Hale School Walls of Jerusalem Expedition

Explore Tasmania's only true alpine National Park

The spectacular alpine lakes of the Walls of Jerusalem | Rachel Duthie

Exploring the spectacular Walls of Jerusalem National Park | Caro Ryan

Trekkers carry a full pack on our Walls of Jerusalem self guided walks | Aran Price

Exploring the spectacular Walls of Jerusalem National Park | Caro Ryan

View from Mt Jerusalem | Don Fuchs

Trekking in the Walls of Jerusalem | Caro Ryan

Walking in Walls of Jerusalem National Park | O&M St John

Trekkers in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park walking towards Mt Jerusalem | Don Fuchs

Code: SOG6938

Overview

Highlights

Discover a magnificent alpine area that is only accessible by foot
Spectacular campsite locations including two nights spent at a remote base camp
The opportunity to summit numerous peaks and the views gained as a reward for our effort
Abundant wildlife and stunning endemic wildflowers
Delicious evening meals cooked by your wilderness guides
Majestic stands of thousand year old pencil pines, and sparkling lakes as far as the eye can see
Explore the cultural and iconic highlights of Hobart

A private trek for Hale School to visit Tasmania's only true alpine National Park, the Walls of Jerusalem, on this six day full-pack bushwalking expedition combined with time exploring Launceston and Hobart. This area showcases spectacular mountain scenery, pristine wilderness, and rare and wonderful endemic flora and fauna. We start in the south of the National Park, bushwalking up onto the Plateau to our grassy camp nestled by Lake Myrtle. From here we can choose to summit Mt Ragoona which provides impressive views over the southern wilderness of the famous Overland Track and the headwaters of the mighty Mersey River and its Never Never region. The trek continues through remote alpine herb fields and highland lake country, sidling Lake Adelaide, Lake Meston and Junction Lake to name a few. In the northern confines of the park we base camp at Wild Dog Creek and spend two days exploring the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Central Walls region. There is an option to summit King Davids Peak (1499m), Tasmania's 10th highest, as well as walks up Mt Jerusalem, The Temple, and Solomons Throne. This National Park offers majestic, spellbinding landscape paired with world-class walking opportunities.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Perth

Activities:

Grading:Moderate to Challenging

Itinerary

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Day 1
Fly Perth to Launceston, transfer to accommodation, trip breifing

After all the planning and preparation the wait is over. Please make your own way to Perth airport for your flight to Launceston. On arrival you will be met and transferred to our office for a full trip briefing to prepare you for your trek tomorrow. The briefing is a great opportunity to check gear and ask any questions. After the presentation we will transfer you to your accommodation for the night. Overnight Launceston **Meals today are covered by Hale School

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Transfer Launceston to Lake Rowallen, walk to Lake Myrtle

Today you will be collected from your accommodation in Launceston at approximately 8am and transferred to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park entry point. Carrying our full backpacks into this magnificent highland area will provide us with a challenge, but with plenty of encouragement from our guides as well as snacks and rest stops, the climb is achievable and well worth it. Our trek will take us up onto the central plateau conservation area through forests and button grass plains, past Lake Bill and on until we reach our stunning campsite on the northern shores of beautiful Lake Myrtle. This beautiful camp site is a highlight of the day: a natural grassy meadow manicured to perfection by the resident wildlife. Settling in for the evening we enjoy a hearty meal whilst gazing upon the majestic view of Mt Rogoona's sheer cliffs rising high above the lake. Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: 6 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Lake Myrtle to Lake Meston

After a warm breakfast we strike camp and continue on past the shores of Lake Myrtle, through alpine vegetation and around the base of Mt Rogoona. Time and weather will dictate whether we choose to attempt a summit of this superbly situated peak. Now that we are on the plateau our walking is gently undulating, and the low alpine scrub gives us wide views in all directions. Continuing on down the other side of the saddle, we zig zag through myrtle rainforst until we reach our second campsite at Lake Meston - depending on time you may hike to the northern campsite or stay by the historical at the base of the saddle; these huts are a common feature in the Tasmanian wilderness and are treated respectfully as historical artefacts. The stories behind the huts are always fascinating and your guides delight in sharing them with you Our camp tonight overlooking the Lake is, again, magnificent. Walking Distance: 7km + side trips | Walking Time : 4-6 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Lake Meston to Lake Adelaide

