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Geology on Mount Vandyke
Mount Vandyke - geology (photograph: Hannah Waterhouse)

Mount Vandyke

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    • Leven Field Centre
      PO Box 809
      Ulverstone TAS 7315
      Phone: 03 6464 3014
    3-4 hours, return same track, 11km return on same track
    Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

    About

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Mount Vandyke is the perfect choice for a challenging day walk for anyone who has moderate level bushwalking skills. It starts on the same track as for Mount Roland, but when you reach an intersection that is signed with 'The Junction,' head to the right and up the steeper track.​

    It offers changing scenery as you quickly ascend through the eucalypt forest before reaching the ridgeline that opens up with heath and buttongrass. Towards the ridgeline, there are sections of rock scrambling, just to keep the track a little more interesting. Some basic navigation may be required across the rock boulders. 

    Following the ridgeline towards Mount Vandyke, you will be rewarded with views along the range, the surrounding countryside and other distant mountains, including Cradle Mountain.​

    In order to reach the summit, there is a signposted turn off that will lead you along 200m to the summit. This track can become overgrown and may require basic navigation.

    This walk can return on the same track, or for further variety, it can be combined with the Mount Roland track​ to create a circuit. By continuing along the ridgeline towards Mount Roland, you will soon reach a junction that is marked with a viewing platform and directional signage. Here, you can make the decision to continue on to Mount Roland to extend your day walk or return down the circuit track and back to the carpark. ​

      Buy a map from TasMap

      ​The walking track is located approximately 15 minutes to the south of Sheffield. From Sheffield, follow Claude Road (C136) for 15km to Gowrie Park. Turn left onto O'Neills Road and follow this for 1km to the trail head.

      Please note that O'Neills Road is an unsealed road.​

      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.

      ​There are no facilities located at the trail ​head. 

      There are toilets and picnic facilities in Gowrie Park.

      Campfires, dogs and bikes are not permitted.​

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

      ​It is recommended that this track is not attempted in snow or icy conditions, as the track can be slippery and difficult to follow.​​

      ​​​​​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.​​​​​

      ​​

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.