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…
The Wild Dog Creek Walk follows the classic first-day route into Walls of Jerusalem National Park, climbing steeply from the trailhead to Trappers Hut before continuing across the Central Plateau past Solomons Jewels to the designated campsite at Wild Dog Creek. Most walkers use Wild Dog Creek as the first overnight stop on a longer multi-day journey into the park, but very fit walkers can also tackle the route as a demanding same-day return. The initial climb is the hardest part physically, while the upper section rewards you with much easier alpine walking through pencil pine country, small lakes, open moorland and classic Walls of Jerusalem scenery.
| Location | Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Central Highlands, Tasmania |
| Distance | Approximately 12.2 km return |
| Time | Approximately 6–7 hours return, or comfortably as an overnight walk |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Track Type | Return via Trappers Hut and Solomons Jewels to Wild Dog Creek |
| Track Surface | Steep forest track, formed alpine track and boardwalk over boggy sections |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Dogs | No – dogs are not permitted in Walls of Jerusalem National Park |
| Camping | Yes – designated campsite at Wild Dog Creek |
| Best Time | Clear, settled conditions from December to April |
See also:
The walk begins with the same steep forest climb used by walkers heading to Trappers Hut. The first roughly 3 km are the hardest section, with sustained climbing over roots, rocks and uneven forest ground. Beyond Trappers Hut, the gradient eases and the track crosses open alpine plateau country past Solomons Jewels, where small lakes and pencil pines mark the transition into the true high-country landscape of the park. From there, the route continues beside Wild Dog Creek on easier formed track and sections of boardwalk over wetter ground. Wild Dog Creek lies about 6.1 km from the trailhead, making the full return around 12.2 km.
Wild Dog Creek is a hard walk.
The steep initial climb is the most physically demanding part, but for anyone attempting the route as a same-day return, the overall distance becomes just as important.
The alpine setting, remoteness and potential for rapidly changing weather also mean this walk requires better preparation than a typical short day walk.
The destination is the designated Wild Dog Creek campsite, traditionally used as the first night’s stop on a longer Walls of Jerusalem trip. The campsite provides tent platforms and toilets, with water often available from the creek. Because water availability can vary, always carry enough to reach camp and treat any natural water before drinking.
The route passes Solomons Jewels, a particularly attractive cluster of alpine lakes surrounded by pencil pines. This is one of the prettiest sections of the lower plateau and a natural place to pause before continuing toward Wild Dog Creek.
Beyond Trappers Hut, the walk opens into genuine Central Plateau country. The change from steep forest to open alpine moorland is dramatic, with low vegetation, tarns, pencil pines and wide mountain views replacing the enclosed forest below. This upper section gives a strong sense of the distinctive landscape that makes Walls of Jerusalem National Park so special.
A same-day return to Wild Dog Creek is possible for fit, experienced walkers who start early and are comfortable with a long day. However, staying overnight is the more common and comfortable option. Camping at Wild Dog Creek turns the route into an excellent two-day introduction to Walls of Jerusalem National Park and provides a natural base for continuing deeper into the park the following morning.
If staying overnight, also bring:
⚠️ This is a remote alpine walk and should be treated accordingly.
Water may be available at Wild Dog Creek, but natural water sources in alpine areas should never be assumed to be reliable. Carry enough water to comfortably reach your destination, particularly during warmer and drier periods. If collecting water from the creek or another natural source, use an appropriate treatment method before drinking.
Not recommended for young children.
The steep climb, 12 km return distance, remote location and alpine conditions make this a serious outing. Older teenagers with strong fitness and bushwalking experience may be capable of the trip in suitable weather.
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted within Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
The Wild Dog Creek Walk begins from the main Walls of Jerusalem National Park trailhead and car park. From Deloraine, travel west through Mole Creek before following Mersey Forest Road toward Lake Rowallan. After crossing the Fish River, take the signposted gravel access road leading to the Walls of Jerusalem car park. The final approach is unsealed, so allow extra time and drive according to current conditions.
At the trailhead:
At Wild Dog Creek:
There are no shops, showers or other developed visitor facilities once you leave the trailhead.
Wild Dog Creek is the natural first stage of a classic Walls of Jerusalem journey. The steep climb out of the forest gives way to beautiful alpine country, and the route passes Solomons Jewels before reaching a campsite surrounded by the distinctive scenery of the Central Plateau. As a day return, it is demanding but rewarding. As an overnight trip, it becomes a much more relaxed introduction to one of Tasmania’s great wilderness parks.
If you’re considering a longer Walls of Jerusalem adventure, Wild Dog Creek is the perfect place to begin.
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