Devil’s Gullet is one of those places you avoid if you dislike heights!
After a long five months wait, we finally got another chance at reaching the Devil’s Gullet after our last failed attempt.
This time we decided to tackle the steep, windy mountain road in summer with the hope of avoiding the slippery, muddy and snow-covered road we tackled during winter.
We also wanted to avoid the ice-covered rock steps found along the walking trail that saw us dangerously close to a potentially hazardous slip.
Devil’s Gullet road
On our last attempt to reach the Devil’s Gullet, the icy snow-covered road created some extremely dangerous driving conditions and a highly stressful situation.
Thankfully, this time the warm summer weather had sorted out the slippery snow problem. But we soon found out that without a blanket of snow covering the terrain, the potholes and loose rocks became exposed.
These loose rocks create two issues.
One, they can be so thick that they roll under your tyres and you lose traction slightly. Not enough to lose control of your car at low speeds, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to break any land speed records.
The second issue is that it’s impossible to stop them flicking up and hitting your car, even at extremely slow speeds. The entire ascent was one big soundtrack of clinks and clunks as rocks bombarded the wheel arches and car panels.
Overall though, the drive up was much less stressful in summer and without having to concentrate so hard on not dying, You get to enjoy more of the incredible views that this high mountain road has to offer.
Hiking to the Devil’s Gullet
The 45-minute return track to the Devil’s Gullet starts with a short boardwalk section, that quickly turns into a set of stone steps curving up the hillside.
In summer, the steps are much safer, but they are rather big and steep. This quickly gets the heart pumping and the legs aching.
Luckily the steep climb doesn’t last for very long, and you quickly reach the plateau and flat land again.
The walking track to the lookout varies between boardwalks and rocky gravel pathways for most of the journey, which makes for relatively easy and safe footing for all ages. Just supervise any children so they don’t fall off the boardwalks.
The scenery along the walk is rather stark and haunting. Bushfire damaged trees dominate the rocky plateau with spots of bright green regrowth vibrantly standing out against the burned landscape.
The landscape has a very otherworldly feeling about it until you catch that tantalising glimpse through the tree of the views you’re about to experience.
Devil’s Gullet Lookout
The lookout is the main reason to visit.
Now, I’ll admit I have no head for heights. If it’s anything higher than myself, vertigo kicks in. The Devil’s Gullet lookout was no different.
Walking out onto the 220 metre high, see-through black mesh platform instantly put my subconscious into fear mode. I know the platform is sturdy and safe, but my brain didn’t care, and my legs started to tremble.
On wobbly legs, I made my way out onto the platform to get photos for you lovely bunch reading this post, but I wanted nothing more than to get back onto the solid rock and enjoy the views.
Ronin, of course, made me feel extra silly by walking around the platform like nothing was out of the ordinary. Damn kids!
So the views. They are spectacular! And worth the fear, wobbly legs, dodgy roads and a short hike.
The lookout platform juts out over the rocky outcrop and gives you a stunning panoramic vistas of Tasmania’s central plateau.
From up here, you can see everything from glacial formed gorges, mountains ranges, alpine forests and plenty of raw nature.
Entry Price
Entry to Devil’s Gullet is free.
Opening Hours
Devil’s Gullet is open 24 hours.
Facilities
- Car park
Location
Click to view map to Devil’s Gullet.
When To Visit
Devil’s Gullet can be visited year-round
Additional Information
- We would recommend avoiding the Devil’s Gullet if you’re using a rental car. The road is also classified as a private road. Check your car rental clause
- The nearest public toilets that we have discovered are located at Mole Creek, around a 40-minute drive away
Recommended Equipment
- Wet weather gear
- Warm clothing
- Water
- Food
Safety Advice
- Weather can change quickly due to the high elevation
- During winter the road can be slippery, muddy and icy. The rock steps on the walking trail can also be iced over and extremely slippery
- Children will need to be supervised near the lookout. Only the platform is fenced. The rest is sheer cliff drop-offs
Conclusion
Devil’s Gullet is well worth a visit if you like lots of scenery. The view from the lookout is phenomenal!
Nearby Attractions
- Mole Creek