Location and approaches
Blue Tier sits above the settlements of Weldborough, Lottah and Poimena in north‑east Tasmania. The usual approach is from the Tasman Highway turnoffs toward Lottah and Poimena; the Anchor Road and Lottah Road provide the main vehicle access. Roads up to Poimena and parking areas are narrow and can carry shuttle buses, cars with trailers and other visitors, so allow extra time and expect limited passing space.
Choose the right track for your day
Tracks range from an easy accessible rainforest loop to long, rough and exposed routes. The Goblin Forest is a short 400 metre circuit graded as Grade 1 and is suitable for people with limited bushwalking experience and for assisted wheelchair access. Several short climbs to summits, including Mount Poimena, are Grade 4 and require good fitness, sure footing and some route‑finding. The Australia Hill Circuit is shown as about 4.4 kilometres (Grade 4) and the Blue Tier Heritage Trail is a one‑way route of around 10.5 kilometres (Grade 4) that needs a full day and bushwalking experience. Distance alone does not describe steepness, surface or exposure, so read the grade and plan accordingly.
Weather, clothing and essential kit
Weather on the plateau can change quickly. Even when the coast is fine, the high country may be cold, foggy and wet. Carry warm and waterproof layers, and take food and at least the minimum water recommended for day walks: plan on roughly 1 litre per person for every three hours of walking. A map and navigation aids are important because mobile phone coverage cannot be relied upon. A Personal Locator Beacon is recommended for remote walking. Tell someone your route and intended return time, and record trip intentions in any available log book before you head out.
Road and vehicle precautions
The approach roads are narrow, can be busy with shuttle traffic and are shared with native wildlife. Drive slowly, take care when meeting trailers or buses and avoid driving in the reserve at night where possible. If the trackhead or carpark shows current park alerts, check with Parks staff or the local alerts page before starting. Allow for slower progress on narrow forest roads and park only where indicated.
Mining heritage and safety on the ground
Tin mining reshaped parts of the Blue Tier and remnant workings remain in the forest. Old shafts, collapsed workings and disturbed ground can be unstable. Keep to marked routes, stay well clear of any openings and do not enter or attempt to explore ruins or shafts. Leave all heritage artefacts where you find them; removing items damages cultural heritage and can be unsafe.
Restrictions: camping, bikes and dogs
Camping is not permitted anywhere within the Blue Tier Regional Reserve, including the Poimena area. Bicycles must use authorised mountain‑bike tracks and are not permitted on some walking tracks; check the signboards at each trailhead. Dogs are permitted in some parts of the reserve but must be kept on a lead where allowed. Observe posted rules at carparks and trailheads to confirm where dogs and bikes are permitted on that particular track.
Suitability and fitness checks
Grade 1 walks like the Goblin Forest are suitable for families and visitors with limited bushwalking experience. Grade 4 tracks are longer, rougher and may be steep or exposed; these require bushwalking experience, solid footwear and a conservative plan. If cloud, high wind or deteriorating track conditions make progress unsafe, be prepared to turn back. Avoid walking alone where possible and consider carrying an emergency blanket and a basic first aid kit.
Biosecurity and track etiquette
Help limit the spread of root rot and other pests by cleaning mud from boots, pack gear and vehicles before and after visiting. Use designated carparks and stay on formed tracks to protect fragile vegetation and cultural sites. Pack out what you bring in.
Checks to make before you go
Before you leave your accommodation, check current park alerts and fire or planned burn information for the Blue Tier area. Review the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the day and local fire authority advice if conditions are dry. Take a printed map or an offline map copy; do not rely solely on mobile coverage. If you expect to be in remote country for extended periods, hire or carry a Personal Locator Beacon.
Final practical notes
Allow extra travel time for narrow roads and possible shuttle traffic. Expect rapidly changing weather and plan food and water for longer than the nominal walking time. Keep an eye out for heritage signs and interpretive panels that explain former mining sites, but do not approach or enter any workings. Follow park signage and staff directions at all times.