The best walks and hikes in Dial Range Regional Reserve

The reserve features a rugged and varied terrain, characterized by volcanic, dolerite, conglomerate, and sandstone layers. You'll encounter multiple peaks, including Mount Gnomon and Mount Duncan, offering diverse elevation changes. The vegetation ranges from stringybark and black peppermint forests on drier slopes to taller swamp gums and blackwood trees in damper areas, with scenic fern glades along creeks.

Yes, there are options for beginners. An easy path is the Mount Gnomon loop from Mount Gnomon Carkpark, which is 1.2 miles (1.9 km) and offers a gentle ascent through varied vegetation. Ferndene Gorge State Reserve also has an easy 30-minute return walk through a fern glade along McBrides Creek.

Hikers can enjoy rewarding views from the Mount Gnomon Lookout, offering panoramas of the southern Dial Range, the countryside from Penguin to Devonport, and even Mount Roland. The summit of Mount Montgomery also provides magnificent views. Additionally, Ferndene State Reserve is known for its 'scenic fern glade' with towering tree ferns along McBrides Creek.

Hike durations vary depending on the route and your pace. For example, the Mount Gnomon – Mount Duncan loop is a 5.5-mile (8.8 km) trail that typically takes around 3 hours 45 minutes. A shorter option, the Mount Gnomon loop, is 1.2 miles (1.9 km) and can be completed much faster. The Mount Montgomery loop is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) and often takes about 2 hours.

Yes, the reserve offers options suitable for families. The easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) Mount Gnomon loop from Mount Gnomon Carkpark is a good choice. The Ferndene Gorge State Reserve also features an easy 30-minute return walk through a fern glade, which is very family-friendly. The reserve also provides picnic areas with facilities like parking and BBQs.

While dogs are permitted in the reserve, they are not allowed off-leash. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times to protect the local wildlife and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.

Spring is a particularly scenic time to visit, as the understory and heath plants burst into bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The diverse vegetation, including stringybark and black peppermint forests, offers beauty throughout the year, but spring highlights the floral diversity.

Yes, within Ferndene State Reserve, you can explore Thorsbys Tunnel and Brownings Tunnel. These old silver mine shafts offer a glimpse into the area's late 19th to early 20th-century mining heritage. The walk to these tunnels meanders along a creek amidst towering tree ferns.

The reserve provides convenient parking areas, particularly at popular trailheads like Mount Gnomon Carkpark and the Mount Montgomery Nature Recreation Area. These areas are generally well-equipped to accommodate visitors and often include picnic facilities.

There are several well-established hiking routes in Dial Range Regional Reserve, with komoot featuring 4 distinct tours. These include options ranging from easy loops to more moderate climbs, ensuring a variety of experiences for hikers.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged peaks to serene fern glades, and the variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels. The rewarding views from summits like Mount Gnomon are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the reserve offers several popular circular routes. Examples include the Mount Gnomon – Mount Duncan loop, the shorter Mount Gnomon loop, and the Mount Montgomery loop. These loops allow you to experience varied scenery without retracing your steps.

For official information regarding the reserve, including management plans and visitor guidelines, you can visit the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website: parks.tas.gov.au. You may also find updates on new infrastructure projects via the Tasmanian Government's news portal: premier.tas.gov.au.