save the Blue Tier

tourism - tasmania

Part of the Goblin Forest Walk at Poimena powdered after the rare snowfall in September 2004; wombat tracks are visible in the foreground.

hiking on the blue tier of tasmania

Friends of the Blue Tier disagree with Forestry Tasmania's feasibility study on the Blue Tier giant tree walk and provide a report on a 7-day hike undertaken in February 2006.

The few resident locals are not really into the tourism thing. You're likely to get a laconic "Wander around" if you're misguided enough to seek information from the natives.

So we've just popped down to the St. Helens History Room and ripped off their walking guide (thanks for the permission). Here it is, unabashedly copied verbatim: (subsequently modified)

Blue Tier Map

easy walks

Goblin Forest Walk (20 min)
Interpretation signs along the walk explore the history of the Blue Tier. This walk is great for those who do not have much time but want to stretch their legs and learn about the 'mountain of tin'. The walk is of wheelchair standard. (follow green markers)

If you do not have much time and want to get a good view of the area, try the 30 minute return walk to the top of Mt. Poimena. It is a short and steady climb to the summit. Walkers are rewarded with spectacular views over St. Helens and the coastline beyond so remember to bring your camera! (follow blue markers to the trig point)

moderate walks

Moon Valley Rim Loop Walk (2 hours)
The walk takes you to the summit of Mt. Poimena then along Moon Valley Rim and Blue Tier Battery before returning via the Sun Flats Road. (follow blue markers)

Australia Hill Loop Walk (2 hours)
This walk passes through open country and stands of regenerating rainforest and is great for visitors who want to see some remnants of the mining era. Look for abandoned machinery at Summit Mine and Harry Moses' (the last Blue Tier miner) sluice box at the Compere Mine. (follow orange markers)

Wellington Loop Walk (3 hours)
Begins at the halfway mark on the Goblin Forest Walk. The walk is great for those interested in the history of the Blue Tier because it takes you past interesting remnants of the mining days. The walk passes through a diversity of vegetation types including regenerating rainforest, patches of remnant rainforest and sphagnum bogs. (follow red markers)
October 2017: The bridge across Wellington Creek is no longer functional.

Mt. Michael Loop Track (2 hours)
Begins at the Sun Flats Road. The walk passes through rainforest before climbing up to the summit of Mt. Michael. Walkers are rewarded with fantastic views. On the way down stop and look at the Mt. Michael Mine which was one of the largest mines in the area. (follow yellow markers)

hard walks

Three Notch Track - return (6 hours)
Follows an old pack trail to McGoughs Lookout and return. Walkers are rewarded with spectacular views of the coastline. The walk is long and difficult and should only be attempted by experienced walkers. (follow yellow and red markers)

Three Notch Track - complete (added 2008/07/12): This track has recently been upgraded by Forestry Tasmania and it is now possible to hike from Sun Flats to the bottom end near Pioneer. However this requires having a vehicle at the other end to pick up walkers.

There are other walks that can be undertaken on the Blue Tier. If you would like to do these walks we suggest you talk to the staff at the St. Helens History Room.

More Information: contact the staff at the St. Helens History Room and Visitor Information (03 6376 1744).

(Brochure was produced with assistance from Forestry Tasmania)