Perhaps less well known than other parks and reserves around Launceston, Youngtown Regional Park follows the course of a small creek from Alma St (not far from Hobart Rd) down to Poplar Parade, a remnant of bushland and former farmland in an area increasingly being developed as suburbs. While it should be ok for prams/strollers, the better route for those would be the track we will be following downhill, back to the carpark. We can negotiate this on the day.
Walk Route
From a small car park off Poplar Parade, not far from Opossum Rd, we head in a clockwise direction up the valley, following a somewhat less well-formed track that takes us behind the back fences of homes on Poplar Parade, joining a better track further up. As we get closer to the destination, the Alma St. Playground, the track crosses a couple of little bridges and follows through an interesting rocky part of the creek - almost a "micro gorge". After 1.5 km, we reach the playground, and can have a leisurely break so that children can enjoy the equipment. Heading back, we branch left less than 100m from the playground, and follow a different track a little further to the north. After about 300 metres, it rejoins the track we came up on, but only for about 200 metres before continuing down the valley, with views across more open land towards the surrounding houses. Total distance is 3 km.
Meeting Times and Places:
If you are interested in going on this walk, please phone Basil Tkaczuk on 0438 664 402 to book in [Basil is standing in for Dan and Jonno who just have too much happening at the moment]. We will be meeting at the Poplar Parade carpark (see below) at 2pm.
Unlike the regular Boots N’ All walks which often visit more challenging wilderness areas, there is no particular need to register in advance for these Sunday afternoon Family Fun Walks. Your walk leader would nevertheless appreciate if you could let him know you are coming, so that the walk doesn’t set off without you.
To access this area from northern Tasmania:
From the city centre of Launceston, head east along Brisbane St. past City Park and on to Elphin Rd. Follow through Newstead and continue on Penquite Rd. through Norwood to reach the large roundabout at Quarantine Rd. Turn right and head uphill to reach another roundabout at Opossum Rd. Take the third exit to head south, ignoring a junction on your left about 500 metres along (where this road becomes Poplar Parade), continue a further 300 metres or so until you see the Youngtown Regional Park Sign on your right. Those familiar with Launceston will no doubt be aware of other ways to get there.
Other Information:
These Sunday afternoon walks do not require the level of preparation and equipment needed for wilderness walks. Dress comfortably and sensibly, and remember that even over a 2 hour period, weather can be changeable in northern Tasmania, so it’s always a great idea to have a warm top and a raincoat in your backpack, along with a drink and perhaps a snack.
Yes, we know… Parents of very young children often have to carry a lot more, including children in backpacks! Hopefully your fellow walkers will offer to share the burden!
The track is suitable for comfortable walking shoes. No gaiters needed for this one!
Downloadable tracks for your navigation devices, including mobile phones: GPX track for this walk … KML track for this walk
Click here to browse our entire collection of walk tracks, including to find GPX (.gpx) and Google Earth (.kml) versions of the track for this walk.
Click here to learn about using your phone as a navigation device, or to find out about handheld GPS devices.
