Walking Wild Tasmania
DYKT or “Do You Know Tasmania” was a slide show put on for the public and organised by members of the Launceston Walking Club, showing and highlighting Tasmania and it’s natural beauty and wilderness. The show was first held in the 1950s.
A new multimedia show returned for public viewing in Launceston during late October 2021. The new production was called “Walking Wild Tasmania” (WWT).
Features of this WWT show included a story of bush fires in National Parks, a collection of interviews of some walkers who have climbed all ‘the Abels’ and a few recent walking and paddling trips by club members.
Our third set of DVDs were released at our 46th “Do You Know Tasmania” show in Launceston in October 2013, Vols 3 & 4, at our 45th show in October 2011, and Vols 1 & 2 officially “launched” by Senator Bob Brown on opening night at our May 2009 “Do You Know Tasmania” 44th show in Launceston.
Copies can be purchased by posting a cheque or money order to the club at PO Box 273, Launceston, TAS 7250, adding $4.50 for each set of 2 DVDs, for postage and packing anywhere in Australia. For International Postage, please email the club for a quotation.
Scroll down to view the DVD contents.
Program Contents - Volume 1 - 77 mins
1. “They Built a Hut” tells the story of the building of the Scott-Kilvert Hut at Lake Rodway - 1966 - 23:23
Ever wondered how our wilderness huts came in to being? This movie documents the building of one such remote hut in the Cradle Mountain region using methods, muscle power, and machinery available in the 1960’s. It was a community venture organised by the Launceston Walking Club and Riverside High School, to provide a facility for bushwalkers near Cradle Mountain. This hut is a memorial to club member Ewan Scott, and Riverside High student David Kilvert, who both perished in a blizzard at Cradle Mountain on 20th May 1965.
2. “Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut” extras - 1966 - 4:57
This material did not make it into the movie, but it has been paired with a 1966 recording of the “Rodway Hut” song that was composed and sung by club members, during the six month construction period.
3. “The Hut” a Mad Movie - 1979 - 10:14
One of our most popular comedy films was another story about the building, and de(con)struction of a bush hut. All rules about building sturdy shelters, care for the environment, and respect for the danger of fire from within and without, are thrown out the window, when these bumbling builders have a go at building a hut in the bush.
4. “Beaufront Deer Park” - 1974 - 9:04
A documentary covering a day out at the Deer Park near the historic town of Ross. The camera takes us up close to these and other wildlife living in the park.
5. “Tin Miners of Port Davey” - 1983 - 13:03
Rare and now historic footage of the pioneer tin miners and their way of life in remote SW Tasmania, are captured in this film. It includes a guided tour with Deny King of the first worked claim by his father Charles, at Cox’s Bight. We see the mining methods employed by Peter and Barbara Willson, as they seek to restore their workings back to nature-as they mine. Footage is also included of LWC members assisting Deny to build a new walkers hut, and erect a tower to enable vital weather reports to be transmitted to the outside world.
6. Voyage on “Eye Of The Wind” - 1987 - 17:10
Join this square rigger on a voyage to remote SW Tasmania to take place in the second Port Davey Regatta. Deny King and his home at Melaleuca are featured, and club members attempt an exploration of Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey using inflatable dinghies after the races are over.
1. “They Built a Hut” tells the story of the building of the Scott-Kilvert Hut at Lake Rodway - 1966 - 23:23
Ever wondered how our wilderness huts came in to being? This movie documents the building of one such remote hut in the Cradle Mountain region using methods, muscle power, and machinery available in the 1960’s. It was a community venture organised by the Launceston Walking Club and Riverside High School, to provide a facility for bushwalkers near Cradle Mountain. This hut is a memorial to club member Ewan Scott, and Riverside High student David Kilvert, who both perished in a blizzard at Cradle Mountain on 20th May 1965.
2. “Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut” extras - 1966 - 4:57
This material did not make it into the movie, but it has been paired with a 1966 recording of the “Rodway Hut” song that was composed and sung by club members, during the six month construction period.
