Walls of Jerusalem Photography Trek with Mike Edmondson

Today you will be collected from your accommodation in Launceston at approximately 7am and transferred to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park entry point. Carrying our full backpacks into this magnificent highland area will provide us with a challenge, but with plenty of encouragement from our guides as well as snacks and rest stops, the climb is achievable and well worth it. We will pass the old Trappers Hut, ascend steeply through tall eucalyptus forests filled with melodious bird call, then meander past the sparking tarns of Solomons Jewels, before arriving at our campsite. This comfortable camp at Wild Dog Creek will be our base for the next two nights. Be sure to have your cameras close by while keeping an eye out for native pademelons and curious wombats roaming around at dusk. Walking Distance: 6km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  L,D

Today is a bushwalker's dream. After breakfast at our scenic camp, we venture further into the wilderness to explore this alpine paradise carrying just day packs. We can climb Solomons Throne from where we have an excellent view of the area we walked on the previous day. From here there may be a chance to walk further along the west wall to King Davids Peak, otherwise we head back down into the Vale of Bethesda and enjoy yet more of the lakes, tarns, forests and open grass lands that make this such a superb and pristine walking location. If the weather is nice, some may brave a refreshing swim in the picturesque Pools of Bethesda. Our last night at Wild Dog is spent enjoying the serenity of the Tasmanian Alpine environment from our comfortable camp. Our private camping platforms will serve the perfect setting for more world class astro photography as we keep our fingers crossed for another cloudless night under the Milky Way. Walking Distance 7-8km | Walking Time 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning the group may opt to rise before the sun, take the short walk up to the Vale of Bethesda and catch the first morning light on the surrounding peaks. After a warm breakfast we pack up camp we begin our walk deeper into the park towards Dixons Kingdom. Passing Lake Salome and the Pool of Bethesda we reach the imposing dolerite Gate of Damascus. From the 'Gate' we descend through a rare stand of ancient pencil pines, coming to lush grasslands known as Dixons Kingdom. The cultural heritage hut here was built in the early 1930s by Reg Dixon, a trapper of the time. Tonight we will camp on the platforms at Dixons Hut, where we will experience more expansive skylines and native wildlife. The hut itself, along with the surrounding pencil pines will provide a stunning setting for further photography opportunities with Mike. As the sun goes down, there will be ample time to share more stories with the group as we await more starry skies. Walking distance: 4km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today will include a relaxed start to the day. We recommend another early rise with cameras in hand, as the rising sun brings all the natural colours to life again. A steaming hot beverage and a filling breakfast provided by the guides will set us up perfectly for the day ahead. We again leave camp today with our day packs and look to summit the impressive Mt Jerusalem. On a clear day the views from Mt Jerusalem stretch across the central highlands where you will see why the area is referred to as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’. Today we experience the best 360 degree view in the park. Be sure to spend some time getting a range of incredible landscape shots while your guide team prepare a celebratory lunch for you upon the summit. This afternoon there will be opportunities for some down time and engage in some more discussions with Mike about his love for the outdoors. Tonight will be our last at Dixons, so be sure to make the most of your beautiful surroundings and save some time during the night to get in some quality stargazing! Walking Distance: 4km | Walking Time: Up 5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we pack up camp and continue to follow the circuit south, to the shores of Lake Ball. The going will be slightly easier going today, with no peaks on the way to our final camp spot at the tip of Lake Adelaide. The northern banks of Lake Ball lie in the midday shadow of Mount Moriah, which takes us through thick forest and over slippery tree roots towards Lake Adelaide, which serves as a wonderful checkpoint at the end of another enjoyable day of hiking. Tonight we will camp at Lake Adelaide where there are new bathroom facilities available. As the sun sets over the lake and the guides prepare the group's final dinner, we sit on the banks, take in our last sunset together and watch the sky as it changes colour. Walking distance: 5km | Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we bid farewell to this truly outstanding part of Tasmania's World Heritage Area and begin our walk off the plateau. We head north along the Junction Lake Track, through the flat open plains back to Trappers Hut. Our morning walk will take us through many more glistening tarns and bright-green cushion plants - a real signature of the Tassie wilderness. Clumner Bluff stands tall in the distance towards the north of the park and acts as a perfect marker leading us back towards the Walls of Jerusalem car park. Just before lunch we arrive back at our bus, shrug off our trusty backpacks and drive to Mole Creek for a celebratory meal together at the locally run Earthwater Cafe. Congratulations on completing one of Tasmania's most magnificent and unforgettable wilderness walks! We drop you at your Launceston accommodation by approximately 4:00pm. Walking Distance: 9km | Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L