This morning we break camp and say farewell to the stunning Lake Meston. We quickly pick up a trail that skirts around the edge of Lake Adelaide - ducking through thick rainforest vegetation and popping out at great spots to view the lake - keep an eye out for the elusive platypus as you work your way around the eastern edge of the Lake - there are a few options for campsites tonight - your guides will chose one to fit in with weather and timing Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: Up 5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Lake Adelaide to Wild Dog Creek

After packing up camp we continue following the lake shore until we come to the intersection of the Lake Junction and Walls of Jerusalem tracks. Here we begin our entrance into the heart of the National Park. We trek past glacial tarns and alpine herb fields, with the mighty peaks of the central Walls coming into view. Making camp by lunchtime we have the afternoon to duck in and have our first glimpses of the Central Walls. This comfortable camp at Wild Dog Creek will be our base for the next two nights. Walking distance: 14km | Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Central Walls of Jerusalem

Today is a bushwalker's dream as we explore the central Walls area. With only a day pack on we hike up to Damascus Gate and then descend to the awe inspiring Dixon's Kingdom. An ancient forest of immense pencil pines gives us a glimpse into Tasmania's Gondwanan heritage. These beautiful, endemic trees are thousands of years old each and standing in their presence is truly humbling. Leaving this magical spot behind we pass Jaffa Gate before ascending Mt Jerusalem (1459m) which rewards us with extensive views of the Central Plateau with its countless lakes and tarns. We then return to our camp at Wild Dog Creek to enjoy another delicious and well earned meal prepared by your guides. Walking Distance: 8-12km | Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Wild Dog Creek to Mersey Valley, transfer to Hobart

This morning we bid farewell to this truly outstanding part of Tasmania's World Heritage Area and begin our walk off the plateau. We meander past the sparkling tarns of Solomons Jewels, descend steeply through tall eucalyptus forests filled with melodious bird call, and stop for a rest at the old Trappers Hut. The last section of gentle downhill track gives us time to reflect on the last six days of outstanding bushwalking. Just before lunch we meet up with our Tasmanian Expeditions transfer bus and driver. Shrugging off our trusty backpacks, we board the bus and cruise to the village of Mole Creek for a celebratory lunch together. Congratulations on completing one of Tasmania's most magnificent and unforgettable wilderness walks! We will drop you at your Hobart accommodation by approximately 5pm. Walking Distance: 6km | Walking Time: 3 hours *Dinner tonight is at the groups expense

Meals: B,L

Day 8
Explore Hobart including a visit to Mona

Today you are free to explore the sights of Hobart including a visit to the world class MONA. Overnight Hobart

Meals: Nil

Day 9
Transfer to airport, fly Hobart to Perth

This morning please make your way to the airport for your flight to Perth. Flight details as at time of publication, please note flight times can change at any time as we suggest checking prior to departure** 15 DEC 21 HOBART TO PERTH QF1003 DEP 20:30 ARR 22:05

Meals: Nil

Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.
CARBON NEUTRAL
World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.

Inclusions

What's included

Flights ex Perth to Tasmania return on Qantas
2 professional wilderness guides
2 teachers travelling from Hale School
3 nights hotel and 5 nights camping
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
Airport arrival transport by private minibus and from Launceston to Walls to Hobart
National Park fees
Tent, backpack and gaiters
Sleeping bag, inner sheet and inflatable sleeping mat
Emergency communications and group first aid kit

What's not included

Items of a personal nature: aerated beverages, car parking etc
Travel insurance (Covered by Hale School)
Face masks and hand sanitiser
Meals in Hobart and Launceston
Airport transfer Hobart

Accommodation

Wilderness Camping

The first two nights in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park are spent at Wild Dog Creek base camp. Situated in the shadow of the areas highest mountain, King David’s Peak (1499m), we set up our twin share tents on a maze of elevated wooden platforms. A permanent kitchen and dining platform provide rustic shelter from the elements and a panoramic spot to enjoy a hot drink, a chat about the day’s events and a hearty evening meal together. A composting toilet & fresh drinking/washing water is also available. The remaining three nights of the tour are spent at various scenic campsites throughout the National Park. Facilities will be limited but the scenery spectacular.

Grading

Moderate to Challenging

This adventure involves trekking for up to 7 or 8 hours a day at a steady pace, carrying a full trekking backpack. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Walks within the Walls of Jerusalem National Park are challenging and can be steep in sections. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a full pack weight (up to 20kgs). At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise for our more challenging treks is multi day bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents and in variable weather conditions.

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

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School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

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Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

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