3. “The Hut” a Mad Movie - 1979 - 10:14
One of our most popular comedy films was another story about the building, and de(con)struction of a bush hut. All rules about building sturdy shelters, care for the environment, and respect for the danger of fire from within and without, are thrown out the window, when these bumbling builders have a go at building a hut in the bush.
4. “Beaufront Deer Park” - 1974 - 9:04
A documentary covering a day out at the Deer Park near the historic town of Ross. The camera takes us up close to these and other wildlife living in the park.
5. “Tin Miners of Port Davey” - 1983 - 13:03
Rare and now historic footage of the pioneer tin miners and their way of life in remote SW Tasmania, are captured in this film. It includes a guided tour with Deny King of the first worked claim by his father Charles, at Cox’s Bight. We see the mining methods employed by Peter and Barbara Willson, as they seek to restore their workings back to nature-as they mine. Footage is also included of LWC members assisting Deny to build a new walkers hut, and erect a tower to enable vital weather reports to be transmitted to the outside world.
6. Voyage on “Eye Of The Wind” - 1987 - 17:10
Join this square rigger on a voyage to remote SW Tasmania to take place in the second Port Davey Regatta. Deny King and his home at Melaleuca are featured, and club members attempt an exploration of Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey using inflatable dinghies after the races are over.
Program Contents - Volume 2 - 88 mins
1. “The Tasman Light” - 1971 - 16:37
Remote Tasman Island lighthouse, off the steep rugged coastline of SE Tasmania, required three attempts over several years before success was achieved. Club members approach by boat, then climb into a basket lowered to the heaving boat’s deck from a sloping cableway. They transfer to a steeply inclined rail trolley to make the final ascent to the plateau. The clay is spent exploring the island, visiting the light keepers family, and inspecting the light itself before safely departing.
2. “Frenchman’s Cap” - 1966 - 4:57
A trip in 1965 to this majestic peak in the rugged Western region of Tasmania. lt records clothing and equipment popular in those days, and was used to promote bushwalking in Tasmania by the Tasmanian Government Tourist Bureau.
3. “Tasmania -The Bushwalkers Paradise” a Mad Movie - 1971 - 5:12
The antics of a group of bushwalkers who appear to be adventurous, but are really very close to home!
4. “West Coast Mission” - 1967 - 19:51
Hiring light aircraft from the Launceston Aeroclub, LWC members land on the shores of the “Jewel of the South West”, Lake Pedder, prior to its inundation in 1972. They fly on to Melaleuca, and sail with Deny King across to Bond Bay. Here they are dropped to begin the trials and tribulations of a remote, difficult walk north along the rugged west coast to Macquarie Harbour, which was not without its drama.
5. Freycinet National Park - 1973 - 17:52
A club trip featuring some of the highlights of this East Coast location. It tells of the Clubs efforts in assisting the development of this popular national park with its iconic Wineglass Bay.
6. “Where the Mersey Flows Free” - 1974 - 15:16
A trip down the Mersey on a small inflatable raft, a method used to access many of our wild rivers in Tasmania. A fly over Lees Paddocks, then a walk through the upper reaches ascending Cathedral Plateau which overlooks the rugged central region of Tasmania. The frozen tarns prove an irresistible attraction to our party, with the inevitable consequences!
7. “Wreck of the Wannon” - 1976 - 8:13
Wartime historic footage of the salvage of this ship and its valuable cargo from a reef off the North Tasmanian coast. A colour introduction and soundtrack were added by the club.
1. “The Tasman Light” - 1971 - 16:37
Remote Tasman Island lighthouse, off the steep rugged coastline of SE Tasmania, required three attempts over several years before success was achieved. Club members approach by boat, then climb into a basket lowered to the heaving boat’s deck from a sloping cableway. They transfer to a steeply inclined rail trolley to make the final ascent to the plateau. The clay is spent exploring the island, visiting the light keepers family, and inspecting the light itself before safely departing.
