Devils Gullet Lookout Walk – Central Plateau Conservation Area

A Short Boardwalk to One of Tasmania’s Most Dramatic Lookouts

The Devils Gullet Lookout Walk offers one of the best view-to-effort ratios in Tasmania, with a short and easy boardwalk leading to a spectacular viewing platform above a deep glacial gorge. The lookout sits above dramatic dolerite cliffs rising around 220 metres, with the Fisher River valley and surrounding Central Plateau stretching away below. On a clear day, the panorama extends across some of Tasmania’s most impressive high-country landscapes, including Mount Ossa, the Walls of Jerusalem, the Fisher and Mersey river valleys and the wider Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair World Heritage Area. The walking itself is very easy. The real attraction is the enormous landscape waiting at the end, making Devil’s Gullet an ideal stop for visitors who want dramatic alpine scenery without a long hike.

Walk Overview

Terrain

The route from the car park to Devils Gullet follows a short, easy boardwalk through high-country vegetation. There are no sustained climbs or difficult rocky sections, making this considerably easier than most walks offering comparable mountain views. The boardwalk eventually reaches a substantial metal viewing platform positioned above the gorge. From here, the ground falls away dramatically into the Fisher River valley below.

Difficulty

Devil’s Gullet is an easy short walk suitable for most visitors. The boardwalk provides a firm walking surface and there is little physical effort involved. The main consideration is the location itself. The lookout is perched high above a deep gorge and can be exposed to strong wind, cold temperatures, rain and snow. Visitors uncomfortable with heights may find the lookout dramatic, even though the platform itself is protected by sturdy railings.

Walk Highlights

🏔️ Devil’s Gullet Gorge

The lookout provides a dramatic view into the steep glacial gorge known as Devil’s Gullet. Vertical dolerite cliffs rise around 220 metres, producing a rugged landscape that feels far more remote than the short walk required to reach it. The gorge and surrounding cliffs are among the most dramatic geological features accessible by a short walk in northern Tasmania.

🌄 Fisher River Valley

Below the lookout, the Fisher River valley stretches away beneath the cliffs. The elevation provides a remarkable bird’s-eye perspective over the forested valley and surrounding high country. The sense of scale is one of the most memorable aspects of the walk.

⛰️ Mount Ossa & Cradle Mountain Country

Clear weather reveals an extraordinary collection of distant mountain landscapes. Discover Tasmania notes views toward Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak, the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair World Heritage Area and several other major peaks and valleys. The lookout therefore offers an excellent introduction to the scale of Tasmania’s Central Highlands without requiring a full-day mountain walk.

🏞️ Walls of Jerusalem Views

The Walls of Jerusalem can also be seen from the lookout in favourable conditions. For walkers who have previously explored the national park, seeing its mountain skyline from this very different perspective can be particularly rewarding. Binoculars can be useful for picking out individual peaks and ridges.

What to Bring

• Warm jacket – the lookout is high and exposed
• Waterproof layer – weather changes quickly
• Comfortable shoes – specialist hiking footwear is not generally required
• Camera – the views are outstanding in clear weather
• Binoculars – useful for identifying distant peaks
• Drinking water

Safety

The walking is easy, but this is still an exposed high-country location:

• Keep children close around the viewing platform
• Remain behind railings and on the constructed boardwalk
• Be prepared for strong wind and cold temperatures
• Check road conditions during winter
• Watch for snow and ice on the access road
• Do not leave the formed route to approach cliff edges

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes, with close supervision.

The short distance and boardwalk make Devil’s Gullet physically easy for children. The dramatic gorge means families should nevertheless keep younger children close throughout the visit. Cold wind and rapidly changing weather can also make the location feel considerably harsher than conditions in the valleys below.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Dogs should not be taken on the Devil’s Gullet walking track.

Getting There

Devil’s Gullet is located in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, south of the Mole Creek and Great Western Tiers region. Access is via Lake Mackenzie Road, with the lookout reached by a signposted side road leading to the small car park. From Deloraine, allow roughly 50 minutes to one hour depending on road conditions and your route. The road climbs into higher country, so conditions can change quickly during winter and following snowfall.

Winter Access

Devil’s Gullet can be especially dramatic in winter, but access becomes less predictable. Snow, ice and frost can affect the high-country roads leading to the lookout. Check current road and weather conditions before heading into the Central Plateau during cold weather. If conditions are icy, do not assume the short walking distance means the overall visit is without risk.

Facilities

Facilities at Devil’s Gullet are very limited.

Visitors should expect:

• Car parking
• Boardwalk
• Viewing platform
• No substantial visitor facilities

Bring drinking water and anything else you may need before travelling into the area.

Best Time to Walk

The best time to visit Devil’s Gullet is simply when the weather is clear and relatively calm. The huge panorama is the main attraction, so cloud, fog or heavy rain can dramatically reduce what you see. Summer and early autumn generally provide easier road conditions, while winter can add snow to the surrounding mountains. If you have several days in the region, choose the clearest forecast for this particular walk.

Why Walk to Devil’s Gullet?

Few Tasmanian walks offer such dramatic scenery for so little effort. A short boardwalk leads from the car park to an extraordinary viewpoint above towering dolerite cliffs and the Fisher River valley. On the right day, the horizon fills with some of Tasmania’s most famous mountain landscapes, including Mount Ossa, the Walls of Jerusalem and the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair World Heritage Area. The walk is short enough to fit easily into a Great Western Tiers road trip and spectacular enough to justify the detour in its own right.

For one of Tasmania’s biggest views without a demanding hike, Devil’s Gullet is hard to beat.