Walls of Jeruselum and Overland track

[Lynda Moir]

Is it possible to link these two walks?

[walkinTas]

Hi Lynda,

How are you?

This question has come up a couple of times before. The answer is Yes, but...

Read here.

and here.

[frank_in_oz]

We did it in July last year and plan to do it in December this year with our 17yo son. It is a great stroll, never saw a soul until we hit the Overland Track.

A mate did it with Geelong Bushwalking Club in Feb (from OT to Walls) his only issue was the number of leeches.

We found the only dodgy navigation bit was finding the log to cross the Mersey River (where was a bit of water about)

There are a few posts and lots of pictures of it on "Our Hiking Blog" . Also have a Garmin track and waypoint file if you are interested.

[zargyl]

Hi,

Can anyone know if the log is still there that frankinoz refers to?
We're heading over there around 7 Apr and hope to be able to cross the Mersey without getting too wet!

Thanks

[flyfisher]

Hi zargyl, yes that log should still be there, it was on 17 jan this year.
Check the gallery post 21 jan 09 --there is a write up of our trip through NN with pics and map.
Flyfisher

[Nuts]

What interests me is why? Have you already done both walks separately?
There is no 'formed' track through from the walls and, no maintenance done or i imagine 'scheduled'. Are you doing it cause you read about it somewhere? If so where?

For those freely giving GPS co-ordinates and advice to people to allow them access to these areas....Why?
With all respect, you have no idea of the background of those using the info. It seems irresponsible to say the least (same with the route descriptions for off track over Ducane and (for f's sake)the mention of using the summit plateau on Ossa as a campsite that have been mentioned here)..... Yes they may be nice walks, yes they may be 'easy', but please put some thought into the outcome...

[Lynda Moir]

What interests me is why? Have you already done both walks separately?

We have walked the Overland Track and are very keen to return. We have not yet ventured into the Walls. When we fly from Western Australia for the walk it makes it all quite an expedition to say nothing of cost. It seemed like a great opportunity to revisit parts of the Overland and see the Walls too.

Is there something I don't know?
Lynda

[whiskeylover]

Lynda, I believe Nuts might be referring to the fact that more people are accessing many of these sensitive untracked areas and the result will undoubtedly be damage and evidence of human intereference with nature. Tasmanian wilderness is very sensitive in that damage can be caused by a much smaller number of people than other parts of the country due to high rainfall in some areas, steep slopes, vegetation that doesn't recover very well. I have walked in some of these areas and tend to agree with Nuts to some degree that although some of these campsites, tracks etc are possibilities we should not be letting all and sundry know about them when we don't know if they are able to follow the minimal impact bushwalking code and leave no trace - even if you can - a large number of people accessing these areas will eventually do damage anyway.

[flyfisher]

Linda, you'll be fine I'm sure,quite a few people do the trip you have in mind but it's certainly not like the OT (till you get there)
Over the Mountains of Jupiter is another variation from Junction lake. Both these routes have been written up in guide books in recent editions.
FF

[Nuts]

Hi Lynda,
Iv'e walked through there so why should'nt you.
While the country between the walls and the overland track is neither (and could seem like just a long slog) it has it's own 'feel' Just take care, good luck.

[Lynda Moir]

Thanks for the added information everyone. Life is complex!

[tastrekker]

Can anyone know if the log is still there that frankinoz refers to?

My favourite crossing is the rock bridge between Fergusson and D'Alton Falls. I expect there's more info in the threads linked by walkintas. If you want more detail, PM me.

[flyfisher]

There was a fatality in this area a few years ago I think. If this was the case does anyone know if it was from the rock arch bridge or elsewhere in the area?
FF

[Nuts]

I was dreading someone bringing up that crossing tastrekker. No only is it a dangerous area, it will be just such a pity to see damage done to such a beautiful spot. PM'ing the details will probably only send others looking for it. I thought untracked areas were off limits? I really cant see why people need to spread the word about such places.

No offence (once more) but really, If you are asking if somewhere is 'doable' then you probably shouldn't be?

[woka]

PM'ing the details will probably only send others looking for it. I thought untracked areas were off limits? I really cant see why people need to spread the word about such places.

I'm with Nuts on this one. I've shared information via PM before on the proviso said information doesn't get shared publicy because the area is sensitive only to be told my concerns were invalid and have the information published on someones web site.

I don't know many off track places anyway, but I keep what info I do have close to my chest these days.

Sorry if this is off topic, and I'm not having a go at anyone in this post, but the attitudes of some people to our fragile environment really p**ses me off.

[flyfisher]

Sorry if I've come across as wanting to direct people to this area. Rather I'm just trying to point out that it can be a dangerous place but I guess it can be counter productive to mention it .
However I have at least 3 references in stories about the general area, so it's no real secret, but I do agree that it doesn't need publicity other than to say if you go into that area use caution.
FF

[Nuts]

Hi Flyfisher, I wasn't thinking of your post? (actually, I think there were 2 deaths in the area. I seem to remember seeing a plaque further down stream also)

And no one other person in particular either. I realise that the main (often first) culprits are guide books and other publishers (carnt understand why they seem to get so much praise, there have been some clashes 'behind the scenes'). I dont know what the future will bring with such 'easy' access and such potential for anyone to put themselves in harm's way or into area's that will not handle 'only one more'. I just think that it's worthwhile pointing out that not everyone agrees with the info. being instantly accessable (even if it sometimes seems that way) Some people just don't seem to be able to resist. I wonder if it's more a boast as to where they have been rather than just innocent help? As Woka pointed out, the info just keeps going but aside from that, the mere mention that there could be an (alternative crossing) route, could be enough to start the damage, let alone any detailed description sent by PM..

