While this listing of walks is up-to-date at time of publishing, it is sometimes necessary to cancel or change a planned walk for reasons such as leader unavailability, closed roads or poor weather. It is also Boots N’ All policy that a minimum of 2 persons of the same gender (this can include the leader) will need to register before the walk can go ahead. The main 2023 Walks Calendar is further down this page.
NEW! Boots N’ All Family Fun Walks – Click here for printable version
You may remember that Dan Hutchison revived the southern branch of Boots N’ All, and led walks in the south in 2020 and 2021. A move to a new ministry in Launceston, and a growing very young family has made it difficult for Dan to lead or join our regular wilderness walks, but he was also including short, family friendly walks down south, and is now keen to offer similar walks here in the north.
The walks are on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 pm unless otherwise mentioned, and easy to get to. All are manageable for families with young children, although only some are pram-friendly. Here are the walks:
Date | Location | Description | Contact Leader |
Feb 5 | Heritage Forest | Loop walk around Launceston’s Heritage Forest, with side trips to the Tasmanian Native Plant Garden and the Community Garden. | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
Mar 5 | Trevallyn Nature Reserve | Explore the extensive bushland and lookouts above and alongside the Gorge. | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
May 7 | Riverbend to Kings Park | Alongside the upper reaches of the Tamar, there are playgrounds and walking trails, with viewing spots to enjoy the scenery | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
June 4 | Youngtown Regional Park | Less well known, this recently developed loop walk follows reserves between the growing suburban areas of Youngtown. | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
July 2 | Lilydale Falls | Only half an hour from Launceston, the two Lilydale Falls are in a valley of remnant bushland alongside Mt. Arthur. | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
Sept 3 | Gorge Circuit | A good stretch for your energetic youngsters, this circuit is from Kings Bridge and includes the steep zig-zag track with its great views. | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
Oct 8 | Tamar Island | See below – boardwalks, bird life, wetlands and even a bird hide! | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
Nov 10 | Old Mac’s Farm | Tucked away in the valley of the North Esk below Queechy High School, Old Mac’s has a hilly traverse, an eagle’s nest, wetlands and trails that explore the banks of the river. | Daniel Hutchison 0457 765 907 |
2023 Walks Calendar – Click here for printable version
Date | Location | Description | Rating | Contact Leader |
Jan 7 | Walls of Jerusalem Mt. Jerusalem | A long but worthwhile walk into the heart of this spectacular national park | Medium-hard DELMS | Kent Lillico 0428 451 528 |
Jan 21 | TBA L.Weekend possible camping trip? | While we have a day walk for 21 Jan, we’re open to suggestions and offers by leaders for a possible camping expedition. | ||
Jan 21 | Ben Lomond peaks | Explore the high alpine crags – Markham Heights, Plains of Heaven, Legges Tor, Giblin Peak, Hamilton Crags and more | Medium B E S | Phil Andrew 0408 014 757 |
Feb 4 | Mt. Tyndall | A “taster” of the Tyndall Ra. which in many ways equals the beauty of the Cradle area. Camp at Tullah Sat. night. Postponed until 25th March due to weather. | Medium DELMS | Kent Lillico 0428 451 528 |
Feb 18 | Wineglass Bay | A world-renowned and spectacular attraction, descend to the beach and return via the isthmus and Hazards Beach. | Medium D L S | Grace Hillman 0490 840 866 |
Mar 4 | Mt. Claude | Part of the Mt. Roland circuit, this short but steep walk explores the jagged peak high above Gowrie Park. Great views! | Medium B E S | Peter Davies 0414 516 268 |
Mar 11-13 L.Weekend | TBA | Possible camping expedition – we’re open to suggestions and offers by leaders. Or walk in Great Lake or Ada area led by Basil T | ||
Mar 25 | Raglan Ra. Hut | Definitely a “first” for Boots N’ All, venture into the western wilderness north of the Franklin River. | Medium-Hard E L M S | Nik Sands 0429 387 777 |
