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.
Mount Gnomon Lookout is a short yet rewarding 2 km return hike in the Dial Range Reserves, Tasmania, located near the town of Penguin, about 130 km northwest of Hobart. The walk takes around an hour to complete and is graded as Level 3, meaning some bushwalking experience is recommended due to the steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and occasional rocky sections.
The track begins at the Mount Gnomon carpark, where you’ll notice that off-road vehicles such as ATVs, motorbikes, and 4WDs also use the access tracks, so take care on approach. From the start, the trail immediately begins its steady climb, gaining around 200 metres in elevation over one kilometre. The path winds through a mix of dry and wet eucalypt forests, giving walkers a pleasant variety of scenery and shade as they ascend.
As you near the summit, a junction presents two choices. For a more adventurous route, follow the signposted path directly to Mount Gnomon, which involves a brief boulder scramble near the top. Alternatively, an easier option continues towards Mount Dial for about 150 metres before a signposted intersection leads right, curving gently around to the summit. Both tracks converge at a dramatic clifftop that opens to stunning views across the southern Dial Range, stretching from the countryside east of Penguin through to Devonport and beyond, with Mount Roland visible to the southeast.
Caution is advised near the summit, as there is no fencing at the cliff edge. If walking with children, ensure they remain well clear of the drop.
Mount Gnomon offers a satisfying short hike that combines physical challenge with impressive scenery, making it ideal for walkers who want a quick outing close to town. Those looking to extend their day can link this route with nearby tracks to Mount Dial or Mount Duncan, all of which start from the same carpark.
- Dogs, horses, mountain bikes, and motorbikes are not permitted on this track.
- There are no toilet facilities along the walk. The nearest public amenities are located at the Ferndene State Reserve picnic area, about a six-minute drive away.
- Main image courtesy of Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 1986 m
Max elevation: 490 m
Min elevation: 312 m
Total climbing: 209 m
Total descent: -209 m
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Main image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Getting to the trailhead: Dial Range Reserves.
The Mount Gnomon carpark is about a 25-minute drive (20 km) from Ulverstone. From town, head west on the A1 Bass Highway towards Burnie, then take the South Road exit towards Penguin. Turn onto Sports Complex Avenue, then left onto Ironcliffe Road and continue for about 8.6 km. The final 1.7 km of the route is unsealed but generally suitable for most vehicles, leading to the carpark at the trailhead where parking is available. It’s best to avoid driving through the reserves at night, as native wildlife is often active near the roads, so drive carefully and keep an eye out for animals along the way.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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.
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Dial Range Reserves? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
