Mount Vandyke Loop – Mount Roland’s Quieter Neighbour

A Steep Side Trip to a Boulder-Strewn Alpine Summit

Tucked beside the much better-known Mount Roland, Mount Vandyke provides a quieter and more adventurous alpine walk for experienced bushwalkers exploring the mountains above Gowrie Park. The route initially follows Mount Roland via O’Neill’s Track before branching away from the main summit route and climbing steeply through forest towards Mount Vandyke. Higher on the mountain, the forest gives way to exposed alpine vegetation and rocky terrain, with a short detour leading towards the distinctive boulder-strewn summit area. It’s a demanding walk, with sustained climbing and several steep and awkward sections, but the reward is a genuine mountain experience that sees far fewer walkers than neighbouring Mount Roland.

See also:

• Camping Gowrie Park
• Cetahan Campground Sheffield
• Camping Cradle Mountain
• RV Friendly Sheffield

Walk Overview

Location: Mount Roland Regional Reserve, near Gowrie Park, North West Tasmania

Distance: Approximately 8 km return

Time: Approximately 3–4 hours return

Difficulty: Hard

Track Type: Return via O’Neill’s Track, with a short loop or detour around the upper summit area

Track Surface: Formed forest track initially, followed by a narrower and steeper mountain track with rocky and uneven sections

Best Time: A clear, calm and dry day for the best alpine views and safer conditions on the upper mountain

The Walk

The Mount Vandyke walk begins from the same trailhead used for Mount Roland via O’Neill’s Track near Gowrie Park. Follow the Mount Roland route for approximately the first 700 metres, climbing gradually through the forest from the O’Neill’s Creek area. The Mount Vandyke route then branches away from the main Mount Roland track and begins climbing more steeply through the forest. From this point, the character of the walk changes considerably. The track is narrower and less travelled, and the climbing becomes more sustained as you gain elevation towards Mount Vandyke. After around 45 minutes to an hour of climbing, another junction leads towards the upper mountain. The route continues steeply through increasingly exposed vegetation before eventually emerging into the alpine zone. Near the top, a short detour leads towards the boulder-strewn summit area before the route returns to the main track for the descent to Gowrie Park.

The Forest Climb

The first part of the walk shares the attractive forest surrounding O’Neill’s Creek with the Mount Roland summit route. Once the Mount Vandyke track branches away, however, the route quickly becomes quieter. The forest provides shelter from the weather during the lower stages, but the sustained gradient makes this a considerably more demanding walk than the distance alone might suggest. Tree roots, rocks and steep sections require careful footing, particularly after rain. As elevation increases, the vegetation gradually becomes lower and more exposed before eventually giving way to the alpine landscape above.

Entering the Alpine Zone

One of the highlights of Mount Vandyke is the transition from sheltered forest to the exposed alpine environment. The tall trees gradually disappear and are replaced by low mountain vegetation, rocky ground and increasingly expansive views. This change in landscape makes the upper section feel remarkably wild despite the walk beginning only a short distance from Gowrie Park. The alpine environment is also considerably more exposed to wind, rain, low cloud and cold temperatures. Conditions can change rapidly, so walkers should carry proper mountain clothing regardless of the weather at the trailhead.

Mount Vandyke Summit

The upper reaches of Mount Vandyke are characterised by large boulders and rocky outcrops rather than a simple open summit. A short detour from the main route leads towards the high point and provides the most rewarding views of the walk. The boulder-strewn landscape gives Mount Vandyke a very different character from the broader plateau leading towards the summit of Mount Roland. Take your time around the rocks, particularly if surfaces are wet or windy conditions make balance more difficult. After exploring the summit area, retrace the route towards the main track and begin the descent back to Gowrie Park.

A Quieter Alpine Summit

One of the biggest attractions of Mount Vandyke is simply its relative solitude. Neighbouring Mount Roland is one of North West Tasmania’s most recognisable mountains and attracts walkers specifically wanting to reach its 1,233-metre summit. Mount Vandyke receives considerably less attention. That makes it an appealing alternative for experienced walkers looking for a quieter mountain outing where there’s a good chance of having long sections of track to themselves. The combination of steep forest, alpine vegetation and large summit boulders creates a genuine mountain atmosphere without following the more popular route all the way to Mount Roland.

Views Towards Mount Roland

Mount Vandyke also provides a different perspective on its much more famous neighbour. As the route climbs into the alpine zone, views open towards Mount Roland and the surrounding mountain landscape. Seeing Mount Roland from a neighbouring high point gives walkers a better appreciation of the size and shape of the mountain’s plateau and dramatic escarpments. In clear conditions, views also extend across the surrounding Kentish countryside and towards the wider mountain ranges of North West Tasmania.

Terrain

Mount Vandyke covers a surprising variety of terrain during its relatively short distance.

