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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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 mealsImportantly 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.
What's included
What's not included
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.
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.
Per Person, Twin Share
As the Walls of Jerusalem is renowned as being a true wilderness walk, you cannot expect phone reception while on the trail. For certain mobile carriers, there is sometimes sporadic phone reception. However, this cannot be relied upon. Our guides carry emergency satellite phones which allow them to communicate with our base in Launceston if any emergencies arise. Rest assured you are not completely alone in the wilderness.
The trip runs between October and April when we have the best chance for warmer temperatures, but you are likely to experience all sorts of weather while in Tasmania. Tasmania is known for it's rapidly changing weather. You will need to be prepared to walk in all weather conditions as winds, steady rain, and even snow in elevated areas, can occur at any time of year.
In Spring (October and November) you will enjoy fewer crowds and the wildflowers are in bloom. Spring marks the return of longer, warmer days while still being cool at night.
In Summer (December to February) you can experience ideal weather conditions. This is the most popular time to walk in Tasmania so you may encounter more people on the trail.
In Autumn you can experience calm, sunny days, and cool crisp nights. You can also witness some of the leaves and trees begin to change colours.
The Walls of Jerusalem is a moderate to challenging bushwalk with some long days, full packs and variable conditions. The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be long, rough and steep. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, up and down steps, through overgrown forests, through muddy sections and scramble over rocks. This is a true wilderness walk.
You will need to have a good to excellent level of fitness for the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit. You will be carrying a full pack while trekking in remote areas for up to 7 to 8 hours a day. Previous multi day hiking experience is preferred, as is previous experience on a full pack trek. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.
For your expedition you will need to carry all equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90 Litres in capacity. Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be between 17-20kg
Unfortunately there are no charging facilities in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. We recommend bringing extra batteries or solar chargers for your phones. To conserve battery power on your mobile devices, turn your phones into flight mode.
You can either leave your excess luggage at the hotel that you stay at the night prior to the trip beginning, or alternatively, we can store it for you at our office in Launceston.
This trek commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing at 12pm on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing and that you bring along all of the gear/clothing required for your expedition with you.
You will be returned to your accommodation at approximately 5pm on the final day of the trek.
We highly recommend that you have high cut hiking boots for this trail. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you may encounter mud along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day.
Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability in mud or slippery tree roots. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.
Unfortunately there are no shower facilities in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. For those who are concerned about washing, the closest you’ll come to a bath are the alpine lakes that are accessible each day, where you can have a quick refreshing dip. However, for a real cleanse we recommend you bring baby wipes (remember to take them out with you as well!).
Tasmania prides itself on clean pure water and most of the water along the track is safe to drink without purifying. Our guides will let you know the best spots to fill up your water supply.
You’d be surprised how much food you’ll eat after a day’s trekking. Our guides are experienced when it comes to preparing meals in wilderness locations. We are able to have fresh produce almost every night along the trail. Lunches usually consist of vegetable wraps with hams, chicken or salami, while evening meals can vary from curries, stroganoff and pastas. Deserts include improvised apple pie, and even a chocolate mousse if you’re lucky! Start your day with a hearty porridge or muesli, with snacks throughout the day including fruit and nuts, muesli bars and some fruit.
As this is a full pack adventure, each trekker is required to carry a portion of the group’s food, whether it be a couple of cucumbers, lettuce heads or a bag of pasta. All types of dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free, nut free etc.
Unfortunately we do not have a single tent supplement on our wilderness camping trips. While we can certainly put a request for a single tent on your reservation, this cannot be guaranteed. It depends on the makeup of the group and the number of people booked on the departure. Travellers who have a single tent will also find that a single tent is heavier than carrying half of a 2 man tent.
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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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