2. “Frenchman’s Cap” - 1966 - 4:57
A trip in 1965 to this majestic peak in the rugged Western region of Tasmania. lt records clothing and equipment popular in those days, and was used to promote bushwalking in Tasmania by the Tasmanian Government Tourist Bureau.
3. “Tasmania -The Bushwalkers Paradise” a Mad Movie - 1971 - 5:12
The antics of a group of bushwalkers who appear to be adventurous, but are really very close to home!
4. “West Coast Mission” - 1967 - 19:51
Hiring light aircraft from the Launceston Aeroclub, LWC members land on the shores of the “Jewel of the South West”, Lake Pedder, prior to its inundation in 1972. They fly on to Melaleuca, and sail with Deny King across to Bond Bay. Here they are dropped to begin the trials and tribulations of a remote, difficult walk north along the rugged west coast to Macquarie Harbour, which was not without its drama.
5. Freycinet National Park - 1973 - 17:52
A club trip featuring some of the highlights of this East Coast location. It tells of the Clubs efforts in assisting the development of this popular national park with its iconic Wineglass Bay.
6. “Where the Mersey Flows Free” - 1974 - 15:16
A trip down the Mersey on a small inflatable raft, a method used to access many of our wild rivers in Tasmania. A fly over Lees Paddocks, then a walk through the upper reaches ascending Cathedral Plateau which overlooks the rugged central region of Tasmania. The frozen tarns prove an irresistible attraction to our party, with the inevitable consequences!
7. “Wreck of the Wannon” - 1976 - 8:13
Wartime historic footage of the salvage of this ship and its valuable cargo from a reef off the North Tasmanian coast. A colour introduction and soundtrack were added by the club.
Program Contents - Volume 3 - 89 mins
1. “The Weekend Peak” - 1965 - 10:46
This film was the very first made by the Club, and documents a trip from Lake St. Clair to Mt. Manfred via the Cuvier Valley. Vintage bushwalking equipment and open fire cooking record an era of bushwalking that has passed into history.
2. “Over Southern Heights” - 1969 - 17:23
Experience an eight day walk across the Southern Ranges to Precipitous Bluff, descending to New River Lagoon for exploration of the New River by boat, then out to Cockle Creek via the South Coast Track.
3. “Schouten Island” - 1969 - 11:43
We sail around the island in a fishing boat, explore its unique geology and history, set up camp, then climb the peaks, discovering more of its history in the process.
4. “Winter in the Walls” - 1967 - 9:54
Good snowfalls in the Walls of Jerusalem attract a group of club members keen to try their hand at snow and ice climbing in the snow filled gullies.
5. “Steam in the North East” - 1975 - 6:15
Club Member Dr. David Hutchinson's passion for steam trains led to this movie being made of a steam train trip from Launceston to Scottsdale. Railway history and the vanishing sights and sounds of a working steam engine are recorded for posterity.
6. " Hazards, the Hard Way” - 1976 - 11:42
Tasmanian rock climbers, Robert McMahon and Wayne Stevens, feature in some climbs of the Hazards in Freycinet National Park.
7. “Min.Ner.Rane.Ne” - 1979 - 13:07
Voyaging from Strahan, through Hells Gates, along the west coast, our party is landed at the Mainwaring River to walk to Low Rocky Point. Aboriginal hut sites were discovered and documented on this expedition to a rarely visited region.
8. " Ride the Wild Water” a Mad Movie - 1978 - 8:03
Another of our papular comedy films where bushwalkers tackle the problem of what to do when water travel is required. Many corny visual gags are stretched to the limit . . . and beyond!
1. “The Weekend Peak” - 1965 - 10:46
This film was the very first made by the Club, and documents a trip from Lake St. Clair to Mt. Manfred via the Cuvier Valley. Vintage bushwalking equipment and open fire cooking record an era of bushwalking that has passed into history.
2. “Over Southern Heights” - 1969 - 17:23
Experience an eight day walk across the Southern Ranges to Precipitous Bluff, descending to New River Lagoon for exploration of the New River by boat, then out to Cockle Creek via the South Coast Track.
