Pelion Plains to Forth Valley — Walls of Jerusalem Western Approach via Lees Creek Road
Plateau edge solitude above the Forth Valley.
Lees Creek Road climbs out of the Forth Valley from the direction of Cethana and grinds its way up into the alpine buttongrass and dolerite country that defines the western edge of the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. This isn’t a glamour run — it’s a working forestry and fire access track that rewards patience and punishes the unprepared. The route passes through dense eucalypt forest before breaking out onto the exposed plateau near Pelion Plains, where views toward Barn Bluff and the Du Cane Range open up and remind you exactly why you drove four hours from Hobart to get here. In wet conditions, sections of the clay track near the plateau margin turn into a wheel-spinning mess.
High clearance and 4WD engagement are non-negotiable above the forest line. Snow is a real possibility from May through October and the plateau can sock in with zero warning. No permits are required to drive the forestry sections, but the national park boundary marks where vehicles stop. Fuel up in Deloraine before heading in — there’s nothing out here. The payoff is genuine solitude on one of Tasmania’s great plateau edges, with dispersed camping in the forestry zone and a short walk to some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in Australia.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3900 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Deloraine, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Forestry Tasmania / Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | parks.tas.gov.au |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to run Lees Creek Road to the Forth Valley?
You need a proper 4WD with high clearance — this isn't a job for a soft-roader or an AWD wagon. Locker or limited-slip helps on the wet clay sections, and all-terrain tyres are strongly advised over road rubber.
When does snow close this route off?
This plateau sits at nearly 1,200m and gets hammered by Tasmanian alpine weather — snow can fall any month but serious closures run roughly April through November. December to March is your safe window, and even then expect frost overnight and rapid weather changes.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive and camp here?
The forestry track section (Lees Creek Road) doesn't require a permit, but if you're entering Walls of Jerusalem National Park on foot from the trailhead, you need a valid Parks Tasmania pass — currently around AUD $24 for a day pass or covered by an annual parks pass. No vehicle fee for the track itself.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The steeper descents toward the Forth River headwaters on wet clay are where most people get uncomfortable — the surface turns greasy fast and ruts can bottom out a standard 4WD if you're not picking your line. It's not technical rock work, but it punishes overconfidence on slick gradient.
Is there any water available on trail, and how far is the nearest fuel from the start?
Lees Creek and small tributary crossings provide water on route but treat everything — cattle and wombats share this country. Nearest reliable fuel is Deloraine, roughly 40km from the start of the track, so fill up before you leave town — there's nothing out here.
Trail track
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