Exploring The Beauty Of Devil’s Gullet | Your Ultimate Guide

Plummeting dolerite columns and deep sweeping gorges await at Devil’s Gullet lookout, an easy 20-minute walk in the Central Plateau that allows you to experience Tasmania’s unique alpine landscape with ease.

The gaping dolerite gorge, fondly named Devil’s Gullet, is a fascinating display of glaciation and millions of years of harsh elements and erosion. 

While you may be wondering whether a short 20-minute walk to a lookout is worth your time, I can assure you it is. Not only is Devil’s Gullet impossibly beautiful, but the surrounding landscape captivates you entirely as you drive through the alpine plateau that overlooks iconic mountain ranges such as Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem.

In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to explore Devil’s Gullet, including the best time to visit, where to stay, and beautiful images to evoke your wanderlust.

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Your Ultimate Guide To Visiting Devil’s Gullet Lookout In Tasmania’s Central Plateau

What Is Devil’s Gullet?

Devil’s Gullet is a dramatic dolerite gorge found in Tasmania’s Central Plateau that was forged by ancient glaciation. What you see now is a deep sweeping valley flanked by 220 m tall dolerite towers that date back over 200 million years, well before Tasmania separated from Gondwana – the ancient southern supercontinent.

Where Is Devil’s Gullet?

The soaring dolerite cliffs of Devil’s Gullet can be found off Lake Mackenzie Road in the northwestern corner of Tasmania’s Central Plateau, plunging into the Fisher River Valley 530 m below. Part of the Great Western Tiers, the glacially carved gorge is protected within the Devil’s Gullet State Reserve which also includes Parsons Falls.

The suspended Devil’s Gullet lookout is 40 minutes southwest of Mole Creek, the closest town with basic essentials, and 1 hr 30 minutes west of Launceston.

How To Get To Devil’s Gullet

Devil’s Gullet lookout is located high in the alpine region of Tasmania’s Central Plateau, off Lake Mackenzie Rd. There are no public transport or tour options for Devil’s Gullet, resulting in the need for a vehicle to access the lookout.

Directions From Launceston To Devil’s Gullet Lookout

To reach Devil’s Gullet lookout from Launceston, leave the city via Bass Hwy heading southwest. After 50 km, turn left onto Mole Creek Rd (B12) and continue west for 28 km until you reach Mole Creek Caravan Park. 

At the intersection outside the caravan park, turn left to stay on the B12 (now Liena Rd). 10 km later, veer left onto Mersey Forest Rd (C138) and drive south for 7 km to reach the intersection for Lake Mackenzie Rd. Take the left turn onto an unsealed road and continue south for 14 km until you reach the Devil’s Gullet car park.

Note: The unsealed Lake Mackenzie Rd is accessible for all vehicles and as it’s a service road, it’s generally kept in good condition – minus a few corrugated sections. However, snow and ice are common in the colder months so it’s best to check the Tasmania Police website for road conditions before setting off.

What To Expect On Your Visit To Devil’s Gullet Lookout

As you wind your way along the ascending Lake Mackenzie Rd, you’re afforded glimpses of the dolerite peaks and deeply cut valleys that dominate the wild landscape. But once you reach the alpine, the terrain shifts drastically to reveal a boundless plateau filled with stunted shrubs and a distant blue lake.

The car park is easily located in the wide open landscape, tucked into the side of a small hill to the south of Lake Mackenzie Rd. But other than an information sign and a gravel space large enough to fit a dozen or more vehicles, you’ll find no facilities at the Devil’s Gullet car park.

The Forest Track

A metal boardwalk begins right beside the Devil’s Gullet car park, leading you into a once-thriving eucalypt forest. 

But in 2016, a wildfire ravaged the region leaving white skeletons in its wake. Today, the landscape offers striking contrast as the new growth creeps up the bare trunks that line the path.

As you move deeper into the eerie forest, the boardwalk merges into stone steps to assist in the small elevation gain. And finally, a gravel path will take you the final distance to the suspended Devil’s Gullet Lookout.

