Walking into the WoJ via Lake Ada

[alanoutgear]

I'm keen to do the Walls of Jerusalem over 5 or so days, and have heard that there is a rough, but driveable track into Lake Ada or thereabouts from the east, and that it's a much better walk into the WoJ via Lake Ada than the more usual entry via the Mersey Forest Road. Has anyone walked into the WoJ via Lake Ada, and if so, where did you camp on the way into Wild Dog Creek. Ideally, I'll do this as a point to point walk from Lake Ada, across the WoJ and out via the Mersey Valley Road.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Not for about 15 years or so but yes i've done this walk. It's a classic. You dont have to worry about campsites. Just walk until you want, then pitch your tent wherever you want. Good camping everywhere.

[Son of a Beach]

The walk from Lake Ada via Silver Lake and the Pine River to Lake Ball is much flatter, but about twice as long, and there is no real track to follow for much of the way - if that's the route you mean - although not difficult to navigate if the weather is good, and you're used to a map and compass.

From near Lake Antimony there's only a feint pad in some places to Lake Silver, and from there on, no track at all until Lake Ball. The first two hours from Lake Ada are quite dull, to be honest. The route would take most people about 2 days to get to Dixon's Kingdom, instead of one.

Great camping at the Northern end of Lake Silver. There's also a hut near Lake Antimony. The first few km of the Pine River beyond Lake Silver would also be good for camping, I reckon.

PS. The road to Lake Ada is easy to drive on in any two wheel drive (at least was a few weeks ago). There is a gate at Ada that is usually locked, and you have to walk from there. (In the off chance the gate is unlocked, the road from there is only suitable for 4wd, and you want to be sure they're not going to lock the gate while you're out!).

PPS. A trip review with photos from a recent walk in this route is at: viewtopic.php?f=42&t=6209
I didn't go all the way to the walls, but most of the way (then back to the campsite at Lake Silver).

[Graham51]

I have walked in to The Walls from Lake Ada several times. I have always followed the old, disused 4wd tracks to Lake Fanny great camping here on the southern shore near the outlet creek - then walk around to a creek that runs down from the lakes on the Great Pine Tier. From here it's easy to follow the long lakes almost to Dixons Kingdom. There are no really steep bits and very little scrub. The navigating is pretty straight forward with map and compass. In fact in fine weather you can usually dispense with the compass. Then you can do a round trip and come out via Pine River. Read Son of a Beach's notes for this route. It's a great route less driving from Hobart, much flatter, scenic, wilderness, .....

[flyfisher]

I have fished up through the route you mention, up the mountain to the west of Fanny which you can follow up to Mt Jerusalem.

Have to agree it's an easy walk with good camping in lots of spots with the outflow of Fanny and a little west being very good.

Navigation in good weather is as easy as you'll get anywhere with good views in most directions.

ff

[JamesMc]

Easy day from Ada to WoJ. Be aware that the rock in the area might be magnetic so navigation by compass when the cloud's down might be hard. You want to know where you are so when you get to a lake you know whether to turn left or right.

JamesMc

[alanoutgear]

Thanks all - great advice and I've bought theWoJ and Ada 1:25000 maps.