Trappers Hut Walk – Walls of Jerusalem National Park

A Steep Climb to a Historic Hut and Tasmania’s Alpine Plateau

The Trappers Hut Walk is the first major climb on the route into Walls of Jerusalem National Park, taking walkers from the main car park through eucalypt forest to a historic mountain hut and the edge of the alpine plateau. Although relatively short in distance, this is not an easy stroll. The track climbs roughly 600 metres over about 3 kilometres, making the ascent steep and sustained. Reaching Trappers Hut is a rewarding milestone. The forest begins to open, the gradient eases and the landscape starts to reveal the lakes, tarns, alpine vegetation and dolerite peaks that make the Walls of Jerusalem one of Tasmania’s most spectacular high-country destinations. For day walkers who don’t want to continue all the way to Wild Dog Creek or into the Central Walls, Trappers Hut makes a worthwhile turnaround point in its own right.

Walk Overview

Terrain

The walk begins from the main Walls of Jerusalem car park and almost immediately starts climbing through eucalypt forest. The ascent is sustained, with roots, rocks and uneven sections underfoot as the track gains around 600 metres in elevation over approximately 3 kilometres. As you gain height, the forest gradually thins and glimpses of the surrounding high country begin to appear. Once you reach Trappers Hut and the alpine plateau, the character of the landscape changes dramatically and the walking becomes considerably easier.

Difficulty

The main challenge is the climb. Although the one-way distance to Trappers Hut is only around 3 km, the sustained ascent makes this a physically demanding short walk. Walkers should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable climbing steep, uneven forest tracks. The return journey is easier aerobically but places more strain on knees and ankles, so take your time on the descent.

Walk Highlights

🏚️ Trappers Hut

Trappers Hut provides an interesting historical feature and a natural place to stop after the steep climb. The current hut is a reconstruction of an earlier hut built in the mid-twentieth century by local trappers, reflecting the long history of people travelling through this remote highland country. Today, the hut sits beside one of Tasmania’s great alpine walking routes and provides a tangible link with an earlier era of mountain travel.

🌲 Forest to Alpine Transition

One of the best features of the walk is the dramatic change in vegetation as you climb. The lower route passes through eucalypt forest, while the upper sections lead toward the exposed alpine plateau of Walls of Jerusalem National Park. The transition gives walkers an excellent sense of gaining height and entering a completely different environment.

🏔️ First Views of the Walls

Reaching the plateau near Trappers Hut provides the first real taste of the scenery that lies deeper inside the national park. Beyond the hut, the main track continues past tarns and alpine vegetation toward Wild Dog Creek and eventually into the Central Walls. Even if you turn around at the hut, the shift from forest to open high-country landscape makes the climb worthwhile.

Continue to Wild Dog Creek

Trappers Hut does not have to be the end of your walk. From the hut, Parks & Wildlife describes the route to Wild Dog Creek as another approximately 3 km of considerably easier walking across the alpine plateau. The route passes the beautiful Solomons Jewels and follows Wild Dog Creek toward the main campsite. Extending the walk this far turns the outing into a much longer day, so allow enough time and daylight for the steep descent back to the car park.

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots – the climb is steep and uneven
• Waterproof jacket – mountain weather changes quickly
• Warm layers – temperatures on the plateau can be much lower than at the car park
• Plenty of drinking water
• Food and snacks – particularly if continuing beyond the hut
• Sun protection – the upper plateau is exposed
• Offline map or navigation device
• First-aid kit

Safety

Walls of Jerusalem is remote alpine country, so even a shorter walk deserves preparation:

• Check the weather before leaving the car park
• Be prepared for cold, rain, wind or snow at any time
• Allow plenty of daylight for the return descent
• Take care on steep, rocky and root-covered sections
• Carry food and water rather than relying on natural sources
• Tell someone your plans and expected return time
• Stay on formed tracks to protect fragile alpine vegetation

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

For older, fit children with bushwalking experience, possibly. The climb is sustained and steep, so younger children may find it tiring. Families should also remember that this is remote alpine country rather than a developed short-walk attraction.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted within Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

Getting There

The Walls of Jerusalem trailhead is reached from the Lake Rowallan area in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Access is via Mersey Forest Road and the road leading toward the Walls of Jerusalem main car park. The final approach is remote and includes gravel roads, so allow additional travel time and drive to the conditions. The track to Trappers Hut begins directly from the main Walls of Jerusalem car park.

Facilities

Facilities are very limited at the trailhead and along the walk.

Walkers should expect:

• Remote parking
• No food or kiosk facilities
• No substantial facilities at Trappers Hut
• Limited or unreliable mobile reception

Wild Dog Creek campsite farther into the park has tent platforms, toilets and often running water, although natural water should always be treated before drinking. Bring everything you need for your walk from the outset.

Best Time to Walk

The warmer months generally provide the easiest conditions for a day walk to Trappers Hut. Late spring, summer and early autumn offer longer daylight hours and a better chance of snow-free tracks. Winter can bring deep snow, ice and considerably more difficult conditions. Regardless of season, Walls of Jerusalem should always be treated as alpine country where weather can change very quickly.

Why Walk to Trappers Hut?

Trappers Hut provides a rewarding taste of Walls of Jerusalem National Park without committing to a multi-day walk. The climb is steep enough to feel like a genuine mountain outing, and the change from eucalypt forest to alpine plateau is dramatic. The historic hut gives the walk a clear destination, while the high-country scenery beyond provides a tempting glimpse of the much larger wilderness area ahead.

For walkers wanting a challenging half-day introduction to the Walls of Jerusalem, the climb to Trappers Hut is an excellent choice.