6-Day Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem National Park Walking Expedition from Launceston

Experience wonderland. The Walls of Jerusalem National Park in the Tasmanian highlands is adjacent to Cradle Mountain and combining the two areas in this 6-day trip offers a great chance to get a real feel for Tasmania's unique harsh, yet fragile high country.

This 6-day Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem National Park trek incorporates a couple of nights in cabins and three nights under the stars in snug 2 person Macpac tents. Your days fill with walks that offer the best that conditions allow. You'll and take in the dramatic peaks and deep shadowy lakes all from our cabins within the National Park. Then transfer to the Mersey Valley where you don backpacks and make our way up into the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and the base camp beneath majestic King David's Peak.

Wonder at living fossils in the numerous tarns. Investigate evidence of ice caps scouring the land and discover floral links to the Gondwanan supercontinent. Step into this environment of stark contrasts, let your mind conjure images of ancient faces from knotted pines and swirling dancers in the lush green glades between imposing rock peaks.

Relax in the warm evening hues as your guides prepare sumptuous revitalising meals then retire to your warm clean tent to restore your weary limbs for another day of marvelous trekking.

6-day Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem National Park Trek includes 2 nights in cabins and 3 nights camping, National Park fees, all meals, bus transfers, secure storage for excess luggage.

Schedule details

Cradle Mountain

Departure Point:

Meet at 8:30am at the Arthouse Hostel, 20 Lindsay Street, Launceston for a trip briefing and gear check.

Departure Time:

• 8:30am

Return Details:

Tour concludes at approximately 5:00pm in Launceston on Day 6

Pricing information

Click the link below for a price quote on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Additional information

6-Day Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem National Park Walking Expedition from Launceston

Inclusions:

• Experienced Guides
• Accommodation for 5 nights (2 cabins, 3 camping)
• All group camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats, stoves, eating utensils and first aid kit
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6 (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• Thermarests and Emergency Communication
• National Park fees
• Transfers to and from Launceston
• Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Exclusions:

• Clothing and equipment, as listed under additional information (some equipment is available for hire at the start of the hike)

Additional Information:

• Confirmation for this tour will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• The maximum group size is 10 passengers on this hike, with 1 guide for every 5 passengers.
• Trip Grading: Easy to Moderate Easy Walking - carrying only a day pack, 3 to 5 hours per day, some uphill, all on paths. Moderate Walking - carrying a backpack on some uphill terrain.
• Weather: The above itinerary should be seen as a rough guide only. Weather conditions remain stable over much of the summer, but it is important to note that weather can change rapidly in Tasmania, particularly in the highlands. You will be walking and camping at altitudes between 1200meters and 1500meters and you should be prepared for both summer heat and very cold windy conditions in the mountains. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount at all times.
• Trip Prerequisites: For the uninitiated to bushwalking, we suggest you go on a few day walks carrying a 10 - 12kg (22-27 pounds) backpack, prior to joining the trip.
• Health and Fitness Requirements: As with most activities, the fitter you are prior to departure, the more you will enjoy the trip. However, the majority of their trips only require you to be in reasonably good health.
• Gear List - What to Bring: We cannot stress too highly that, even in summer, highland Tasmania can provide very bad weather conditions, even snow - so you must be prepared for the very worst. The equipment list must be carefully followed and will provide the basis for preliminary gear check. Several of the following items are available for hire in Tasmania . Please contact the operator for the details of what equipment is for hire and the cost. Most outdoor shops will be able to provide extra advice in selecting any new clothing and equipment for this list. Please Note: The need to bring woolen or equivalent thermal clothing (chlorofibre, polypropylene or fibrepile) rather than cottons (e.g. jeans, wind cheaters) is emphasized because of their ability to better retain warmth, even when damp.
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Clothing

• Waterproof rainjacket with hood and overtrousers (Goretex, Milair or japara) 
• Woolen/thermal shirt or jumper (sweater); two light/medium tops are better than one heavy weight
• Trousers - thermal or flannel wool are light yet warm
• Thermal undershirt/singlet and thermal long johns (essential)
• 1 pair loose cotton/tracksuit trousers
• 2 T-shirts
• 1 pair shorts
• Woolen/thermal gloves
• Sun-hat
• Warm hat or balaclava
• Underwear
• Pyjamas/second set of thermal underwear (optional)
• Swimming costume (optional)
• 3-4 pairs heavy weight woolen socks
• 1 pair knee length gaiters for keeping mud from boots
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Footwear

• A pair of sturdy medium weight boots for the track
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Other Equipment

• Sleeping bag, rated to 3 season or warmer (down is best) plus inner sheet 
• Rucksack large enough to hold 3 days of personal gear plus sleeping bag, as well as a small share of group food and equipment (70 liter capacity)
• Light weight torch and spare batteries and bulb
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Day pack
• Water bottle (leak-proof)
• Camera and film
• 2 heavyweight plastic garbage bags for waterproof storage
• Waterproof leukoplast tape for preventing blisters (available at chemists)
• Small towel and face towel
• Personal toiletries
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

IMPORTANT:

• Please advise if you have any medical conditions
• Please advise if you have any special dietary requirements
• Children aged 9 years and under are not permitted on this trip
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers

Itinerary:

Day 1: Launceston / Cradle Mountain (L, D)

Meet at 8:30am. Your guides will be wearing Tasmanian Expeditions T-shirts and will be looking out for you. Here you do a thorough check that everyone has what they need, before departing by minibus to Waldheim and the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Any luggage not required on the bushwalk can be left at Tasmanian Expeditions store in Launceston.

After checking in to your Black Jack Cabins, you spend this afternoon exploring the small lakes, waterfalls and rainforests of Cradle Valley.

Overnight Accommodation: Cabins

Day 2: Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)

Today you attempt an ascent of Cradle Mountain going via an ancient glacial cirque - now known as Crater Lake and return over Crater Peak and the Cradle Plateau. This day walk is subject to changing weather conditions as the summit of Cradle Mountain is above 1500m (as such an ascent on the peak will only be made in good weather conditions). From the summit you can view the splendors of the rugged Tasmanian highlands. You return to spend this night at your cabins.

Overnight Accommodation: Cabins

Days 3 - 6: Cradle Mountain / Walls of Jerusalem / Launceston (B, L, D)

Travel by minibus from Cradle Mountain to Lake Rowallan, from where you begin to climb towards Herod's Gate (the entrance to the Walls of Jerusalem) and your base camp site. You will be going into this wilderness area completely self-sufficient, so you will be required to carry a pack of up to 12kg (27 pounds) but only as far as your base camp. The next few days you will be going on day walks from your base, just carrying your waterproof jacket and lunch. The days will be spent exploring the hidden valleys, lakes and climbing some of the numerous peaks for views of the Central Plateau and the peaks of the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park. The last day in the 'Walls' will finish with the descent back out to the vehicles and transport back to Launceston.

Overnight Accommodation: Camping (3 nights)

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.