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Moss cover boulders and river ferns with waterfall at Upper Liffey Falls
Upper Liffey Falls (photograph: Dan Broun)
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Great Western Tiers Conservation Area

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About

​​​​​At the most northern boundary of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, you'll find the imposing landscapes of the Great Western Tiers Conservation Area. Consisting of seven separate parts, the Conservation Area covers some 22,890 hectares.

Stretching from Western Bluff near Mole Creek, to Millers Bluff near Campbell Town, the spectacular dolerite columns, deep gorges and forested escarpments mark the edge of the Central Plateau – the mountain range that forms the backbone of the state – and they're visible for many miles around. 

Between Western and Millers Bluff you'll find Ironstone Mountain, which at 1443 metres is the highest mountain of the tiers, along with numerous other bluffs and small mountains.

The area is a walker's paradise, with countless opportunities to explore the expanses of temperate rainforest and subalpine woodland, sandstone and dolerite cliffs, and abundant lakes and waterfalls. Many of the tracks up the face of the Great Western Tiers have been forged by hunters, trappers and loggers in years gone by, and several of them extend south into the Central Plateau Conservation Area.

Most of the track heads start off Westrope Road, where you'll find a number of rough gravel car parking areas.

For a rewarding day walk, Higgs Track is a great option. Originally cut in the 1870s as a route for grazing cattle, it includes some steeper sections but is well maintained. On the lower sections of the escarpment, the track is lined with myrtle, sassafras and ferns, then as you pass the tree line you'll be treated to spectacular views of the Alpine plateau. Lady Lake Hut is a wonderful spot to stop for lunch and enjoy the tranquillity before you make the return journey.

Another good option for a day walk is Western Creek Track, which includes access to Whiteley Hut and Lake Ironstone. This is a well-established track, although the first kilometre​ is quite rough and full of boulders

Two slightly shorter options which still offer exceptional opportunities to enjoy the distinctive landscape of the Great Western Tiers are Syds Track (1.5 hours) and Mother Cummins Track (2 hours).

​For more information on our wildlife please see Tasmania's wildlife

Visit our caring for wildlife page for more information on interacting with and protecting our native animals.

 

The vegetation of the Tiers is unique and complex. It includes extensive old growth forests – both wet and dry eucalypt forests, rainforest, and subalpine forest – along with grassland, shrubland and sphagnum peatland. You will see groves of Pencil Pine, a close relative of the King Billy Pine, which grows only in Tasmania and can reach ages in excess of 1200 years.  

This diversity of habitats makes the area hugely important as a home for native wildlife. Around 70 species of birds ​can be found in the Great Western Tiers Conservation Area, a combination of permanent and migrant residents, and these include vulnerable species such as grey goshawks and Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles. Tasmanian devils, quolls, and other native mammals can also be found in the area. ​​​

​​The connection that Aboriginal people have with this area dates back tens of thousands of years. The Pallittore band of the north nation were based around nearby Mole Creek​/Meander.

To the traditional and continuing custodians, the Great Western Tiers were known as Kooparoona Niara – Mountains of the Spirits. Many Aboriginal sites can be found throughout the area – including prominent sites around the lakes and various sandstone cliff rock shelters – these should be respected and not disturbed. The Aboriginal community living in the area today continue to have a stong connection to these sites and the country in and around this incredible Conservation Area.

Early European heritage consists of snarers, early timber getters and graziers who forged many of the tracks up the Great Western Tiers.  Some of their huts and farming infrastructure remains such as tracks, yards, fences as well as logging, snaring and shepherds huts can be seen on many of the tracks throughout the area.

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​The Great Western Tiers Conservation Area is easily accessible from Launceston, Devonport and Deloraine.

The majority of the track and trail heads start along Westrope Road. For more information on tracks through this area, please visit the Great Western Tiers Visitor Information Centre in Deloraine.

From Launceston, take the Bass Highway southwest to Deloraine. As you pass through Deloraine, take a left onto Mole Creek Road (B12). Follow the B12 for around 9 km before turning left onto Dairy Plains Road (C168). After a further 12 km, take a right onto Western Creek Road, and continue until you reach the junction with Westrope Road. There is a signpost at the intersection that shows distances to the main tracks.

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

​No fee or permit is required to visit Great Western Tiers Conservation Area.

As the maj​ority of the Conservation Area is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it is a Fuel Stove Only Area, and campfires are not permitted.

Dogs and​​ bikes are not permitted on the trails.​ Companion Dogs may be permitted by authority on some of the tracks.  Contact Great Western Tiers field centre for more details​.

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

Many of the tracks that dissect the Great Western Tiers are subject to flash flooding.  Please check the weather forecast before you go​.

​​​​​Walker safety - alpine walks ​​​​​​ (such as Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap, Walls of Jerusalem, Southwest)

Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March. 

When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric​​, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woollen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).

Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions. 

Watch the hypothermia safety video with English subtitles to understand the dangers of being cold and how to be prepared. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles.)

Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.

For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.​​​​​