Devils Gullet Lookout

Not even 10 minutes after leaving the car park, you’ll find yourself standing in a wind vortex as you peer over a metal railing into the deep abyss below. All around you, colossal dolerite columns plummet from the escarpment into the Fisher River Valley. Some pillars look as if they’re holding on by a thread and will soon join the mass of broken boulders tumbling from the cliff.

Words can’t fully express the brilliant feeling of insignificance that only mother nature can provide, as you stare out at the burnt and barren landscape that has been battered by millions of years of surging wind and glacial forces. 

You could spend hours wandering back and forth along the precipitous cliff line (at your own risk), searching the distant horizons for iconic peaks and mountain ranges. An interactive sign helps you identify these mountains, which include Barn Bluff, Cradle Mountain, Mt Ossa and Mt Geryon.

After you’ve finished exploring Devil’s Gullet, retrace your steps back to your car and finish the day by taking the plunge at Parsons Falls.

Best Time To Visit Devil’s Gullet

The best time to visit Devil’s Gullet is either sunrise or sunset. Due to the fact that the lookout faces south, you’ll experience the soft yellow glow filtering through the gorge at both times of the day.

And in regards to the best time of year to visit Devil’s Gullet, you’ll receive a unique experience for each season. Winter and late autumn bring a high chance of snowfall to the area, which transforms the landscape into a white wonderland – however, the roads can be a little treacherous if you don’t have a 4wd.

In spring and summer, you’ll find wildflowers scattered across the alpine range and the longer days allow you to explore the extended region more thoroughly. 

Leave No Trace

Over 40% of Tasmania is a national park or reserve, allowing the protection of our beautiful and rare landscape. However, that’s not enough. It’s our responsibility to keep these wild places just that by ensuring we follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles whenever we’re in nature – or anywhere for that matter.

There are no facilities at Devil’s Gullet, the closest toilet and rubbish bin being in Mole Creek 40 minutes northeast. Please take all your rubbish with you, stick to the paths and plan your trip to allow for toilet stops before you reach Devil’s Gullet.

Where To Stay Near Devil’s Gullet

You could easily visit Devil’s Gullet on a day trip from Launceston, however, if you’d rather explore the Central Plateau to its full potential we recommend staying in one of the nearby rural towns.

Mole Creek is the closest town to Devil’s Gullet and provides a great base for exploring the region. You’ll find a number of quaint accommodation options within the town, including a caravan park on the outskirts.

If you’re looking for something a little bigger and with more appeal, Deloraine is only an hour away and is central to many attractions in the north of Tasmania.

Camping Near Devil’s Gullet

• Mole Creek Karst Campground – aka Mersey River Campgrounds on Google Maps
• Honeycomb Caves Campground
• Chudleigh Showground

Other Attractions Near Devil’s Gullet

The centre of northern Tasmania is littered with waterfalls, walks and even an extensive cave system, allowing for an endless list of things to do in the region. You could easily spend a few days exploring the central highlands and to help you decide what activities to choose, we’ve included our favourite attractions near Devil’s Gullet below.

Parsons Falls

Located less than 10 minutes west of Devil’s Gullet, Parsons Falls can be found cascading over a mass of grey boulders into a deep pool below. The translucent turquoise water needs to be seen to be believed and an interesting 40-minute return walk is all it takes to reach the magical Parsons Falls.

Mole Creek Karst National Park

For a totally unique experience, jump on a tour to visit the two accessible caves within the Mole Creek Karst National Park. King Solomons Cave and Marakoopa Cave provide a thrilling adventure as you explore underwater rivers, witness glow worms, and admire giant stalagmites and stalactites.

Explore Mount Roland Regional Reserve

The granite peaks of Mount Roland Regional Reserve rise over 1,000 m above the surrounding farmland, providing 360-degree views from the various summits along the plateau. Mount Roland is home to a number of hiking trails that will suit a range of travellers, including our favourite – the Mt Van Dyke Circuit. The reserve is found 50 minutes north of Devil’s Gullet and can easily fill a day or two.

Final Thoughts

Devil’s Gullet is a must-visit destination in the central highlands of Tasmania. Whether you’re just passing through or have time to explore the region further, you should most definitely include Devil’s Gullet in your itinerary.

Have you visited Devil’s Gullet? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you have any questions about the lookout or other things within the area, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Happy Exploring 🙂