Mount Dial (8.5km)

Dial Range Reserves

Tucked away in northwest Tasmania, just south of the coastal town of Penguin, the Dial Range Reserves span a rugged 52 square kilometres of diverse terrain. This striking landscape tells a geological story of ancient volcanic activity and sedimentary processes later reshaped by early mining efforts. The result is a dramatic mix of peaks and valleys, with Mount Gnomon standing out on the northern skyline. Walkers can explore a wide variety of trails that wind through forests, over ridgelines, and across rocky slopes, revealing ever-changing views and vegetation shaped by altitude, aspect, and soil type.

The range offers something for everyone, from gentle forest walks to steep climbs that lead to panoramic coastal and inland views. Trails transition through dry eucalypt forests, damp gullies filled with swamp gums and blackwoods, and heathlands that come alive with colour in spring. Popular peaks such as Mount Dial, Mount Montgomery, and Mount Duncan provide unique vantage points, while shared paths also cater to trail runners and mountain bikers. Whether you’re after a short stroll or a challenging full-day hike, the Dial Range Reserves promise a rewarding experience rich in natural beauty and variety.

Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area

Nestled within the Dial Range of northwest Tasmania, around six kilometres south of the coastal town of Penguin, the Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area is a gateway to some of the region’s most scenic forested walks. Managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania, it sits among neighbouring reserves such as Mount Montgomery and Ferndene, forming a connected network of protected landscapes that highlight the diversity of Tasmania’s natural environment. The range stretches for about 14 kilometres, featuring a series of distinctive peaks including Mount Gnomon, Mount Duncan, Mount Riana, and Mount Lorymer. Mount Dial itself lies near the centre, offering a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding trails, which vary from gentle forest walks to more challenging climbs that reveal sweeping coastal and inland views.

The landscape here tells a story of ancient volcanic forces and human history. The mountain slopes are shaped by layers of conglomerate, dolerite, sandstone, and volcanic rock, with remnants of early mining visible in places such as Ferndene State Reserve. Vegetation shifts with the terrain, ranging from dense wet eucalypt forest to open grassland and heath, supporting an abundance of wildlife and several threatened plant communities, including Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on sandstone. Whether you’re seeking a short stroll beneath tall eucalypts, a day-long bushwalk through rugged country, or a connected hike linking multiple peaks, the Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area offers a rich and varied experience for walkers of all levels.

Mount Montgomery State Reserve

Rising above the northern edge of the Dial Range, about seven kilometres south of Penguin in northwest Tasmania, Mount Montgomery State Reserve is a compact but captivating pocket of bushland that captures the rugged essence of the region. Covering just over 300 hectares, the reserve has been managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service since 1970 and remains a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers. Its namesake peak, Mount Montgomery, stands 471 metres above sea level, surrounded by dry eucalypt forest and accompanied by the gentle flow of Myrtle Creek, whose small waterfalls and clear pools add to the tranquillity of the climb. The 5 km return Mount Montgomery Walk offers a steady, scenic ascent through native bush, gaining around 330 metres in elevation before reaching the summit, where sweeping views extend across Bass Strait, the coastal towns of Penguin and Ulverstone, and inland to Mount Roland.

The reserve’s trails cater to both walkers and cyclists, with nearby routes such as the Montgomery Loop providing dedicated options for mountain biking. Plans to connect Mount Montgomery with Mount Dial via a loop trail promise to make the area even more inviting for those seeking variety and extended walks. Along the way, walkers can spot native orchids, fungi, and wildlife, with wedge-tailed eagles often circling above the ridgelines. Simple facilities, including a small carpark and shaded rest areas, make it an accessible outing, though visitors should note there are no toilets within the reserve and that dogs, horses, and motorbikes are not permitted. Compact, peaceful, and full of character, Mount Montgomery State Reserve offers a rewarding Tasmanian bushwalking experience that blends natural beauty with coastal views and a refreshing sense of solitude.