Expect:

• Formed forest track on the shared O’Neill’s Track section
• Narrower mountain track after the junction
• Steep sustained climbing
• Tree roots
• Rocky and uneven ground
• Potentially muddy sections
• Low alpine vegetation
• Exposed upper slopes
• Large summit boulders
• Potentially slippery rock after rain

The steepness of the route means the return descent also requires care, particularly on wet roots, loose ground and rocky sections.

Difficulty

Mount Vandyke should be regarded as a Hard mountain walk suitable for fit walkers with some experience on rough Tasmanian tracks. Although the overall distance is shorter than the main Mount Roland summit route, the climb is sustained and includes several steep and awkward sections. The upper route can also be less obvious than the heavily travelled Mount Roland track, increasing the importance of navigation skills. Distance alone therefore understates the difficulty of this walk. Allow plenty of time and be prepared for slower progress on the steeper upper sections.

Navigation

Navigation deserves additional attention on Mount Vandyke. The lower route is straightforward while sharing O’Neill’s Track, but the Mount Vandyke spur is less heavily used. Track junctions and the upper route need to be identified carefully, particularly when cloud reduces visibility. Carry an appropriate topographic map, GPS or offline mapping application and don’t rely solely on following footprints or other walkers. Low cloud can make the exposed upper mountain considerably more difficult to navigate.

Alpine Weather

Like neighbouring Mount Roland, Mount Vandyke is exposed to rapidly changing mountain weather. Conditions at Gowrie Park can be calm and relatively warm while the upper mountain experiences strong winds, low cloud and much colder temperatures. Rain also makes roots, rocks and summit boulders considerably more slippery. Check the forecast carefully before leaving and be prepared to turn around if conditions deteriorate.

Top Tip

Allow more time than the distance suggests. The steep and awkward upper sections can make progress considerably slower than on a normal formed walking track. Starting early also gives you plenty of daylight and allows time to explore the summit area without rushing the descent.

What to Bring

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layered clothing
• Hat and gloves
• Plenty of drinking water
• Food and high-energy snacks
• Topographic map, GPS or offline mapping
• Fully charged mobile phone
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Sun protection

Safety

• Check the mountain weather forecast before setting out.
• Expect steep and awkward climbing on the upper sections.
• Take care when descending wet or loose terrain.
• Summit boulders can become extremely slippery after rain.
• Do not rely solely on mobile-phone navigation.
• Mobile reception may be limited.
• Carry warm and waterproof clothing even when conditions at Gowrie Park are fine.
• Low cloud can make navigation considerably more difficult.
• Allow enough daylight for the return journey.
• Turn back if weather or track conditions become unsafe.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

No. Mount Vandyke isn’t generally suitable for young children. The sustained steep climbing, rougher upper track, navigation requirements and exposed alpine conditions make this a more serious outing than many walks of a similar distance. Families wanting to explore the area should instead consider the easy O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail at the base of Mount Roland.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Dogs are not permitted on the Mount Vandyke walking route within the Mount Roland reserve. Leave pets at home when undertaking this mountain walk.

Getting There

The Mount Vandyke walk begins from the O’Neill’s Track trailhead near Gowrie Park. From Sheffield, travel south towards Gowrie Park and Mount Roland. At Gowrie Park, follow O’Neill’s Road towards O’Neill’s Creek and the Mount Roland walking-track access. Begin along the Mount Roland track and follow it for approximately 700 metres before taking the Mount Vandyke branch. Pay close attention at track junctions to ensure you remain on the intended route.

Facilities

There are no facilities on Mount Vandyke itself, so walkers need to be self-sufficient once they leave the trailhead. The nearby O’Neill’s Creek Picnic Reserve at Gowrie Park provides useful facilities before or after the walk.

• Car parking
• Picnic shelter
• Tables and benches
• BBQ facilities
• Short-stay camping area

Carry all required food, drinking water and mountain equipment with you.

What You’ll See

• Native forest
• O’Neill’s Creek area
• Changing vegetation with altitude
• Steep mountain terrain
• Alpine vegetation
• Rocky outcrops
• Large summit boulders
• Mount Roland from a different perspective
• Views across the Kentish countryside
• A quieter alpine landscape than neighbouring Mount Roland

Walk Tips

• Choose a clear, dry and calm day.
• Allow extra time for the steep upper sections.
• Carry reliable offline navigation.
• Pay careful attention at track junctions.
• Wear hiking boots with good grip.
• Bring warm and waterproof clothing regardless of conditions below.
• Take particular care around wet summit boulders.
• Start early enough to avoid rushing the descent.
• Carry plenty of food and drinking water.
• Turn around if low cloud makes navigation difficult.

Nearby Bushwalks

Mount Vandyke is part of an excellent collection of walks around Gowrie Park, Mount Roland and Sheffield.

Mount Roland Summit via O’Neill’s Track

The Mount Roland Summit via O’Neill’s Track follows the same initial route before continuing towards Mount Roland’s 1,233-metre summit. The approximately 9 km return walk takes around 4–6 hours and provides spectacular 360-degree views in clear conditions.

Mount Roland via the Face Track

The Mount Roland via the Face Track provides the ste