Joint media release: Upgrades to iconic Tasmanian walking sites

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Roger Jaensch MP, Tasmanian Minister for the Parks

Two major projects have been delivered by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments to support world-class visitor experiences for walkers in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair and Walls of Jerusalem National Parks in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The bushwalking experience in both of these spectacular National Parks have been enhanced through the delivery of two new thermally efficient huts on the iconic Overland Track at Lake Windermere (2nd night) and Kia Ora (4th night). 

The huts named Windermere and Kia Ora include solar power, public art and interpretation signage, 34 bunk spaces, new common areas and toilet amenities.

The buildings blend beautifully and discreetly into the respective sites, while at the same time provide opportunity for visitors to take full advantage of the spectacular views on offer at both locations. 

In addition, completed works at the Walls of Jerusalem National Park have been delivered, including walking track upgrades, new toilet facilities and campground platforms that assist to protect and conserve the significant landscape within the National Park. 

Works include:

• A new campsite at Dixons Kingdom with 12 double tent platforms and a group cooking platform;
• A new dedicated group camping area with four double tent platforms and group cooking platform at Wild Dog Creek; and
• Two new, full capture toilets at Dixons Kingdom and Lake Adelaide campsites.

Tasmania continues to be a world-class destination for walkers, in 2021-22, approximately 8000 walkers visited the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and 10,000 visited the Overland Track. 

Tasmania’s National Parks are a drawcard for visitors to Tasmania, with these two walks continuing to be a highly sought-after walking experience, which is why the Australian and Tasmanian Governments have delivered these facilities that assist walkers to adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles, by walking on dedicated trails and camping in purpose-built facilities. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to support the Tasmanian tourism industry and our national and world heritage sites,” Minister Plibersek said.

“I am particularly thrilled to see these two very important sites in Tasmania finalise their projects in time for the summer season.

“I encourage people to take advantage of the extra comforts now in place on these iconic walking tracks, to get out into nature and experience Tasmania’s superb and pristine environment for themselves.” 

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for the Parks Roger Jaensch:

“These upgrades are great for visitors but have also been fantastic for the local economy, with 15 Tasmanian businesses delivering every aspect of the project from the design, engineering and construction work to the helicopter lifting and aerial operations,” Minister Jaensch said.

“These significant projects have generated interest from locals and visitors to Tasmania alike.

“As one of many Tasmanians who have walked these iconic multi-day alpine trails, I have no doubt that the delivery of these fantastic new amenities will see many walkers wanting to again retrace their previous visits to these incredibly significant and important landscapes within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

“The projects demonstrate the collaboration between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, working together for improved outcomes for some of our key tourism attractions.

"The projects were jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, with $4.8 million from the COVID-19 World and National Heritage Projects Program and $4.2 million from the Tasmanian Liberal Government and its Improved State-wide Visitor Infrastructure Program. 

"Tasmania continues to be recognised as one of the most wild and beautiful places on earth."