3. “Schouten Island” - 1969 - 11:43
We sail around the island in a fishing boat, explore its unique geology and history, set up camp, then climb the peaks, discovering more of its history in the process.
4. “Winter in the Walls” - 1967 - 9:54
Good snowfalls in the Walls of Jerusalem attract a group of club members keen to try their hand at snow and ice climbing in the snow filled gullies.
5. “Steam in the North East” - 1975 - 6:15
Club Member Dr. David Hutchinson's passion for steam trains led to this movie being made of a steam train trip from Launceston to Scottsdale. Railway history and the vanishing sights and sounds of a working steam engine are recorded for posterity.
6. " Hazards, the Hard Way” - 1976 - 11:42
Tasmanian rock climbers, Robert McMahon and Wayne Stevens, feature in some climbs of the Hazards in Freycinet National Park.
7. “Min.Ner.Rane.Ne” - 1979 - 13:07
Voyaging from Strahan, through Hells Gates, along the west coast, our party is landed at the Mainwaring River to walk to Low Rocky Point. Aboriginal hut sites were discovered and documented on this expedition to a rarely visited region.
8. " Ride the Wild Water” a Mad Movie - 1978 - 8:03
Another of our papular comedy films where bushwalkers tackle the problem of what to do when water travel is required. Many corny visual gags are stretched to the limit . . . and beyond!
Program Contents - Volume 4 - 89 mins
1. “Maria Island” - 1970 - 14:45
Flying to Maria Island, we spend a few days exploring the natural, cultural, and historic aspects of this fascinating island. We climb Bishop & Clerk, and explore Darlington and the remains of convict and industrial periods of settlement.
2. “The South Coast Track” - 1974 - 21:24
We enjoy an aerial preview before landing at Melaleuca to meet Deny King. Eight days of remote walking takes our party through a variety of terrain, from button grass and beaches, over exposed ranges, through rivers, arriving at Cockle Creek.
3. “Maatsuyker Island” - 1976 - 22:07
After obtaining special permission to stay on the island and make another lighthouse film, we recorded the plentiful wildlife, the work involved in the lighthouse operation, and lighthouse keepers' lifestyle. A wild and remote part of Tasmania!
4. “Bush News” - 1979 - 6:13
In newsreel style, we experience the Ida Bay Rail way, follow the upgrade of the Lake Myrtle Hut's combustion stove, and take part in the annual New Year's Day memorial service for Gustav Weindorfer at Waldheim, in Cradle Mt. National Park.
5. “The Snow Shall Not Have Them” a Mad Movie - 1975 - 7:49
A slapstick "silent movie" set in the snows of Ben Lomond. A skier is caught in an avalanche, and a wacky team of rescuers does their best (or worst) to extricate him.
6. “John Batman Country” - 1978 - 11:36
We retrace John Batman’s expedition from Lake Youl on Ben Lomond, following the Nile River through Speke Gorge down river to Deddington, where a celebratory beer with an unusual companion is enjoyed.
7. “Have You Seen a Thylacine?” - 1970 - 4:55
Is it truly extinct? It would appear so, but in 1970 club members explore one of the likely habitats of the Thylacine, looking for evidence of its existance, but without success. The only known movie footage of a Thylacine in the Melbourne Zoo in 1924, cancludes this film.
1. “Maria Island” - 1970 - 14:45
Flying to Maria Island, we spend a few days exploring the natural, cultural, and historic aspects of this fascinating island. We climb Bishop & Clerk, and explore Darlington and the remains of convict and industrial periods of settlement.
2. “The South Coast Track” - 1974 - 21:24
We enjoy an aerial preview before landing at Melaleuca to meet Deny King. Eight days of remote walking takes our party through a variety of terrain, from button grass and beaches, over exposed ranges, through rivers, arriving at Cockle Creek.
3. “Maatsuyker Island” - 1976 - 22:07
After obtaining special permission to stay on the island and make another lighthouse film, we recorded the plentiful wildlife, the work involved in the lighthouse operation, and lighthouse keepers' lifestyle. A wild and remote part of Tasmania!
