Quamby Bluff Forest Reserve Walk
- August 20, 2026
A climbing half-day walk through forest and a dramatic scree field to the 1,250m summit of Quamby Bluff, with 360-degree…
An Ancient Pencil Pine Forest Deep in the Central Walls
Dixons Kingdom is one of the most atmospheric destinations in Walls of Jerusalem National Park, set deep within the Central Walls among ancient pencil pines, alpine tarns and dramatic dolerite peaks. Reaching it from the main trailhead is a substantial journey. The route follows the standard approach past Trappers Hut, Solomons Jewels, Wild Dog Creek and Herods Gate before continuing through the Central Walls toward the Dixons Kingdom campsite. For most walkers, this is not a sensible single-day return. It is better treated as part of a two- to four-day wilderness trip, allowing time to enjoy the pencil pine forest, explore nearby alpine lakes and, if conditions permit, climb Mount Jerusalem. The combination of ancient conifers, quiet valleys and towering dolerite mountains makes Dixons Kingdom one of the most memorable overnight destinations in Tasmania’s high country.
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The full route to Dixons Kingdom begins with the same steep ascent used by walkers heading into the heart of Walls of Jerusalem National Park. From the car park, the track climbs through forest to Trappers Hut before easing onto the alpine plateau. From there, the route passes the beautiful Solomons Jewels and continues toward Wild Dog Creek, where many walkers spend their first night. Beyond Wild Dog Creek, the track continues through Herods Gate and into the Central Walls, where the surrounding dolerite peaks, alpine plains and tarns become increasingly dramatic. The terrain becomes gentler once the initial climb is behind you, although the overall distance, remoteness and need to carry overnight gear make this a demanding trip.
The walk to Dixons Kingdom is best regarded as hard. The challenge is not just the track itself, but the combination of distance, the steep opening climb, alpine weather, remoteness and the weight of overnight camping gear. For experienced walkers, the route becomes much more enjoyable when broken into shorter stages rather than attempted as a single long return. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the Central Walls rather than treating Dixons Kingdom as simply a destination to reach and leave.
The pencil pine forest is the defining feature of Dixons Kingdom. These slow-growing alpine conifers can live for many centuries and create a landscape that feels ancient and remarkably peaceful. The campsite sits among and near these trees, giving walkers the unusual experience of spending the night surrounded by one of Tasmania’s most distinctive alpine plant communities. Take care to stay on hardened surfaces and avoid damaging roots or fragile vegetation around the campsite.
A short detour through the Central Walls leads to the beautiful Pool of Bethesda. This small alpine pool is surrounded by pencil pines and dolerite scenery and is one of the most photogenic locations in the park. The setting is fragile, so visitors should remain on the formed route and avoid disturbing the shoreline. Swimming and camping are not appropriate here.
Dixons Kingdom is also an excellent base for climbing Mount Jerusalem. The side track climbs roughly 1.2 km one way to the summit, which rises to around 1,459 metres. From the top, walkers are rewarded with sweeping views across a landscape of tarns, lakes and dolerite peaks. On a clear day, it is one of the best viewpoints in Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
By the time you reach Dixons Kingdom, you are fully immersed in the Central Walls. The biblical names scattered across the map start to feel appropriate as the track winds through enclosed valleys and beneath towering dolerite formations. This is the landscape that gives Walls of Jerusalem National Park its character and reputation.
Dixons Kingdom is one of the designated overnight camping areas within the Central Walls.
Facilities are basic and may include:
Natural water should always be treated before drinking. Camp only in designated areas and avoid setting tents directly among fragile pencil pine vegetation.
Day 1
Climb to Trappers Hut, continue past Solomons Jewels and camp at Wild Dog Creek.
Day 2
Walk through Herods Gate into the Central Walls and continue to Dixons Kingdom. Add Mount Jerusalem if conditions and time allow.
Day 3
Explore nearby alpine features, then return via Wild Dog Creek and descend to the main car park.
Experienced walkers can incorporate Dixons Kingdom into a longer loop through the park. One option is to continue toward Lake Adelaide and connect with the Junction Lake Track before eventually returning toward the trailhead. This creates a much more complete multi-day journey through Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Route planning should be done carefully before departure, with current maps and track information.
This is remote alpine wilderness and should be treated accordingly:
Pencil pines are exceptionally slow growing and vulnerable to damage. Their roots and surrounding alpine soils can be damaged by trampling, especially in wet conditions.
Help protect the forest by:
Generally, no.
The distance, overnight gear, steep initial climb and remoteness make Dixons Kingdom better suited to experienced adult bushwalkers. Older teenagers with substantial bushwalking experience may be able to complete the trip as part of a well-prepared group.
No. Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted within Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
The walk begins from the main Walls of Jerusalem car park near Lake Rowallan in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. From Deloraine, travel through Mole Creek and follow the roads toward Lake Rowallan and Mersey Forest Road. The final access road to the trailhead is gravel. Allow extra driving time and check current road conditions before travelling.
Use the registration facilities at the main car park before beginning your trip. Record your planned route, camping locations and expected return date accurately. Make sure someone outside your walking party also knows your itinerary.
Facilities are deliberately limited throughout the park.
You can expect:
There are no shops, cafes or other services once you leave the trailhead.
For most walkers, December to April provides the best chance of more settled conditions and longer daylight hours. Even in summer, cold fronts can bring strong wind, rain and snow to the Central Walls. Winter travel is considerably more serious and requires appropriate experience, equipment and navigation skills. Choose your weather window carefully rather than relying on season alone.
Dixons Kingdom combines almost everything that makes Walls of Jerusalem special. The journey takes you from steep eucalypt forest into open alpine country, past tarns and lakes, through Herods Gate and deep into the dramatic dolerite landscape of the Central Walls. At the end of the day, you arrive among ancient pencil pines in one of the most atmospheric camping areas in Tasmania. With Mount Jerusalem nearby and the option to continue into a longer circuit, Dixons Kingdom also makes an ideal base for exploring deeper into the park.
For experienced bushwalkers prepared to spend several days in the high country, Dixons Kingdom is one of the great overnight destinations in Tasmania.
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