Wilmot River Walks Homepage
Disclaimer. All walks undertaken on the routes listed here are entirely at individuals own risk. Falling tree limbs and unstable rocks are among the greatest hazards.
The Wilmot River valley near Devonport, Tasmania is being opened up for public walking by a range of volunteer groups , Forestry Tasmania and other landowners. The old prospecting track cut by James Dooley in 1859 has been restored in many places. There are seven walks listed to date, ranging from easy to demanding.
The State Library of Tasmania has several copies of a cd listing the walks, and giving a brief history of the Dooley Track.It will run on pcs with recent editions of MS Office.
Current developments on the track . 16 January 2010.
South Eastley's Loop - Walk 5 on my track notes - is no longer viable as a circuit due to massve storm damage on the upper slopes of the return leg.Its not worth trying to clear this. You can still access the river and return by the same way. There are pleasant pools and flats, a good camping spot, and a section of original Dooley track - the only section found south of Spellmans to date.I may work on an east bank connection to Walk 4 - Spellmans to Eastley's.
The property at the south end of Jamieson's Road has new owners who plan to build a house there. They ask us to respect the agreement only to cross their property at times of flood when the Shoestring crossing is well under water. Walkers should cooperate with them on this. Cross at Gold River crossing and use the East Bank track, or do as I always do, and come down from Gentle Annie Road.
We have built concrete stepping pads at Gold River to replace the bridge, as it gets swept away in floods and is a hazard to kayakers.Thanks to Rod Davey and Fred for help with this work.There is a fine swimming hole and beach near here, good picnic spot.
Walks for Summer.
Wilmot Gorge Not many people visit or even know about the Wilmot Gorges between Lake Gairdner and South Nietta, try walk 7 on the list. It takes you to the middle of the northern Gorge in about 35 mins rough walking. Once at the river you can explore up or downstream as takes your fancy. Its best on a hot day as you may have to wade or swim sections.A wet suit could be handy.
East Wilmot to Osbert Shelter and Walter's Flat circuit. Try the new east bank track south of Ellis Flats Road. Access is by Knight's road, 3.5 km south of Alma on Wilmot road. The turnoff is signposted, ignore all sidetracks to the right, and continue on until Ellis flats Road leads off uphill at right angles. there is a gate here, sometimes closed, never locked. Park here or drive on if you have 4 wd vehicle. Over the top of the hill there is a wire gate, after this the road gets rougher and descends steeply to a small car park before the private property boundary gate. Leave all gates as found, do not enter private property. The new track leads off to the south of the car park. There is a sign.
Follow this through pleasant forest, crossing a small creek before descending to a manfern flat. After the flat the bank gets steeper and the route rougher. You should see a taped crossing with natural stepping stones - this is the return route. Continue on the east bank, after some rough ground you will reach a rocky corner with a very fine swimming pool. The route then goes on to another flat before climbing over a low saddle and steeply down to the river. There is a good ford here with excellent stepping stones. Once across a short track connects to the big Osbert Shelter. On leaving the shelter follow the red tapes north and pick up the 4 wd track along the river, passing an old hut. The Dooley track climbs over to Osbert Creek bridge, a lovely spot in rain forest, and climbs again high above the river before descending to follow the river to South Walters Flat.
On entering the grassy open flat stick to the riverside, as it is a river reserve(public land)Just before the northern end of the flat look for tapes marking the crossing. Once back on the east bank retrace your steps north back to Ellis Flats road. This walk should take about 3 hours and is suitable for fit and agile walkers who can cross easy rocky sections and stepping stones. Only for low water conditions.
Attractions in the Wilmot area
The Lake Barrington Garden cafe is now closed due to an injury to the chef and co-owner. We will miss them.
The Old Bakery in Wilmot village, and the Wilmot Hills Vineyard and Winery on the Back Road above Spellmans Bridge are also well worth a visit.
The Wilmot Museum in an old church in the village features local history and information.
I have been asked for track notes on the Minnow Falls behind Mt Roland
so here they are!
Minnow Falls walks. Map Gog 1:25000.These are splendid routes on the Paradise escarpment of Mount Roland which were initially found by Fred Groenier. I have improved the routes over the years. The falls are at their best after heavy rain, but the rocks are more slippery then!There are three main falls and a good strenous but easy return walk can be made to the lower fall. To climb up to the middle and top falls involves steep rough walking with ropes in three places to assist on short slabs.It is best to do a traverse over to Claude Road using the old tourist track to the top Minnow fall, and a car shuttle.
The walk starts on Belstone road in the Paradise Plantation. To get here take Claude Road out of Sheffield, then turn left along Union Bridge road to Paradise. Just after the last farm in Paradise, marked by a religious sign, turn right along Dolly Bush link, then down Short Spur link to join Belstone road( you can also go directly to Belsone road by fording the river near the old picnic ground if its low)About 1.5 km along Belstone road look for a parking spot with tapes, cairn and little wooden sign( these are subject to removal by vandals)Grid ref GOG 445078.Follow the tapes through the new plantation. At a junction go straight ahead uphill on an old 4wd track. Keep on this until you come to an old quarry.The Middle and Top Falls can be seen from this road,especially when in flood(see picture in gallery) The bush track goes up from the quarry in open forest, quite steep in parts, with a few logs to navigate. When you reach the bottom of the cliffs turn sharp left and follow a pleasant route through mature teatree meandering along below the cliffs. You will reach a gully with a small creek, often dry, descend slightly then traverse along again. The route is well marked. As you approach the Minnow river the route descends again and is rougher as you approach the bottom fall.The falls make a good lunch spot with a deep pool at their base.For the short walk return by same route.
The route to the Middle Falls and the top of the escarpment starts just before the first fall and goes steeply up a little creek bed, before escaping on to easier ground. Then there is a steep little slab below a tree which has a rope to assist. I will make a ladder here next winter. After this you enter a cave and emerge through a hole on to a ridge. This is great fun, Fred did well to find it.To view the Middle Fall turn left down the ridge to a platform lookout, a superb spot, with the fall behind you and a vista over the Minnow valley and Tiers. Go back up the ridge past the cave and continue steeply up towards the escarpment. Two more roped sections await before you enter the sublime Paradise Gully, a cool rain forest retreat. Leave the gully near the top - steeply to the left- and enter open teatree which can be followed to the Minnow river above the top falls. There is another good lookout here, turn left just as you approach the river to access it.
After crossing the Minnow ,pick up the tourist track which connects to the Mt Roland track.This can be choked with bauera in places near the falls. At the junction turn left and then downhill at the saddle for Claude Road.
A text edition of Wilmot River Walks North and South follows on Page 2 and 3 of this site. The DVD edition with maps is available from State Library of Tasmania.
 Wilmot River Walks North... |
| Wilmot River Walks. South |
| Robin's Nest B and B |
| Hobart Walking Club |
| North West walking Club |
| Wildcare Tasmania |
| Bushwalk Tasmania |
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