Day 2: Mt Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne

We are feeling good at the start of day 2 so decide on the longer walk up to King David's Peak rather than to Mt Jerusalem as originally planned: we can do a shorter day to Mt Jerusalem tomorrow. However, the weather starts to set in at Solomon’s Thone on the way to King David's Peak, so we turn back early to camp. When the weather later clears we have time for Mt Jerusalem. We return to camp just as the weather sets in once more. Amazing views!

We walk about 8 km with two short climbs for 400m days elevation gain.

Three pegs in grass supporting tent

Howling winds blasting down through Jaffa Gate overnight pulled out a peg, requiring a quick and dirty fix.

Two people sitting on log beside dead tree in picturesque Dixon's Kingdom

Breakfast with a view into Dixon’s Kingdom and some early risers.

Grey weathered wooden slab Dixons Kingdom Hut under pines

Dixon’s Kingdom Hut – people camped near here had trouble with possums but we are further away and have none. But we had also hung our rubbish bag and food bag in a tree.

Old weathered mossy carved wooden Mt Jerusalem sign
Hiker with orange backpack approaching pines with Solomons THrone rock formation behind them

We are backtracking towards Damascus Gate for the side trip to King David’s Peak, the Temple and Solomon’s Throne.

Grassy plain surrounded by pines and rocky hills behind in Walls of Jerusalem National Park

View south across the vale.

Imposing rocky outcrop with scree slope below

Solomon’s Throne and Hell’s buttress. The climb to the top seems daunting from below, but it’s very manageable. In the narrowest section of clear scree centre right, rocks are arranged into steps to reach the lowest point of sheer wall. The track then follows the edge of the wall to the left, before climbing through a chute to reach the top.

Hiker with backpack climbing up through rocky scree

A comfortable climb through the scree.

Expansive view across Jaffa Vale to wooded rocky hills

The climb is not especially exposed but is still worth a try if you are daunted by exposure: the views are worthwhile even partway up.

The rock chute.

Atop Solomon’s Throne, with King David’s Peak and Lake Salomone. The weather is setting in and the wind is howling but it is breathtaking.

Speackled brown, tan and white skink on a lichen covered rock
Distant views of Lake Ball in Walls of Jerusalem National Park

On Hell’s Buttress with a wonderful view of Lake Ball. We will be skirting the lake’s closest shore tomorrow. We have a snack in the lee of a rock, but we’re keen to descend before any rain wets the descent, so we skip the hike along the spine to King David’s Peak and head down instead.

Olearia sp.

Back at Damascus Gate, the weather seems to be clearing.

Hiker on paved path under huge old King Billy pines

The King Billy Pines around Dixons are magical. Like many alpine species, these trees don’t survive fire, so to see so many ancient ones is an increasing rarity, with climate change causing more frequent and widespread  bushfires in areas of the Tasmanian Alps that have seen no flame in centuries.

Hiker right foreground in knee high scrb with the rocky slopes of Mt Jerusalem behind

We have lunch at the tent and with the weather having cleared we decide to set off for Mt Jerusalem.

Pretty alpine tarn surrounded by green shrubs and boulders

Many lovely tarns enroute. We spotted people carrying towels returning from these tarns the previous evening so, although they look pristine, you need to treat any drinking water collected from them, as well as around the campsite.

View of distant lakes with scrub rocks and scattered trees in foreground

Glimpses of Lake Thor and Lake Tyre to the north of Mt Jerusalem.

Officer’s Marsh and Lake Thor.

Officer’s Marsh and Lake Thor.

Elevated view of alpine lakes and forest from Mt Jerusalem Tasmania

R to L Lake Thor, Shepherd’s Pool and Lake Sidon.

View into the Walls, King David’s Peak and Lake Salome. Geoff is carrying my pack for me.

View to the south east.

Back view of hiker on high rocks gazing down at  alpine Lake Thor

If you can, schedule in plenty of time on the peak. The views are glorious - Lake Thor.

View into Walls of King Davids Peak with Lake Salome at its base

Weather seems to be coming in again but we stay for as long as we can.

Alpine tarn surrounded by boulders and vlow scrub

Dixon’s Kingdom foreground (our tent just visible behind a pine lower left) with a mist-shrouded Solomon’s looming behind.

Closeup view of black tiger snake on duckboard path

This black tiger slowly came closer as we stood very still watching her. When she got to this spot, we stepped quietly back to let her have the duckboard but we scared her and she disappeared underneath it. These snakes are not aggressive and have very short fangs. If you are wearing long pants and thick socks, you are safe!

Camper beside tent by billy pine with Mt Jerusalem in the background

Our last night in this lovely spot with Mt Jerusalem behind. You can see our rubbish bag and washing sponge hanging from the tree.

Closeup of chicken and vegetablew soup in camp cookpot

Dinner time - Yum!

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Day 1: Dixons Kingdom

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Day 3: Lake Ball, Lake Adelaide and Lake Meston