Walls of Jerusalem Walks

Walls of Jerusalem Circuit

Distance: 22 km | Time: 2-3 days | Start: Walls of Jerusalem car park

The 22-kilometre Walls of Jerusalem Circuit is the most popular way to experience this remarkable alpine national park. Starting and finishing at the Walls of Jerusalem car park near Lake Rowallan, the circuit showcases Tasmania's unique high-country landscapes, ancient pencil pine forests, alpine lakes and the spectacular dolerite peaks that give the park its biblical names.

The walk begins with a steady climb through eucalypt forest to the alpine plateau before passing the historic Trappers Hut and continuing to Wild Dog Creek, the park's main camping area. From here, the track enters the heart of the park through the impressive Herod's Gate, where towering dolerite cliffs form a dramatic entrance to the Walls of Jerusalem.

Beyond Herod's Gate, the circuit winds through some of Tasmania's finest alpine scenery, passing Solomon's Jewels, Pool of Bethesda and the picturesque Dixons Kingdom Hut, one of the most photographed huts in Tasmania. The trail then continues past the beautiful Lake Adelaide before returning via the eastern side of the circuit to rejoin the main track near Trappers Hut.

Many walkers choose to spend two to three days exploring the park, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and undertake some of the outstanding side trips. Popular summit walks include Solomon's Throne, Mount Jerusalem and The Temple, each offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Walls of Jerusalem, the Central Plateau and Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness.

Although the circuit itself is around 22 kilometres, the optional summit walks can add several more kilometres and involve steep, rough and sometimes unmarked alpine terrain. Allowing extra time for these side trips is highly recommended.

Walls of Jerusalem car park to Wild Dog Creek Campsite
Distance: 6.1 km | Time: 3-4 hours | Start: Walls of Jerusalem car park

The walk begins at the main Walls of Jerusalem car park on Mersey Forest Road. From here, the track climbs steadily and quite steeply through tall eucalypt forest toward the alpine plateau.

The first section is the most demanding part of the walk, so allow plenty of time and take regular breaks, particularly if you are carrying a full overnight pack. The track can be muddy, slippery and uneven after wet weather. As you gain elevation, the forest begins to open and the landscape changes noticeably. You will eventually reach the historic Trappers Hut, a small timber hut that provides an interesting reminder of the area’s early trapping history. It is a good place to pause before continuing.

Beyond Trappers Hut, the gradient becomes easier as the track reaches the higher alpine country. The final section follows a more gradual route across open moorland and through stands of pencil pine toward Wild Dog Creek Campsite. Wild Dog Creek is the main overnight campsite for walkers entering the Walls of Jerusalem. The campsite provides tent platforms and basic facilities and is surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery.

Although the distance is only 6.1 kilometres, the steep climb, weather conditions and the weight of your pack can make the walk feel longer. Most walkers should allow between three and four hours, with additional time for rest stops and photographs.

Wild Dog Creek campsite to Dixon’s Kingdom Campsite
Distance: 3.6 km | Time: 1-1.5 hours | Start: Wild Dog Creek Campsite

This is one of the most spectacular sections of the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit, taking you into the heart of the national park and through the famous dolerite formations that give the area its biblical names.

Leaving Wild Dog Creek, the track climbs gently through alpine heath before passing through the impressive Herod's Gate, a narrow gap between towering dolerite cliffs that marks the entrance to the Central Walls. Beyond the gate, the landscape opens into a remarkable alpine basin of tarns, lakes, ancient pencil pines and rugged mountain peaks.

The trail continues towards Damascus Gate before descending to the historic Dixons Kingdom Hut and nearby campsite. This picturesque hut, built in 1939, is one of Tasmania's best-known backcountry huts and provides a wonderful place to rest and take in the surrounding scenery.

Along this section there are several worthwhile side trips. A short detour leads to the beautiful Pool of Bethesda, a tranquil alpine tarn surrounded by ancient pencil pines and one of the most photographed locations in the park.

More adventurous walkers can also climb Solomon's Throne or The Temple. These rewarding summit walks provide magnificent panoramic views across the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, the Central Plateau and Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness.

Although the walking distance between campsites is relatively short, many walkers allow most of the day to explore the side trips, relax beside the alpine lakes and fully appreciate one of Tasmania's most beautiful wilderness landscapes.

Dixon’s Kingdom Campsite to Lake Adelaide Campsite
Distance: 4.6 km | Time: 3 hours | Start: Dixon’s Kingdom Campsite

This section of the circuit is one of the more adventurous parts of the Walls of Jerusalem walk. Unlike other sections of the track, there is no formed walking trail between Dixons Kingdom and the northern shore of Lake Ball, so careful navigation and route-finding are required.

From Dixons Kingdom, walkers make their way across open alpine terrain, weaving between fragile cushion plants and rocky outcrops. These unique alpine plants are extremely delicate and can take decades to recover from damage, so it is important to choose your route carefully and avoid stepping on them.

After reaching the northern shore of Lake Ball, the route follows the lakeshore through an area of scree, exposed tree roots and rocky ground. The terrain can be slow-going, particularly in wet weather, but rewards walkers with magnificent views across the surrounding mountains and pristine alpine lakes.

The route then joins the Junction Lake Track, where a more defined walking trail leads south through alpine heath and ancient pencil pine forests before descending to the beautiful Lake Adelaide Campsite.

Nestled beside one of the park's most picturesque alpine lakes, Lake Adelaide is a peaceful place to spend the night and an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Many walkers consider this one of the highlights of the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit.

Although only 4.6 kilometres in length, this section can take around three hours due to the rough terrain, off-track navigation and the need to move carefully through this fragile alpine environment.. 

Lake Adelaide Campsite to Walls of Jerusalem car park
Distance: 7.9 km | Time: 5 hours | Start: Lake Adelaide Campsite

The final day of the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit follows a well-defined trail back to the trailhead, passing through some of the park's most beautiful alpine scenery before descending to the car park.

Leaving Lake Adelaide, the Junction Lake Track heads north through open alpine valleys dotted with tarns, ancient pencil pines and colourful alpine heath. This peaceful section of the walk offers excellent opportunities to enjoy the wilderness one last time and, in fine weather, provides magnificent views across the surrounding mountains.

The trail eventually rejoins the main track near Wild Dog Creek Campsite. From here, simply follow the signs towards the historic Trappers Hut before beginning the descent through tall eucalypt forest back to the Walls of Jerusalem car park.

While the route is mostly downhill after Trappers Hut, the descent is steep in places and can be slippery after rain, so take care, particularly if carrying a full backpack.

Allow around five hours to complete the walk, giving yourself time to enjoy the scenery and arrive back at the trailhead without rushing. If you've arranged a shuttle transfer, make sure you leave enough time to reach the car park before your scheduled departure.

Completing the circuit is a rewarding finish to one of Tasmania's finest alpine walks, leaving many visitors already planning their return to explore more of this remarkable World Heritage wilderness.