The Bare Traveller

A Unique Walk to Mt Wellington Summit, Hobart

Mount Wellington, located in Hobart, is the city’s most prominent feature. It’s an old natural wonder that dates back to the Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic periods. 

It stands at a height of 1270 metres, with massive stone columns as its distinguishing feature and adornment. 

Because of their similarity to organ pipes and the intriguing noises they make when the wind blows, these boulders are commonly referred to as organ pipes.

Mt Wellington, Tasmania

At the end of the 18th century, Wellington was found and conquered by
George Bass. On Christmas Day, 1798, an English adventurer and explorer of Australia ascended to the summit. 

The mountain was nicknamed various times by the native inhabitants and British settlers throughout those distant eras.

The name Kunanyi was chosen by Tasmanians. The mount gained its current official name in the twenties of the nineteenth century in honour of the Irish- born military and statesman Arthur Wesley, who was the first holder of the honorary title — the Duke of Wellington.

Mt Wellington walk, Hobart - Tasmania

Hobart’s principal natural attraction began to acquire appeal among people in the mid-nineteenth century. There were the earliest hiking paths and recreation areas. 

During a long walk, one of the tourist groups discovered a spectacular waterfall on the mountain’s southern flank.

At the same time, humans began to aggressively utilise Mt.’s natural resources. Conservationists worked for decades to protect the Mount’s diverse biodiversity, and in the end, they were successful. 

Mt Wellington and its surroundings are now under the protection of the State.

Mt Wellington walk, Hobart Tasmania

Today, Hobart’s major peak remains a popular site for active recreation and tourism for both locals and visitors. For the anecdote, the Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2014, fell in love with Mount Wellington.

From the summit, there is a spectacular view of the surrounds, which is especially lovely at sunrise and sunset. 

Several handy observation platforms have been installed for tourists to make their stay at the summit as comfortable as possible.

How to get to the top of Mt Wellington?

The summit of Mount Wellington is accessible by road or by trails.

By Car: If you have a car, you can reach the summit via road. It is about 30-minute drive from Hobart city centre.

By bus: There is no public bus that goes to the peak, however you may get near by visiting the settlement of Fern Tree, which is about 8 kilometres from Hobart (accessible by bus from Hobart, at the Franklin Square stop).

Then there will be 5 kilometres and 800 metres of elevation gain to reach the top. This path passes near The Springs Wellington Park car park as well as the Silver Falls waterfall.

To get straight to the peak by bus, you must engage the services of a tourist agency (minibus). There are other formulae available, such as taking the bus and exiting on foot or by mountain bike.

Walking:
From Hobart, a 12-kilometer-long route climbs to the top. Cascade Track is a lengthy route that begins at the Cascade brewery. This path takes you past Myrtle Gully Falls and the Springs Wellington Park parking lot. 

There are other options. On the hiking trails, there are several refuges and picnic sites with barbecues (wood provided).

Mount Wellington walk, Hobart Tasmania

The Springs Wellington Lot car park, through which the two hiking paths described above pass (but also the only road up to the top), features a picnic area with a grill (free and wood provided).

As a result, being able to reach this car park allows you to reduce the hike path if you use transportation. As a result, there will only be 3.2 kilometres to go for a 500-meter elevation change.

Stairs - Mount Wellington path, Hobart Tasmania

Be aware that access might be hampered in the winter due to the summit’s frequent snowfall. Mount Wellington is surrounded by Wellington Park, a big pristine region, only a portion of which is easily accessible (to the east of the park). 

The rest of Wellington Park may be explored on foot, mountain bike, horseback, quad, or 4WD.

The loop Hike to the Summit of Mount Wellington

  • Hiking Distance: 9 Km circuit loop
  • Time Required: 2.5 – 3 hours Return to The Springs
  • Elevation: total elevation gain of 595 metres
  • Mt Wellington’s summit elevation is 1271 metres above sea level
  • The walk is of moderate difficulty (a bit steep)

The Springs is the starting point for my Mount Wellington summit trek. You may drive, take the Wellington Explorer, or walk from Fern Tree to get here.

The trek is very steep, rising approximately 600 metres of height in around 4 kilometres. The tracks on Kunanyi, on the other hand, are extremely well maintained and quite busy. 

The track follows the above-mentioned circuit loop. I’ve also posted a map below that shows the route I’m recommending.

The Path from the Springs to Sphinx Rock

Walking up Mount Wellington from The Springs, follow the Lenah Valley route on the right side of Pinnacle Road. This is a reasonably level trail that winds along the ridge to Sphinx Rock.

Sphinx Rock on Mount Wellington is an excellent vantage point with comparable (though lower) views of Hobart. To proceed, you must first open a steel gate.

view from the stairs - Mount Wellington path, Hobart Tasmania

This fence was constructed by the council to keep small children from wandering to the precipitous cliff drop. 

Prepare your legs for a short but strong descent along the Lower Sawmill Track after soaking in the scenery. This trailhead is indicated at the bifurcation, directly near to Sphinx Rock overlook.

The Lower Sawmill Track and Organ Pipes Track

The Lower Sawmill route is the steepest and most challenging to travel on this Mount Wellington walk to the top. Rest assured, it’s just a short section, and before you know it, you’ll be back on Pinnacle Road.

Cross the road and go up until you reach a bifurcation marked “Organ Pipes Track”. This is a longer trail, but if you want to go to Mount Wellington’s peak, turn left at this fork and continue it up to the Zig Zag Track.

Organ Pipes Track, Mount Wellington Hobart Tasmania

One of Hobart’s most well-known sights is the Organ Pipes. One of Mount Wellington’s most recognisable characteristics are these massive and steep dolerite columns. 

These columns are thought to have originated during the Jurassic Period, when Tasmania separated from what is now Antarctica.

After the last uphill segment, the Organ Pipes Track provides a welcome rest for the legs. You’ll come to another fork with the signage for the Zig Zag Track after approximately 800 metres.

The Zig Zag Track to the Summit of Mount Wellington

The Zig Zag way is a steep track that serves as the major approach to the top of Mount Wellington. While there are other hiking routes on Mount Wellington that lead to this track, the Zig Zag track is the only way up other than taking the road.

The Zig Zag Track to Mt Wellington Summit

This last effort provides several opportunity to pause and appreciate Mount Wellington and Hobart panoramic views. Nonetheless, keep going since the greatest views are undoubtedly from the top.

The Pinnacle and Mt Wellington Lookout

The enormous spire known as the Australian transmission tower will be the first indicator that you are reaching the peak. From here, you’ll reach the official summit point as well as a handful of overlooks.

The Pinnacle Observation Centre

The Pinnacle Observation Centre is an inside observation deck with much of information on the Pinnacle Road’s building history. It’s a nice place to escape the rain and take in the view from the top.

Mt Wellington Lookout, Hobart Tasmania

There are a handful of fantastic overlooks overlooking Hobart on a large and vast promenade if you proceed past the centre.

Final Thoughts

If you happen to visit Tasmania’s capital, I hight recommend hiking to Mount Wellington. This unique hike provides you with unique panoramic views of the capital. 

My recommendation would be to hike to the top, and them a lift back to the city. Can’t wait to read your comments.

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