Walls of Jerusalem Walks
Walls of Jerusalem Circuit
Distance: 22 km | Time: 3-4 days (not including side mountain trails) | Start: Walls of Jerusalem car park
The most popular way to experience Walls of Jerusalem National Park is along its multi-day circuit trail, which begins and ends at the car park near Lake Rowallan. The trail leads through Herod’s Gate and out Damascus Gate to Dixon’s Kingdom Hut before taking in Lake Adelaide and meeting up with the main trail again near the Trapper’s Hut.
But there are also several side trails that access the surrounding mountain summits that can be done as side trips or day walks. These include Solomon’s Throne, The Temple and Mount Jerusalem, all of which boasts awe-inspiring views across Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
Walls of Jerusalem car park to Wild Dog Creek Campsite
Distance: 6.1 km | Time: 3-4 days hours | Start: Walls of Jerusalem car park
From the main car park, it’s a steep climb through a forest of eucalypts to the alpine plateau and the historic Trappers Hut before the trail flattens out for the final 3 kilometres to the Wild Dog Creek Campsite.
Wild Dog Creek campsite to Dixon’s Kingdom Campsite
Distance: 3.6 km | Time: 1-1.5 hours | Start: Wild Dog Creek Campsite
The trail then passes through Herod’s Gate into the Central Walls area, taking in tranquil lakes and tarns en route to Damascus Gate. From here, you can ascend to either Solomon’s Throne or The Temple (see the short walks section below) before descending to the campsite at Dixon’s Kingdom. A beautiful side trip takes you to the scenic Pool of Bethesda, which nestles in a grove of ancient pencil pines.
Dixon’s Kingdom Campsite to Lake Adelaide Campsite
Distance: 4.6 km | Time: 3 hours | Start: Dixon’s Kingdom Campsite
There are no hardened tracks connecting Dixon’s Kingdom to the north shore of Lake Ball, so it’s a case of avoiding cushion plants as you make your way through the alpine terrain. From Lake Ball, the trail hugs the north shore through an area of scree and exposed myrtle roots before reaching the Junction Lake Track that descends to Lake Adelaide.
Lake Adelaide Campsite to Walls of Jerusalem car park
Distance: 7.9 km | Time: 5 hours | Start: Lake Adelaide Campsite
From Lake Adelaide, the trail heads north along the Junction Lake Track, passing through scenic valleys and across tarn-studded plains before eventually arriving back at the Wild Dog Creek trail. Follow the signs to the historic Trappers Hut and back to the main car park.
Short Walks in Walls of Jerusalem National Park
Solomon’s Throne (1470m)
Distance: 750 metres | Time: 20 minutes | Start: Damascus Gate
For 360-degree views across Walls of Jerusalem National Park, follow the short but steep trail that leads to the summit of Solomon’s Throne. After a short boardwalk section, the track changes to a well-constructed set of stone stairs that climb up the scree slope. Continue beneath the rock face and through a shaded gully before arriving at the surprisingly flat plateau. From here, it’s just a few more minutes before you reach the 1470-metre-high summit.
The Temple (1446m)
Distance: 750 metres | Time: 15 minutes | Start: Damascus Gate
Some of the best views of the “walls” themselves are on offer from The Temple, which looks out across the eastern wall of Solomon’s Throne, all the way to King David’s Peak. A stone staircase has been meticulously crafted up the scree and rubble slope that leads to the summit.
Mount Jerusalem (1459m)
Distance: 1.2 kilometres (one way | Time: 1-1.5 hours | Start: Dixon’s Kingdom
While the hike up Mount Jerusalem is longer than the other peaks in the park, it’s slightly easier due to the moderate grade of the climb. It offers magnificent views across the lakes and tarns of Tasmania’s Central Plateau and the dolerite mountains surrounding the inner walls. Beginning at Dixon’s Kingdom, the trail meanders up to the saddle known as Jaffa Gate before climbing onto a ridge and past several tarns en route to the summit.
