Things to Do in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area

Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The area features diverse landscapes including dry eucalypt woodlands and wet sclerophyll forests. Visitors can explore a network of trails and tracks suitable for these activities.

Multiple walking tracks lead to the summit of Mount Dial. Options include an 8.2 km (5.1 miles) return walk from Mount Montgomery Carpark, a 7.5 km (4.7 miles) return walk from Ferndene State Reserve, and a shorter 4.2 km (2.6 miles) return walk from Gnomon Carpark. These routes offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views.

While the area is primarily known for mountain biking, some access roads and former forestry tracks may be suitable for road cycling. For specific routes, consult the komoot guide Road Cycling Routes in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area.

The Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area includes tracks that may be suitable for touring cycling, particularly former forestry tracks. Information on these routes can be found in the komoot guide Cycling in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area. There is also a guide for Traffic-free bike rides in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area.

The area features diverse vegetation, including dry eucalypt woodlands and wet sclerophyll forests. Geologically, it is characterized by Duncan conglomerate along the ridgeline, with layers of conglomerate, dolerite, sandstone, and volcanic rock. Delicate native orchids can be found along higher elevation tracks between October and December.

From higher elevations and summits, visitors can experience sweeping coastal and inland views. These include vistas across Bass Strait, to coastal towns like Penguin and Ulverstone, and inland to Mount Roland and Black Bluff.

Hiking trails vary in difficulty. The Mount Dial Summit Track from Mount Montgomery Carpark is a Grade 3, while the route from Ferndene State Reserve is a Grade 4 due to steeper sections closer to the summit. A shorter route from Gnomon Carpark is also Grade 3.

Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area has received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from more than 200 visitors on komoot. The area features 2 routes currently listed, with 2 dedicated to hiking.

Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Road Cycling Routes in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area, Cycling in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area, and Hiking in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area. There is also a guide for Traffic-free bike rides in Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area.

For official and up-to-date information, including alerts and closures, visitors should refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website. The official website is parks.tas.gov.au. General inquiries can be directed to +611300827727.

The area features an extensive network of mountain biking trails, including a challenging 22 km (13.7 miles) loop on former forestry tracks. Options exist to extend rides up to 40 km (25 miles). Some tracks are shared with walkers.

The Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area offers various trails, and some sections or shorter routes may be suitable for families. For specific family-friendly options, it is advisable to check trail descriptions for difficulty and length.

The landscape reveals a history of ancient volcanic forces. The terrain is largely composed of Duncan conglomerate along the ridgeline, featuring layers of conglomerate, dolerite, sandstone, and volcanic rock. Remnants of early mining are also visible in areas like Ferndene State Reserve.