This is a full day hike requiring at least moderate fitness. Some upper sections are rocky and steep, though there's no technical climbing at all. Rapidly changing weather conditions, wind and rain can add risk. Going off-trail without preparation isn't recommended in lower thick forests. Good boots, gear for cold and wet conditions are required, and, in summer, be aware you'll see the odd tiger snake. Also be aware that after big storms, tree-fall can quickly obscure tracks. On the upper section around the Bluff, snowfall will obscure the very narrow trail.
From beside the Leven River at Taylor's Flats, the poorly signed entrance to Brookes Track is at the far end of the picnic area. The track becomes somewhat more apparent beyond that, and after 15 minutes walking parallel to the river, it climbs from around 400 metres to 1300 on Black Bluff proper. To Paddy's Lake, below the Bluff, is around 4 hours - a satisfying end point in itself. To Black Bluff is another hour. Views are reached as you break clear of forest just below Paddy's Lake. Views from the Bluff take in Cradle Mountain to the south and the distant coast to the north. Descent from the Bluff is around 3 and a half hours.
Note: there is a small 'camping area' beside Paddy's Lake.
From eucalypt-dominated riverside to sub-alpine heath, there are lots of other forest communities en route, some of them threatened. A good walk for bird watchers, and anyone who loves the little stuff like mosses and lichens. Families with kids under tween years should be ready to carry littlies frequently, so going all the way up to Paddy's and the Bluff is definitely more of an adult only walk. That said, there's some nice places along the river to stroll, and rest, before it gets steep, though if there's been recent rains, the river can flood and flow very strongly. But, in summer, you can find plenty of shallow, rocky edges that are safe to sit and get your feet wet while contemplating the serenity.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
This walk is part of the Penguin-Cradle Trail, and can be done as part of that walk, or just on its own as a day walk. There are also trails above Paddy's Lake that link to Winterbrook Falls and valley.
Note: As the eagle flies, the start of Black Bluff walk and the start of Winterbrook Falls walk are only a few kilometres apart, But the drive between the two is a long, poorly-signed 45 minutes - a car swap arrangement is an option, but please note that the Winterbrook trails are subject to considerable tree-fall, and require prep, care and caution to follow - Winterbrook ain't no National Park, folks!
- Alpine Region
- Waterfalls
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Rainforest
- Gorges
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
Total distance: 12783 m
Max elevation: 1330 m
Min elevation: 356 m
Total climbing: 1010 m
Total descent: -1010 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Black Bluff Nature Recreation Area.
From Ulverstone, on Tasmania’s central north coast, take the roads to Leven Canyon (more fine walks there), continue past the turn-off to the Cruikshanks’ Lookout / Leven Canyon, and drive on to Loongana. (You’ll also drive past the Canyon Floor walk, another must-do shorter walk.) After a small bridge over a creek, you’ll meet dirt, then a few more K and you’ll cross the repaired bridge across the Leven. Continue along the dirt road to the first turn-off to the left, which will take you down to another bridge and the Taylor’s Flats picnic area. (If you reach the Loongana letterboxes, turn around and go back down to the turn-off which will now be to the right.)
Note: it’s about an hour’s drive from Ulverstone to the start of the walk. Avoid driving this region between dusk and dawn, or be ready to drive very slowly to avoid killing wildlife – thank you!
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Small Car Park
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Table
- Campfire Pit
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Devonport, Rosebery, Sheffield, Tullah, Zeehan
The coastal farms give way to hill farms of root vegies and livestock, then, as you climb, wild and plantation forests. Before you reach the Leven Canyon / Loongana Valley, is the family-owned Kaydale Gardens, lovely people who will do you a nice lunch, and give you the option of touring their stunning gardens - a great option for the non-hikers, and anyone who loves 'the serenity'.
Looking for more walks in or near Black Bluff Nature Recreation Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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/Black%20Bluff%20&%20Paddy's%20Lake%20Hike%20(2).jpg "Black Bluff & Paddy's Lake Hike (13km)")
/Black%20Bluff%20&%20Paddy's%20Lake%20Hike%20(3).jpg "Black Bluff & Paddy's Lake Hike (13km)")
/Black%20Bluff%20&%20Paddy's%20Lake%20Hike%20(1).jpg "Black Bluff & Paddy's Lake Hike (13km)")
