All walkers are expected to know and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
Look after the sensitve alpine vegetation, stay on track.
Do not swim in tarns or any of the smaller lakes as this can damage the sensitive vegetation surrounding these water bodies. Swimming is permitted at Lake Ball or the northern end of Lake Adelaide only.
Do not feed wildlife - stow your food
Please be aware that wildlife can damage tents if your food is not stowed well. Do not feed wildlife, it turns them into pests and can make them very sick.
There is an on-going problem with brush-tail possums ripping tents and backpacks to access food at these campsites. Possums are omnivores and opportunists. Despite our food not being good for them, they will happily eat most food that we eat. They have become very efficient at opening pack and tent zips, or just ripping a hole in a tent to access the food.
To help protect your camping gear from damage:
- Ensure all food is stored in sealed bags (preferably double bagged).
- Store all food rubbish in sealed bags.
- Place all sealed bags inside your backpack, and keep your backpack inside your tent.
- Do not keep food in the pockets of your tent or your backpack.
- Prepare and eat food away from your tent site.
Do not underestimate the brush-tail possum. Do not feed them!
Carpark to Wild Dog Creek campsite
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 6.1km
- Walk conditions: First half steep and rough, then easy flat
From the carpark to the campsite brace yourself for a 3km steep climb (600 metre elevation) through Eucalypt forest to reach the alpine plateau. When you reach the historic Trappers Hut (emergency shelter only), you’ve done most of the hard yards. Shortly after Trappers Hut, you’ll pop out onto the plateau where you can lengthen your stride, relax your breathing, and savour the delights of the high country for your final 3km to the campsite.
Note on water: In summer there may be no water after Fish River (near the carpark) until you reach Solomons Jewels. Untreated water is usually available at Wild Dog Creek Campsite.
Wild Dog Creek campsite to Dixons Kingdom campsite
- Time: 1-1.5 hours
- Distance: 3.6 km
- Walk conditions: Easy
After passing through Herods Gate you’re within the Central Walls. From here, it’s a magnificent journey to Damascus Gate, surrounded by dolerite mountains, past tranquil lakes and tarns (including the exquisite Pool of Bethesda). To contemplate your place in the world, from Damascus Gate ascend Solomons Throne (to the west) or The Temple (to the east). For a picture-perfect alpine delight, descend to the charming historic Dixons Kingdom Hut (to the south), surrounded by a grove of pencil pines.
To keep this wild country pristine, please do not climb Solomons Throne (or the West Wall) by any route other than the track from Damascus Gate.
Side trip – Pool of Bethesda
- Distance: 200m
- Time: 30 minutes return
- Walk conditions: Easy
This short easy walk provides access to a beautiful alpine pool, nestled amongst ancient pencil pines. Swimming and camping are not allowed in this area.
Side trip - Damascus Gate to Solomons Throne (1470m)
- Distance: 750m one way, steep climb (ascending 140m)
- Time: 20 minutes one way
Walk conditions: Medium
This short ascent summits one of the higher peaks in the Walls of Jerusalem, offering exceptional 360 degree views and an opportunity to observe the unique vegetation of the plateau leading to King Davids Peak and the West Wall. Camping is not allowed in this area.
Side trip - Damascus Gate to The Temple (1446m)
- Distance: 750m one way, steep climb (ascending 116m)
- Time: 15 minutes one way
Walk conditions: Medium
This short climb rewards visitors with spectacular views of the central walls area. Camping is not allowed in this area.
Side trip – Dixons Kingdom to Mount Jerusalem (1459m)
- Distance: 1.2km one way, occasional steep climb (ascending 200m)
- Time: 1-1.5 hours one way
Walk conditions: Medium
From Dixons Kingdom, a track follows a ridgeline to ascend Mount Jerusalem. The view from the summit includes a spectacular and endless sea of lakes and tarns, with majestic dolerite mountains surrounding the inner walls. Camping is not allowed in this area.
Dixons Kingdom to Lake Adelaide Campsite- Time: 3 hour
- Distance: 4.6km
- Walk conditions: Medium
South of Dixons Kingdom, there are no hardened tracks between the camping area and the north shore of Lake Ball. To protect the alpine vegetation, ‘fan out’ rather than walking single file. Avoid stepping on cushion plants, and on the easily eroded banks of streams, tarns and lakes.
At Lake Ball, follow the route through richea heathland, which heads west along its north shore. This section of the track crosses areas of scree and exposed myrtle roots, which may require some extra attention for less eperienced walkers to safely traverse. The Junction Lake Track is reached after a short decent down to the northern end of Lake Adelaide, where camping is permitted.
Lake Adelaide campsite to Main carpark
- Time: 5 hours
- Distance: 7.9km
- Walk conditions: First half is easy walk to main track junction; second half is steep and rough descent.
This track departs Lake Adelaide, heading north along the Junction Lake Track towards the historic Trappers Hut. The track crosses scenic valleys and alpine plains interspersed with cushion plants and pristine tarns, for an easy final day's walk. Once the main track to Wild Dog Creek is reached, follow the signs and head north to begin the downhill for the steep return to the main carpark via Trappers Hut.