[Son of a Beach]

I think that here on the forums, most references are genuinely intended for help rather than a skiting list. That's the way people usually do things here, which is great. However, I do agree that it is a sensitive and potentially dangerous area. I think we've actually discussed the spot in question in detail elsewhere on the forums (one post written by myself, come to think of it). If people are generally in agreement that this particular spot should be not openly discussed, for the sake of protecting it and/or people, then I'll censor the relevant post(s).

It is often difficult to define which areas should be off limits to public discussion, and of course there will never be complete agreement amongst the entire community. However, I'm happy to go with the general consensus on this one. Please PM me your thoughts (including links to relevant posts), if you think discussion of that spot should or should not be censored. PMs would be better so as to keep this topic ... err... on topic.

I believe one of the recent deaths was right at Fergusson Falls. There's some flat pedestal-looking protruding rocks there which people try to take photos from. They are exceptionally slippery, with significant drops below them. I suspect they may be the spot where one of the deaths occurred (just a guess though).

[Nuts]

Hiya Nik

I agree it is difficult. With so much published elsewhere about such areas perhaps it is best to discuss them here, at least an alternative view can be given (and perhaps some involvement in the shape of what's to come rather than leaving it up to the authors of guide books etc.)?

I suppose that, given time, the park service (who most likely would prefer these routes not published) will have no choice -the never never will have a formed track (if only in an effort to control where the increased traffic chooses to cross )
I also don't know that many unmarked routes (aren't there enough marked ones) just that this one is 'close to home'.

[corvus]

The Never Never Crossing shold be IMHO the big King Billy log which is really easy to locate despite what others have posted ,from there onwards carefully and onwards to Hansons.
c

[tastrekker]

I was dreading someone bringing up that crossing tastrekker. Not only is it a dangerous area, it will be just such a pity to see damage done to such a beautiful spot.

G'day Nuts and Everyone Else!

I've now stopped reeling from the reprimand I copped (only joking). When I first went to Hartnet and D'Alton Falls, the marked track (old orange plastic squares approx 20 years ago) branched out with one fork going to Fergusson and one going to D'Alton. In between these branches, there was a marked track following the edge of the chasm that links these falls. From this track the rock bridge was clearly visible.

In recent times, the main descent from the OT has been re-routed and the link track along the chasm has been unmarked. I believe the track down to Boulder and Cathedral Falls may have also had its markers removed.

I would love to hear whether the unmarking of these tracks was for safety concerns or for minimising impact or both. It would be great to hear from Parks but, from what I've read in other posts, it sounds like walking track management has all but dissappeared from the list of Parks departments.

I now feel as if I'm diving into Controversy Corner territory and I'm happy if this post gets relegated in that direction. I'm also happy if this and my previous post get zapped in the interests of moderation.

Happy hiking everyone!

TasTrekker

[Nuts]

Hi tastrekker, I sat at the very spot for a while last week, thinking about exactly this topic. The track is still there but it looks to be more used to get a look into the gorge as the moss covered bank on the far side looks to have had little traffic. The rock is still visable from the current track but is looking less like a 'bridge'. There are a few places along the Overland Track that I have notice recovering over the past few years. It's just such a great area down there around the falls, we used to crawl all over the place in early guiding trips including the crossing, down the river and carrying packs between the falls (even camping there with groups on occasion). Crossing further up makes little difference to the never never trip, would be less dangerous and avoid the track being 're-beaten' it the area mentioned. My concern is merely with not being able to judge just how much 'sway' publishing routes can have.

I carnt remember where we crossed but Corvus's log sounds like a good option..?

I really think that parks need to do more in the area (if not properly form the never never track)

[crazyone]

It sounds to me like that is the most viable option, forming the track in the never never. it seems that the place cops a fair bit of traffic in the scheme of things and a formed track must surely help protect the area. I'd personally hate to see it get degraded any more than it has and a formed track might protect it somewhat. None of these areas are for inexperienced people, there are dangers lurking in these rugged spots but with experience and proper preparation there is little reason to stop people going there. Its a tough one, i'd recommend the upper mersey area to anyone but would also hope that they treated the place respectfully.

Dave

[tasadam]

I really think that parks need to do more in the area (if not properly form the never never track)

In light of This Topic, I think that unlikely at best. A shame.
This topic might have the answers as to why not. In short, $

[walkinTas]

It is often difficult to define which areas should be off limits to public discussion, and of course there will never be complete agreement amongst the entire community.

You are dealing with a difficult conundrum Nik. The very existence of this forum will make bushwalking more popular and therefore will increase the number of people in the bush. The more people that head bush the more people who will eventually look for something more than just the marked tracks and standard walks. I don't think you can stop this trend, but I do think that this forum can play a role in educating and informing people about what is good, acceptable practice and what is not. The fact is that every time we walk through the wilderness we impact on the wilderness - no exceptions.

I visited the issue in this topic, and mentioned the BATR track classification and guidelines on publication which seem to me to be a good place to start and could perhaps be adopted as forum guidelines.

In brief: T3 tracks (defined and distinct tracks with minimal facilities into relatively undisturbed natural environments) - potential publicists to be encouraged to keep publicity low-key. T3 tracks may be included on maps. T4 tracks (indistinct tracks in remote areas) - all publicity to be discouraged. Not to be included on maps. Authors to be encouraged to keep route descriptions vague.

The never-never probably fits the classification of a T3 track. And IMHO should not be upgraded. I believe it should remain a T3 track and people who choose to walk in this area should do so with due care. Putting a T2 track through the never-never should never, never happen (IMO).

Some more reading:

http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/uploads/approved/adt-QGU20060818.164033/public/02Main.pdf
http://eprints.utas.edu.au/2778/1/Managing_Bushwalker_Impact.pdf

Some of the numbers in the second reading are surprising! 7% increase in walkers per year.