The Great Western Tiers is a walkers’ wonderland. Whether it is a walk through the lush rainforests, spotting a spectacular waterfall or a leisurely stroll along a historic trail. Wander off the beaten path and find a new pace.
1. Tulampanga/Alum Cliffs
The tulampanga/Alum Cliffs walk is a 50-minute return walk that accesses a dramatic lookout at Alum Cliffs via a well-formed, 775m track through scenic woodland.
'Tulampanga' is the Pallittorre (local Aboriginal) name for the Alum Cliffs area. It was a place of particular social and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people because of the ochre found in that area of the Gog Range. Many tribes travelled to Tulampanga to obtain this highly prized material and for them, this was also a sacred celebration place.
Suitable for most ages, this grade two 40 minute walk is short but spectacular with breathtaking views. From the car park, there is a short ascent to a plateau with a large sculpture and views of Quamby Bluff and surrounding farmland. Then through a gentle descent, the track terminates at a viewing platform that overlooks the spectacular Alum Cliffs Gorge.
2. Devils Gullet
The Devils Gullet track accesses a dramatic clifftop lookout overlooking the Fisher Valley. The track is approximately 600m long. The 50-minutes return walk requires a short, moderately steep ascent before traversing a lightly vegetated alpine plateau to the lookout.
Standing atop the dramatic cliffs of Devils Gullett and looking over Tasmania’s remote alpine Central Plateau, you cannot see a single sight of human existence – you could be the only person in the world. Devil’s Gullett features dramatic views into a steep, narrow glacial gorge formed by vertical dolerite cliffs 220 metre high and topped by alpine forest.
This landscape has been evolving for about 200 million years, since long before Tasmania broke away from the great southern landmass called Gondwana.
From the lookout, visitors can see the entire Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair World Heritage Area from side on, Tasmania’s highest point Mt Ossa (1617metre), the Fisher and Mersey river valleys, Walls of Jerusalem and several other major peaks and valleys.
3. Westmorland Falls
This 2hr return walk is a true local gem. Once made famous by early editions of the Lonely Planet Guide, these falls are a true delight to anyone adventurous enough. The walk to Westmorland Falls follows a 1.7 km, mostly unsurfaced track through lush forest and rainforest.
4. Warners Track
Warners Track is a heritage track that ascends from Jackeys Marsh to the Central Plateau via Burnies Creek, the track climbs approximately 620m over a distance of 3.2 km. The Track passes through a series of different forest types starting with wet eucalypt and dogwood forest and giving way about half way up to rainforest species of myrtle, sassafras and waratah. The creek has carved a fairly deep gorge in places and towards the top forms a series of pools, cascades and small waterfalls.
Warners Track was originally forged by Aboriginal people through the use of fire. This managed track allowed for ease of access to the ‘Big River’ country where people came together from the north, northeast, south and northwest for trade and to gather ‘Cider-Gum’ sap and ochre. Warners Track holds many artifacts and much history about the Aboriginal clans.
5. Westbury Silhouette Trail
The Westbury Silhouette Trail is a 3.5 km/1 hour walk through the historic village of Westbury, following a series of silhouette sculptures that depict historic local characters. The walk passes many historical buildings that were features of the 1800s garrison established in what was nearly the capital city of Tasmania. The trail is suitable for all abilities.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To find out all of the ‘need to know’ information about hiking in the Great Western Tiers visit www.greatwesterntiers.net.au/walk
Short walks are threaded across the island, including the collection of 60 Great Short Walks put together by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Parks & Wildlife Service: www.parks.tas.gov.au
Restrictions/Alerts: www.fire.tas.gov.au and www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts
Weather: www.bom.gov.au/tas
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Featured header image 📸: Tourism Tasmania & Geoffrey Lea
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