D. B. Thompson Estate

Quamby Bluff (1227m), the northernmost peak in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, provides panoramic views of Northern Tasmania including the Central Plateau and the Great Western Tiers. The walk starts on farmland adjacent to the Lake Hwy (A5) and climbs through tea tree, eucalypt and rainforest.  The walk has an elevation gain of around 500m over 3km. Time: 4-5 hours return ​Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Several steep sections of scree need to be crossed. Image: © 2020 Jade Austen. All rights Reserved.

Historic Warners Track ascends from Jackeys Marsh to the Central Plateau via Burnies Creek. 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. Later, in the 1890s the track was used to allow stock access to the plateau. The track was restored in 2009 by Mountain Huts Preservation Society and PWS. Time: 4 hours return. Grade 3: ​Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. There is an elevation gain of 610m over 3km. Image: © 2020 Jade Austen. All rights reserved

The walk from Westrope Road in Western Creek to Lady Lake Hut on the Central Plateau is a good example of early pioneering history. Originally cut in the 1870s, Higgs Track was restored by skilled workers in 2014 using traditional Scottish stone-pitching techniques. Climbing 530m in elevation over 2.6km, the walk is steep as it winds up through forests of Myrtle, Sassafras and Tasmanian waratah. With the higher elevations often blanketed in snow during winter, the 2 hour trek to Lady Lake Hut (1130m) is fun all year round, if you like a bit of adventure. For those looking for a shorter walk, the track to Dale Brook bridge is 20-30 minutes return and is a nice place to stop for a swim and a bite to eat.  Time: 4 hours return.   Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Image: © 2020 Jade Austen. All rights Reserved.