Denison Hill Circuit

Saturday 2nd April 2016

Denison Hill

I originally had another walk planned for today but that did not eventuate so I chose this one to do at the last moment. It turned out much better than I was expecting.
The start of the walk is just off the Weld Road in the Lonnavale area.
I set off in the early morning gloom up an old track through regrowth forest.

Barn Back

Forestry Track

I soon reached the top of Denison Hill and turned left here along the ridge. It was easy walking and the track started to descend gradually and then a little steeper. When I reached a predetermined point on a bend in the track, I took to the bush and scrub bashed downhill to cross a good forestry road and end up on an older track. The scrub was head high in places but easy to push through. The older track ran through a forestry plantation, and it was along here that I had a complete surprise when I came across a Tasmanian Devil. It is the first Devil I have seen out in the wild while bush walking. It came within about 3 metres of me and then decided to take off. Unfortunately, I think it may have had Facial Tumour Disease because there are red blotches in the photo. I was too busy trying to take photos to actually notice and it all happened so fast. It did seem quite lively.

Track through plantation

After this chance encounter I came to a very large clearing beside the Little Denison River. This was a magic spot and I spent a few minutes here checking out the river etc.

Beside Little Denison River

Little Denison River

Little Denison River

Little Denison River

I continued following a track that eventually led down to the junction of the Little Denison and Huon Rivers. This was also a great spot.

Huon River

Huon River

Junction of Little Denison and Huon Rivers

Junction of Little Denison and Huon Rivers

 From here I thought about walking along the river bank for a while, but decided against it when the scrub became annoying and simply headed back to the track which ran along parallel to the river. It was quite easy walking and soon I reached the point where I was going to leave the river. I passed some rapids on the way. The track did continue along the river so that is something I will have to check out in the future.

Huon River

Huon River

After leaving the river I headed uphill to meet a good forestry road and turned left and walked this uphill to a point where it became more overgrown but still easily walked. I had a choice of 2 tracks and of course I picked the wrong one because it petered out. I did have a mad thought of scrub bashing to where I wanted to go, but wisely chose to retrace my steps and take the other option. This proved to be a good idea as the track led back to meet the outward leg. From here it was an easy amble back to the car.
This was a really good walk and the sighting of the devil was a real bonus.
Distance: 13.4 kms.
Time: 4'10"
Ascent: 620 metres
Click here to download GPX file.