4. “Bush News” - 1979 - 6:13
In newsreel style, we experience the Ida Bay Rail way, follow the upgrade of the Lake Myrtle Hut's combustion stove, and take part in the annual New Year's Day memorial service for Gustav Weindorfer at Waldheim, in Cradle Mt. National Park.
5. “The Snow Shall Not Have Them” a Mad Movie - 1975 - 7:49
A slapstick "silent movie" set in the snows of Ben Lomond. A skier is caught in an avalanche, and a wacky team of rescuers does their best (or worst) to extricate him.
6. “John Batman Country” - 1978 - 11:36
We retrace John Batman’s expedition from Lake Youl on Ben Lomond, following the Nile River through Speke Gorge down river to Deddington, where a celebratory beer with an unusual companion is enjoyed.
7. “Have You Seen a Thylacine?” - 1970 - 4:55
Is it truly extinct? It would appear so, but in 1970 club members explore one of the likely habitats of the Thylacine, looking for evidence of its existance, but without success. The only known movie footage of a Thylacine in the Melbourne Zoo in 1924, cancludes this film.
Program Contents - Volume 5 - 87 mins
1. "Mt Geryon" - 1972 - 17:05
Our club party documents the approach, camping in the Labyrinth, and successful climb of both North and South Geryon Peaks. Spectacular views are the reward for their efforts in the clear summer weather. There are some activities shown that are no longer considered appropriate in our National Parks, but back then were common practice.
2. "Lets Go Camping" - 1981- 6:54
A slapstick "Mad Movie” bush-adventure, attempting to illustrate the bushcraft skills required to set up a successful bush camp.
3. "Ski Ben Lomond“ - 1970 - 14:42
A wonderful and nostalgic record of the extensive and reliable snow seasons that Ben Lomond once experienced in the 1960's.
4. "Prince Of Wales Range" - 1981 - 15:34
We experience the ups and downs of a ten day walk starting from the Lyell Highway along the Jane River Track, then over the Prince of Wales Range to the Gordon Dam. They also had good weather the day they climbed Diamond Peak. This traverse is still considered one of the remotest and challenging walks in Tasmania.
5. “Mt Chappell Island" - 1972 - 12:52
Members of the Launceston Walking Club accompany professional snake catcher, Roy Vogelpoel, to the island, helping him document and study the island's Tiger snakes, some were collected for research. Other wildlife included in the film are Mutton Birds and Cape Barren Geese.
6. “Port Davey" - 1973 - 19:53
Our club members flew into Melaleuca, meeting its resident tin miner, Deny King, who transported the group to Bond Bay in his boat. The group had come prepared to explore Port Davey by inflatable craft, however the weather did not co-operate. Their adventures were captured on film before they resourcefully made their own way back to Melaleuca Inlet.
1. "Mt Geryon" - 1972 - 17:05
Our club party documents the approach, camping in the Labyrinth, and successful climb of both North and South Geryon Peaks. Spectacular views are the reward for their efforts in the clear summer weather. There are some activities shown that are no longer considered appropriate in our National Parks, but back then were common practice.
2. "Lets Go Camping" - 1981- 6:54
A slapstick "Mad Movie” bush-adventure, attempting to illustrate the bushcraft skills required to set up a successful bush camp.
3. "Ski Ben Lomond“ - 1970 - 14:42
A wonderful and nostalgic record of the extensive and reliable snow seasons that Ben Lomond once experienced in the 1960's.
4. "Prince Of Wales Range" - 1981 - 15:34
We experience the ups and downs of a ten day walk starting from the Lyell Highway along the Jane River Track, then over the Prince of Wales Range to the Gordon Dam. They also had good weather the day they climbed Diamond Peak. This traverse is still considered one of the remotest and challenging walks in Tasmania.
5. “Mt Chappell Island" - 1972 - 12:52
Members of the Launceston Walking Club accompany professional snake catcher, Roy Vogelpoel, to the island, helping him document and study the island's Tiger snakes, some were collected for research. Other wildlife included in the film are Mutton Birds and Cape Barren Geese.
