The Wicked Views at Devil’s Gullet in Tasmania

Most people have no idea how many great places are hidden away in Tasmania. There are the big name destinations like Hobart and Cradle Mountain, and then there are places like Devil’s Gullet. Much like the Edge of the World, it’s a place on the island that few seem to find their way to. That draws mixed emotions for me as while I want to share awesome places like it, the fact that so few people are visiting Devil’s Gullet is partly why it’s so special. The other part is the phenomenal view you get when standing atop these rugged, sheer cliffs.

Visiting Devil’s Gullet

Tasmania is rife with different terrains and environments to explore, but for this attraction it’s all about the state’s alpine landscape. Devil’s Gullet is an ancient, plunging gorge in Tasmania’s alpine region that is bordered by sudden cliffs on either side. While the gorge was formed by a glacier, this landscape traces its origin all the way back millions of years to when Tasmania was part of Gondwana.

The site is found on the edge of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair World Heritage Area and is one of many picturesque parts of the Central Highlands. Despite its location on the map though, Devil’s Gullet State Reserve is deceptively isolated which is probably why it’s one of many hidden gems in Tasmania. It’s one of those places where there’s a single road in and out, with no kind of facilities for miles. Always remember, Tasmania is much larger and harder to get around than you think.

Forest Walking Track

Like so many of the unknown destinations in Tasmania, there’s really no hint of what’s in store for you when you arrive at Devil’s Gullet. Pulling off the remote road, you find a small gravel car park on an alpine plateau. All that’s there is a load sign pointing to a boardwalk that heads into a burnt-out forest. The sign says the walk is 45 minutes return but don’t worry, it definitely doesn’t take that long, maybe half that and it’s one of the best walks in northern Tasmania.

Let’s get back to the forest. Only a few years ago this would have been a pretty, eucalypt forest you’d be walking through to see Devil’s Gullet. However, bushfires ravaged the area several years ago, as often happens in many parts of Australia. All that’s left of the forest now is the bare tree trunks, standing like skeletons everywhere you look. It takes time for forests to recover after bushfires, and you can see the signs of it with the moss on the ground and new sprouts from bushes here and there.

While it’s nice to see new life take hold again, the dead forest does have an enchanting quality to it. The bark of these trees varies from scorched to almost untouched. This means you’re seeing  colours from charcoal black to a silver-grey so pale it’s almost white. Sure it’s eerie, but at the same time, thoroughly fascinating.

Devil’s Gullet Lookout Point

It won’t take you too long following the gentle trail to reach the Devil’s Gullet Lookout Point. As soon as you see the edge of the cliffs, you know you’re close. In fact, they constructed a small lookout terrace only recently, so before that the lookout point was wherever you wanted really. It’s still possible to find any old point along the cliffs to admire the view from, but the safest spot is definitely the small deck.

Standing at the lookout point, there’s suddenly an awful lot to take in. First, there’s the long view straight down which is sure to put those with a fear of heights on edge. Then there’s the cliffs rippling out to your right and left. The cliffs are made from a stone known as dolerite and look like they’re almost individual stacks of rock, crumbling down into the gorge below.

Last but not least is the view you get of the surrounding Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair World Heritage Area. It’s actually possible to see Cradle Mountain out on the horizon, although the perspective makes it a little less obvious. Of course, that depends on visibility, which isn’t guaranteed. While I visited during summer, come in winter and snow may ruin your visibility. Still, the chance to see Devil’s Gullet dusted with snow does sound pretty cool. Apparently, the only constant no matter the season is the powerful wind that hits you when you’re near the edge.

Have you heard of or visited Devil’s Gullet in Tasmania before? How close to the edge of the rocks would you be comfortable in getting? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.