock hasn’t always looked as it does today. This part of North East Tasmania was heavily influenced by tin mining, with the Dorset Tin Mine operating across the South Mount Cameron area. Mining dramatically altered sections of the landscape, leaving excavations, disturbed ground and access roads throughout the district. Some of the tracks used by walkers today follow routes originally associated with mining and land management. Over time, native vegetation has begun recolonising the disturbed country, creating an interesting mixture of regenerating forest, heathland, granite outcrops and reminders of the area’s industrial past.
A creek crossing adds a little extra adventure to the Cube Rock Walk. Under normal conditions it is generally manageable for experienced walkers, but water levels can change considerably following heavy rain. Take your time and choose the safest crossing point rather than simply following the most direct line. Rocks around the creek may be slippery, so good footwear is particularly useful. If water levels appear unsafe, don’t attempt to force a crossing.
The Cube Rock Walk covers a surprisingly varied range of terrain for a relatively short route.
Expect:
The upper granite surfaces can become particularly slippery during or immediately after wet weather.
The Cube Rock Walk is best regarded as Moderate. The approximately 5-kilometre distance isn’t particularly long, but the combination of natural track, creek crossing, climbing and rocky granite terrain makes it more demanding than a straightforward formed bushwalk. Walkers should be reasonably fit and comfortable travelling over uneven surfaces. The return descent also requires care, particularly on steep or wet granite slabs.
Navigation deserves some attention on the Cube Rock Walk. The route uses an old 4WD road before continuing along a foot track marked with coloured markers. Some sections can become less obvious when vegetation grows around the track, so don’t rely solely on being able to follow a clearly worn path. Download an offline map before leaving and carry a GPS or other reliable navigation method. Mobile reception in this remote part of North East Tasmania should not be relied upon.
Download your maps before leaving mobile coverage. Although the route is marked, the combination of old vehicle tracks, regenerating vegetation and less obvious sections makes offline navigation a sensible precaution. It’s also worth choosing a dry day, both for the views and for safer footing on the granite slabs.
The regenerating forest and heathland of the Cameron Regional Reserve provide habitat for a variety of native wildlife. Wallabies and pademelons may be encountered around quieter sections, while forest and heathland birds can be seen throughout the reserve. Reptiles, including snakes, may also be active during warmer weather. Walk quietly, watch where you place your feet and give all wildlife plenty of space.
Not generally for young children.
The creek crossing, uneven natural track, granite slabs and approximately 2–3-hour return time make Cube Rock more adventurous than a standard family short walk. Fit and confident older children with bushwalking experience may enjoy the route with close adult supervision in good conditions. Additional care is required around the creek and exposed granite outcrops.
Dogs are not permitted on the Cube Rock walking route. Leave pets at home when exploring this section of the Cameron Regional Reserve.
The Cube Rock Walk is located in the Cameron Regional Reserve near South Mount Cameron in North East Tasmania. The trailhead is reached from the Little Blue Lake area, south of Gladstone. From Gladstone, follow the B82 towards South Mount Cameron and Little Blue Lake. Parking is available around the Little Blue Lake area, with the walking route beginning nearby and heading into the reserve along an old service road. Because this is a relatively remote area, download maps and directions before leaving towns with reliable mobile reception.
There are no visitor facilities along the Cube Rock Walk. Walkers should be self-sufficient and carry all required food and drinking water.
Do not expect:
Basic services are available in Gladstone, with a wider range of shops, cafés, accommodation and visitor facilities available elsewhere in North East Tasmania.
Cube Rock is well placed for exploring several of the distinctive walks, waterfalls and landscapes of North East Tasmania.
Little Blue Lake is only a short distance from the Cube Rock trailhead and is one of North East Tasmania’s most unusual roadside attractions. The former mining pit is famous for its intense turquoise-blue water and makes an easy stop before or after the walk.
The Mount Stronach Reserve Walk near Scottsdale provides another quieter North East summit experience. The approximately 5 km return walk climbs steadily through forest to a rocky lookout and summit area with expansive views over Scottsdale and the surrounding countryside.
The Blue Tier Giant Walk explores the forested Blue Tier and leads to one of the area’s impressive surviving giant trees. The walk combines rainforest, giant trees and reminders of North East Tasmania’s mining history.
The Halls Falls Walk near Pyengana follows an old forest route beside the Groom River to a picturesque series of falls and cascades. It’s a relatively easy forest walk and provides a good contrast to Cube Rock’s exposed granite terrain.
The Ralph Falls Walk explores high-elevation forest and button-grass country in the Mount Victoria Forest Reserve. The lookout provides views towards one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls and is one of the standout short walks in the North East.
The Evercreech White Knights Walk leads through beautiful forest to a remarkable stand of enormous white gum trees. It’s an easy alternative for visitors wanting a shorter and less demanding walk.
Cube Rock works particularly well as part of a day exploring the remote country around Gladstone and South Mount Cameron. Start with the Cube Rock Walk while conditions are cool, then stop at nearby Little Blue Lake on the way out. Travellers continuing towards Derby and Scottsdale can combine the walk with the forests of the Blue Tier, while those heading towards Pyengana and St Helens can add Halls Falls or Ralph Falls. The result is a day that showcases several very different North East Tasmanian landscapes – granite country, former mining areas, rainforest, waterfalls and brilliantly coloured lakes.
The Cube Rock Walk is one of North East Tasmania’s more unusual short adventures. Rather than leading to a waterfall or conventional mountain summit, the route climbs through a regenerating former mining landscape towards a huge geometric granite boulder perched high above the Cameron Regional Reserve. The creek crossing and granite slabs add just enough adventure to make the approximately 5-kilometre walk feel substantial, while the expansive views provide a satisfying reward for the climb. Add nearby Little Blue Lake and the fascinating tin-mining history of South Mount Cameron, and Cube Rock becomes much more than simply a walk to an unusual boulder. For walkers looking for something different from Tasmania’s better-known trails, Cube Rock is a distinctive and rewarding half-day walk in the state’s remote North East.
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