Hike at a glance

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Quick overview: Located in Tasmania's Dial Range Reserves, 310km from the CBD, the Mount Dial hike is an 8.5km round trip that starts and ends at Penguin Cradle Trail Carpark. Beginning in the quaint town of Penguin, this Grade 3 moderate trail takes 4-5 hours to conquer, travelling through eucalypt forests and rugged slopes shaped by past bushfires. Unique features include varied rock formations, traces of past fires in the vegetation, and delicate native orchids closer to the summit.

Hike length

8.5km

Average duration

4-5 hours

Trail Difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Hike Type

Return

Technical details

Max elevation: 479m
Min elevation: 140m
Total Ascent: 391m

Start: Penguin Cradle Trail Carpark

End: Penguin Cradle Trail Carpark

Location: Dial Range Reserves

State: Tasmania

Nearest town: Penguin

State capital distance: 310km

Latitude: -41.13829598634359

Longitude: 146.0624008897097

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Walkers should always be well prepared before setting out in Tasmania’s parks. Check the conditions, carry suitable equipment, let someone know your plans, and be ready to adjust them if the weather changes.

Hike summary

Mount Dial is an 8.5 kilometre return hike in Tasmania’s Dial Range Reserves, graded as a moderate Grade 3 walk that generally takes around four to five hours to complete. The area sits in the heart of the range, where a network of intersecting tracks weaves through eucalypt forest, offering several ways to reach the summit. Each route reveals something different about the landscape, from the rugged slopes shaped by past bushfires to the varied rock formations that define the range’s geology.

Walking here is a chance to notice the small details that make this region unique. The effects of previous fires can still be seen in the changing vegetation and the tree hollows that now provide shelter for birds and small mammals. Along the ridgeline, the terrain is mostly made up of Duncan conglomerate, a distinctive geological feature of the area. Higher up the track, watch for delicate native orchids and the scent of dry forest as the air begins to cool near the summit.

There are three main approaches to Mount Dial, each suited to different levels of experience and available time. The first begins at the Mount Montgomery Carpark, following the Myrtle Creek Track for about a kilometre before taking the signed route to “All Other Tracks.” From there, the path continues along the ridgeline for another 2.5 kilometres to reach the summit, making this an 8.2 kilometre return walk that takes about four to five hours.

The second route starts from Ferndene State Reserve and passes the track to Thorsbys Tunnel before climbing steadily toward the peak. The first two kilometres are relatively gentle before the trail becomes steeper near the top, gaining around 400 metres in elevation. This is the most challenging route, covering 7.5 kilometres return and taking roughly four to five hours. The track is less maintained, so a reasonable level of fitness and navigation skill is recommended.

The third and shortest route starts from the Gnomon Carpark. From here, follow the track toward Mount Gnomon Lookout, continue past the lookout turn-off, and follow the signs for another kilometre to reach Mount Dial. This option covers 4.2 kilometres return and typically takes around two hours.

Mountain bikers also use some of the trails leading toward the summit, so stay alert and share the track courteously. For those starting or finishing their hike at Ferndene State Reserve, facilities including a picnic shelter and toilets are available, making it a comfortable base for the day.

Additional Information:

For more information, visit Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Uneven terrain and steady climbs
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on rough ground. Expect hills, rough surfaces, and sections with steps or short, steeper climbs.

While not technically difficult, these tracks are no longer "easy" and can feel demanding over distance, especially in heat or with a pack. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for managing footing and pacing. Distances can extend up to 20km.

Worth knowing: Many hikers underestimate Grade 3 when conditions change or fatigue sets in.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

Campfires are not permitted at any time.
Dogs, horses and motorbikes are not allowed on the tracks.
Route 1 – Mount Montgomery Carpark: There are no toilets along this route. The nearest public facilities are in the town of Penguin, about a 5 minute drive away.
Route 2 – Ferndene State Reserve: Toilets and a picnic shelter are available near the carpark, along with non-potable water at the trailhead.
Route 3 – Gnomon Carpark: There are no toilets on this route. The nearest facilities are a 6 minute drive away at the Ferndene State Reserve picnic area.

Map and GPX file

Mount Dial (8.5km)

Total distance: 8611 m
Max elevation: 479 m
Min elevation: 140 m
Total climbing: 391 m
Total descent: -392 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

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, and it only takes two minutes..

Let someone know your plans →

Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Free checklists

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 there

Dial Range Reserves

Getting to Mount Dial depends on which route you plan to take, as each has a different starting point. For the Mount Montgomery Track, begin at the Mount Montgomery Carpark on Montgomery Road, about 15 minutes west of Ulverstone. Follow the A1 Bass Highway towards Penguin, take the South Road exit, turn onto Sports Complex Avenue, then left onto Ironcliffe Road, and another left onto Montgomery Road. Parking is limited, so be considerate of other visitors and watch for mountain bike users in the area.

If you are starting from Ferndene State Reserve, it is also about a 15 minute drive from Ulverstone. Head west towards Burnie on the A1 Bass Highway, take the South Road exit towards Penguin, turn onto Sports Complex Avenue, then left onto Ironcliffe Road, and follow it for about 4.6 kilometres to the reserve entrance. Parking is limited here as well, with little space for large vehicles to turn around.

For the Gnomon Carpark route, allow around 25 minutes from Ulverstone. Head west on the A1 Bass Highway towards Burnie, take the South Road exit towards Penguin, turn onto Sports Complex Avenue, then left onto Ironcliffe Road, following it for 8.6 kilometres. The final 1.7 kilometres are unsealed, and parking is limited at the trailhead located at the junction of Ironcliffe Road and Dial Road.

Wherever you begin your hike, take care when driving at night. Native wildlife is common in this area, so reduce your speed and stay alert for animals on the road.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

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Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Burnie, Devonport, Latrobe, Penguin, Riana, Sheffield, Somerset, Ulverstone, Wynyard

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About the region

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.

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Weather on the trail

Dial Range Reserves

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

1 Review on “Mount Dial (8.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

A rewarding mid-length hike that climbs through a mix of dry and wet eucalypt forest up to the summit of Mount Dial, with occasional glimpses across northwest Tasmania’s coast and hinterland. The track has some steady uphill sections and feels quiet and rugged, making it a good day out if you enjoy a bit of bush immersion and a solid workout.

08/01/2026, 10:57

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount dial (8. 5km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

October 24, 2025