Track Status Update

28th March 2025 - Sustainable Timbers Tasmania have advised they are planning to undertake a controlled low intensity burn to regenerate the harvested area on the eastern side of Black Pit road. To ensure the safety of track users they will close the track for the duration of this activity and for a few days afterwards, only opening when the area is deemed as safe.

Notice of track closure will be provided on this page at least 2 days in advance, please keep checking on this if you are planning to do the walk in the next few weeks or join as a member if you would like email notification.

Who we are

The group is made up of community members working in conjunction with Sustainable Timbers Tasmania, the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service and Forico.

Where we work

St Valentines Peak is a prominent mountain on the north west coast of Tasmania only 30 minutes’ drive south of Burnie. The current track up the northern face from the end of Kara Rd was constructed in 1995 to ensure continued easy access for the public. The track can be accessed by turning down Upper Natone Road from Hampshire then following Kara Rd until the Tasmanian Mines entrance. Please be aware that large trucks use Kara Rd during the week, they use UHF channel 26 to alert their presence using the signs that have been erected. Do not drive past the mine gates, follow the spur road to the left for another 1.3km until reaching the car park. Note the car park is not suitable for turning trailers and caravans, please reverse park along the western side of the car park area to allow for easy access to other users. The walk takes approximately 4 hours return and is very exposed at the summit. Ensure you are prepared for rapid weather changes at any time of the year. Mobile phone reception is patchy on the lower slopes but improves as height is gained. Maps can be found in the Files tab.

What we do

Liaising with landowners on proposed maintenance activities, carrying out track vegetation clearing, upgrading sections, keeping infrastructure in good condition and improving the walking experience into the future. Our group aims to provide more information to potential users and be the single point of contact for issues that arise in the area. President James Dick, tells us more about the group in this video.

Contacts

President: James Dick james.dick@forico.com.au Secretary: Chris Dennis igckdennis@bigpond.com Treasurer: Rodney Walker rodneywwalker@bigpond.com

Wildcare Friends of Macquarie Harbour and Waterways

Working with the Fish Farms