6. “Port Davey" - 1973 - 19:53
Our club members flew into Melaleuca, meeting its resident tin miner, Deny King, who transported the group to Bond Bay in his boat. The group had come prepared to explore Port Davey by inflatable craft, however the weather did not co-operate. Their adventures were captured on film before they resourcefully made their own way back to Melaleuca Inlet.
Program Contents - Volume 6 - 82 mins
1. "Peaks and High Places" - 1968 - 28:26
We fly over the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in winter, and document a series of walks in the park in all seasons, to show you why the Overland Track is one of the premier bushwalking experiences that Tasmania has to offer.
2. "Conquering the White Wilderness" - 1973 - 5:53
Another one of our slapstick ”Mad Movie" mis-adventures, set in the winter snows of Ben Lomond.
3. "New Harbour South West Tasmania" - 1981 - 11:09
Our club party flies into Melaleuca and sets off to camp at New Harbour and then explore the spectacular views from the New Harbour Range over Cox Bight.
4. "Wee Georgie Wood of Tullah“ - 1969 - 5:48
In this fascinating footage. we visit Tullah in the days before road access was built. The only access was then using the small steam engine, "Wee Georgie Wood" running on a two foot gauge railway which ran six miles from Tullah to Farrell Siding on the main line.
5. “Cradle Mountain 1930's Style" - 1968 - 9:09
Part of a 1930's film produced by the Tasmanian Government Tourist Bureau, to promote Cradle Mountain and the Overland Track as a tourist destination. It is interesting to compare the styles of transport of that era to that we have today.
6. “Lobster Creek Tramway" - 1974 - 12:36
Historical footage of timber workers felling and transporting timber from the Leven River valley to Ulverstone, using bullock teams, ancient motor lorries, steam tramway, and steam powered punt.
7.“CCS No.23"- 1979 - 9:09
This was the Tasmanian Government Railway's last steam engine, working from 1902 to 1978, and was the mascot for the TGR Centenary in 1971. This film shows her restoration by the Van Diemen light Rail Society in 1978 and maiden run. CCS 23 is currently dismantled for restoration at the Don River railway in Devonport.
1. "Peaks and High Places" - 1968 - 28:26
We fly over the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in winter, and document a series of walks in the park in all seasons, to show you why the Overland Track is one of the premier bushwalking experiences that Tasmania has to offer.
2. "Conquering the White Wilderness" - 1973 - 5:53
Another one of our slapstick ”Mad Movie" mis-adventures, set in the winter snows of Ben Lomond.
3. "New Harbour South West Tasmania" - 1981 - 11:09
Our club party flies into Melaleuca and sets off to camp at New Harbour and then explore the spectacular views from the New Harbour Range over Cox Bight.
4. "Wee Georgie Wood of Tullah“ - 1969 - 5:48
In this fascinating footage. we visit Tullah in the days before road access was built. The only access was then using the small steam engine, "Wee Georgie Wood" running on a two foot gauge railway which ran six miles from Tullah to Farrell Siding on the main line.
5. “Cradle Mountain 1930's Style" - 1968 - 9:09
Part of a 1930's film produced by the Tasmanian Government Tourist Bureau, to promote Cradle Mountain and the Overland Track as a tourist destination. It is interesting to compare the styles of transport of that era to that we have today.
6. “Lobster Creek Tramway" - 1974 - 12:36
Historical footage of timber workers felling and transporting timber from the Leven River valley to Ulverstone, using bullock teams, ancient motor lorries, steam tramway, and steam powered punt.
7.“CCS No.23"- 1979 - 9:09
This was the Tasmanian Government Railway's last steam engine, working from 1902 to 1978, and was the mascot for the TGR Centenary in 1971. This film shows her restoration by the Van Diemen light Rail Society in 1978 and maiden run. CCS 23 is currently dismantled for restoration at the Don River railway in Devonport.