Apr 1 | Fisher Bluff | Starting from Lake Mackenzie – alpine expanses, lakes and high points with views to Walls and Ossa region. | Medium E L M S | Darren Wunder 0438 557 046 |
April 8 | Easter weekend and school term break | |||
Apr 22 | Blue Tier | Explore the historical tin mines – Duco Adit, The Boiler and Liberator Mine, along with the Weldborough Rainforest walk. | Easy-Medium D M S | Phil Andrew 0408 014 757 |
May 6 | Fagus Walk | Experience the unique beauty of the “fagus” in full autumn colour, either Cradle area or Grail Falls depending on forecasts. | Medium + | Philip Dawson email pidasms@gmail.com or ph. 6382 3561 after 6:30 pm |
May 20 | Lake Lucy Long | A late-season venture into the heart of the northern plateau via Lady Lake Hut. Beautiful tarns, pencil pines, wilderness. | Medium | John Tabor 0475 566 389 |
Jun 10 L.Weekend | Duck Reach and Gorge Bushland | Explore the extensive bushland tracks and unexpected views right within our city limits. | Easy-Medium S | John Potts 0418 576 011 |
Jun 24 | TBA | |||
school term break | ||||
Jul 8 | TBA | |||
Jul 22 | Visuals Evening | Past glories, future challenges – a pleasant evening of photos, videos, adventure stories and interesting people | Very easy & relaxing! | Basil Tkaczuk 6331 1155 |
Aug 5 | Loyatea Pk, Preston Falls & Leven Canyon | Three short walks around the Preston and Gunns Plains area, including views of the magnificent Leven Canyon. | Darren Wunder 0438 557 046 | |
Aug 19 | Liffey Falls (tbc) | Beautiful and well-known waterfalls close to Launceston. There should be plenty of water at this time of year! | Easy-Medium S M | Grace Hillman 0490 840 866 |
Sept 2 | Winterbrook Falls | Just east of Black Bluff, these spectacular falls tumble over the edge of a high and craggy escarpment directly opposite the Bluff. | Medium D E L S | Basil Tkaczuk 6331 1155 |
Sept 16 | Meander Falls | Rain forest walk – spectacular water falls from the escarpment of the Western Tiers | Medium-Hard L S | Peter Davies 0414 516 268 |
Sept 30 | TBA | |||
school term break | ||||
Oct 8 (Sunday) | Tamar Island | Sunday afternoon stroll to a peaceful wetlands area on the very edge of the city – plenty of bird life to observe. | Easy – Family | John Potts 0418 576011 |
Oct 21 | Seal Lagoon (Bay of Fires) | Explore the spectacular coastal scenery of yet another world-renowned Tassie attraction. No obligation, but walkers can help carry water in for next week’s Taking on Goliath camp. | Medium L | Nik Sands 0429 387 777 |
Nov 4 L.Weekend | East Coast SU camping trip | SU Youth adventure camp at the Bay of Fires for grades 5-8. Check website after July | See registration website | Nik Sands 0429 387 777 |
Nov 4 L.Weekend | TBA | |||
Nov 10 (Fri.) | Planning | Meeting to plan 2024 walks program | ||
Nov 18 | Bridport loop | A relaxing seaside break at Bridport. Explore the walking track, the wildflowers, and perhaps a swim and a coffee afterwards. | Easy | Peter Davies 0414 516 268 |
Dec 2 | Western Creek track | Head past rugged crags to the very rustic Whiteley’s Hut. Extensive views from the dramatic escarpments of the Tiers. | Medium E L M S | Philip Dawson email pidasms@gmail.com or ph. 6382 3561 after 6:30 pm |
School Christmas holidays | ||||
Dec 27 (Wednesday) | TBA | We usually aim for the wide-open spaces and wildflowers of the alpine plateaux to walk off the Christmas cheer. |
Key to Walks Ratings:
B Boulder field – walkers need to be able to confidently step from rock to rock.
C Climbing sections using rocks and vegetation as hand holds.
D Drive distance requires early departure – usually 7:30 am
E Exposed alpine conditions – can be dangerous in poor weather if not fully equipped – see below.
L A long day’s walk – in excess of 3 hours each way.
M Marshy or muddy sections – be prepared to walk with wet feet.
S Steep incline for at least part of the way
Click this link for a more detailed discussion of Preparation, Food and Safety guidelines for Boots N’ All walks.
Bush walking can involve an element of danger. All who participate in Boots’n’All activities do so at their own risk. Intending walkers new to Boots N’ All must contact the leader personally unless the walk is rated “Easy” or “Family”.