On the right track

Jane Becker
Mersey Community Liaison Officer

VISITORS to the Wilmot area south of Devonport will have the chance to follow further in the footsteps of 1850s government surveyor James Dooley with the development of the second stage of Dooleys Track.

The original packhorse trail linked the township of Forth with the Middlesex Plains and provided access to the newly thriving gold mines of the time. It was built during the winter months and is testimony to the hardiness and determination of the pioneers.

In 2002 Wilmot residents approached Forestry Tasmania for support to reopen the track along the Wilmot River. It now provides access to scenic swimming and fishing spots, camping, picnic and toilet facilities and evidence of the original trail can still be seen.

The next stage of work will include another shelter and extending the track to Middlesex Plains, providing a link to other tracks and Cradle Mountain.

The track can be accessed by following Jamiesons Rd from Alma Bridge (12 kms south of Forth on the Wilmot Rd).