Monolithic Walk into the Lair of the Thylacine

Cube rock sitting on Windy Ridge looks out over the mountains to the sea

The walk to Cube Rock near South Mt Cameron has been regularly traversed for over 100 years. Legend has it that Thylacines were commonly seen along this track.

The Cube Rock Walk

Thylacene in long grass at Tin Dragon Cottages — Rare sighting of a thylacene at Tin Dragon Cottages

Our Tin Dragon Trail Cottages team undertook this walk in mid-January 2015 on a day of perfect weather: dry, slight breeze and building to moderate wind at the summit. With lots of photo stops and a long break at the summit, we took about 3 hours to complete the walk.

How to find the start of the Cube Rock walk

From Tin Dragon Trail Cottages in Branxholm it is a 35 km drive to the start of the walk. Drive to Derby (8 km) then continue to the Gladstone turnoff (LHS) which is well signposted. Continue for about 11 km, through the small town of South Mt Cameron till you see the signage for Little Blue Lake. (It is another 8km along Gladstone Rd to reach the Gladstone store).

Park your car out of the way near the rocks defining the back of the car parking area (June 2020). Walk down the old vehicle track. There is another water-filled mining hole on your left. Keep walking till you see a small sign “to Cube Rock”. Now you can follow the signs all the way to Windy Ridge and the Cube Rock.

The Walk

Four people eating sandwiches as they lean on the boot of a family sedan car.

With sunscreen-smeared faces, sunglasses, hats, water bottles and some snacks our intrepid team of Yuka and Aya (WWOOFers from Japan), Graham, James and I set out mid-morning.

After half-sliding down the bank of Saffire Creek we carefully stepped on rocks across the narrow stream then steadily walked upwards. Isn’t it true that all the walks with views involve an uphill climb? But don’t be dismayed, our aging over-60 executive team members classed this as an easy-moderate walk.

High fire danger

The walk starts under a stand of Bulloaks and then passes through open dry forest dominated by Black Peppermint and Stringybark. There is much evidence of fire. The last major fire was in 2006 when arsonists burned the entire range. I recommend that you don’t walk here on days of high fire danger, because the track and access road would be a fire trap.

Three bushwalkers passing through native bush that shows the scars of a serious fire. — Evidence of a serious fire

An interesting walk at all times of the year

You will not find the walk boring. Within a very short distance you see the views start to open out. Interesting rocks emerge from the forest and at most times of the year you will find delicate flowering orchids. In June this year (2020) I spotted a rare Greenhood orchid.

A single greenhood orchid flower found on our most recent walk to Cube rock. — This rare Greenhood (Pterostylis grandiflora) orchid had a well formed pouch beneath its striking hood

This Tasmanian native orchid is a spike of small right pink flowers. — Small pink native orchid

Close up of two delicate white tea tree blossoms — Tea tree blossoms

The track to Cube Rock is well marked

There is a bright rectangular yellow marker on a tree near the people walking on the track to Cube rock. — Yellow marker on a tree (yellow going up and red coming back)

Although the track isn’t well formed in places, you will easily see the markers. When you reach the first major granite slab, take direction from the small rock cairns. Don’t be tempted to walk straight towards the cube rock which is now clearly visible! The track takes you to the left and around via a ridge line.

Through the trees in the foreground a large grey rock appears. this is Endurance Bluff. — Endurance Bluff

Graham is in the foreground looking out to a rock formation on the edge of an escarpment. — Graham with an old-man rock in the background

A grey rock formation looks like it is crouching ready to take a leap. — Ready steady go! This rock is about to leap down the hill.

The Windy Ridge

The prize for the uphill climb is the mysterious rock formations—feels a little like Picnic at Hanging Rock. This is the aptly named, Windy Ridge.

On a large slab of granite is a prone walking stick and in the background is the cube rock. — Windy Ridge is a large slab of granite

Graham is sitting beneath the cube rock in a sheltered area. — There is shelter for a cup of tea

We sat here sheltered from the wind for about 30 minutes

I wouldn’t attempt this walk in wild windy or wet weather. I think the rock surface could be very slippery in these conditions.

Walking towards cube rock over the granite slab. — Cube rock sits looking out over the landscape

Graham in the foreground with the Cube Rock in the background. — Sitting like a sentinel guarding the valley. What forces of nature carved out this rock?

The amazing cube rock sits proudly on top of the large granite slab. The ridges on this side of Cube Rock look man-made as if blasted by explosives.

This is the view from on top of the granite slab – from Endruance Bluff to the Cube Rock

A hop skip and a jump to return!

Needless to say, the downhill walk was a little easier and faster than the reverse—although there were numerous photo stops slowing us down. We all agreed that the walk to Cube Rock would be added to our list of favourite walks in North East Tasmania.

James in the foreground skipping sown the steep slab of granite. — James skipping down off the granite slab

The amazing bright blue Little Blue Lake. — Little Blue Lake

Of course taking a photo of the Little Blue Lake is a must every time you visit South Mount Cameron. The colour of this abandoned tin mine reflects the moods of the sky, from almost emerald green to brilliant blue!

Some history – Lalewongener

The following has been taken from M Douglas. Mt Cameron Walks, second Edition, p 1, 2014.

“The sloop Norfolk commanded by Matthew Flinders was anchored near Cape Portland, the North East tip of Van Diemens Land on November 1st 1798. In his log Flinders noted the bare and rugged tops of a ridge of distant mountains which formed a striking contrast with the lower, verdant foreground. These granite peaks, known to the Aborigines as Lalewongener, are now the prominant feature of the Cameron Regional Reserve, gazetted in December 2000. The reserve is managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service.”

Learn More about Tin Dragon Cottages

If you wish to learn more about our tourist accommodation in North East Tasmania, please explore our Tin Dragon Cottages web site. We look forward to hosting your next stay in Tasmania!