HIGGS
TRACK
The
track originally commenced near Western Creek. Westrope logging road has
made the trip a little easier. The trip to Lady Lake is almost 4
kilometres each way. Allow a little under 4 hours return. There is a
short 10 or 15 minute walk to the original track which involves crossing Dale
Brook. There is an easy log crossing of the creek. After crossing
the creek the track is a little steep before reaching the original track.
The track then climbs uphill at a steady but manageable climb.
Once reaching the top of the escarpment there are superb views around the Tiers
to Mother Cummings Peak (another walk). There is a small diversion left
to a viewing area. When reaching the top, the track becomes less
clear. Directly in front of you is a pool laden plain. If you look
closely you can just make out the track in the grass. Despite the mass of
little pools, the walk across the plain is quite dry - as is the whole walk.
On
crossing the plain, take a right turn before heading up the hill. A
hundred metres ahead you will find the ruins of an old settlers hut near a stand
of a few Pencil Pines. (A new hut has been built here since our visit). Continue on around the rocky hill to Lady Lake.
The
terrain immediately around the lake is another one of those mosaics of colour
which are abundant throughout the wilderness areas of Tasmania. The walk
from the car park to the rim of the escarpment is through a beautiful rain
forest of old Myrtles, Sassafras and ferns.
Higgs Track continues on to Lake
Mackenzie - the hydro electric lake near Devils Gullet. The track
continues on to the Walls of Jerusalem.
View over Dairy Plains towards Mt
Arthur.
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