Cathedral Rock to Mount Montagu and Wellington Falls Circuit

Varying flora and fauna can be seen or heard on this walk, including Tasmanian Tree Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica), Tasmanian Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia Lanceolata), Tasmanian snow gum (Eucalyptus coccifera), Alpine Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus subcrenulata), Mountain Pinkberries (Leptecophylla parvifolia) and a wide range of bird life including Green Rosellas (Platycercus caledonicus), Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos (Zanda funerea), the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) and the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae).

Kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a known breeding ground for the critically endangered Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) and is also home to the endangered Tasmanian Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) and Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii).

Feral cats are a threat to biodiversity within the park, as are other Introduced species including the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae).

* Attempting this walk during or after wet conditions is not recommended, as there are multiple sections of rock scrambling that may be too slippery to safely complete, as well as river crossings that may become impassable after heavy rain. For more information, please refer to the Safety Advice section.

While this is one of the more challenging walks in the region, it is also one of the most rewarding. Experiencing this type of varied terrain on a day walk only a short drive from the city is an amazing experience.

Start walking from the car park next to North West Bay River up the hill along the road. There are several private properties that have driveways connecting to the road at this point, and walkers should ensure they remain on the main road. After around 480 metres, a separate track splits off to the right, which is the beginning of the Cathedral Rock Track. Take this turnoff. 

The first few kilometres of the trail follows the river, with mossy boulders and ferns lining the track. After walking for around 1.6km, the trail begins to get gradually steeper, before levelling out again. Some sections along here can become quite muddy. This area is rich with bird life, including the Lyrebird, and it is worth keeping an ear out for them as they mimic multiple other bird species calls. 

Around 2.8km into the walk, you will reach the main uphill section that leads up to Cathedral Rock. This section of the walk is very steep, gaining hundreds of metres of altitude over a relatively short distance. 

As you gain altitude, the forest and flora around you goes through multiple changes, morphing from wet sclerophyll dominated by acacia and dogwood in to wet eucalyptus forest, with sub alpine species then beginning to make an appearance.

Once you have been walking for around 3.9kms, you will reach a track intersection for the Betts Hill and Cathedral Rock Tracks. Take the right hand turn to stay on the Cathedral Rock Track for the push to the summit.

The last few hundred metres to the top of Cathedral Rock are very steep and some rock scrambling is required. Look out for frost or ice on the rock, as it is south facing and will often have some on it during the colder months.

Once you are at the top of Cathedral Rock, there are several lookout points with excellent views out to Storm Bay, the Wellington Range and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Perhaps the most impressive viewpoint is out across the Montagu Thumbs, the ridgeline behind Cathedral Rock, and the next section of this walk.

There is, however, quite a sharp and sudden drop-off, especially on the northern face, and extra care should be taken while exploring this area, staying away from the cliffs edge. 

After leaving Cathedral Rock to continue over the Thumbs, head a few metres back the way you came down the southern side of the rock, and there is a trail that continues along the southern side of the Ridge line. Do not attempt to follow the very top of the Ridge line here, as there is a drop-off after a short distance.

As you make your way along the ridgeline, you will travel mostly through light woodlands, with a few scrambling sections where you'll need both hands free to move across. The flora along the ridgeline consists of a range of sub-alpine species, including Tasmanian Snow Gum (Eucalyptus coccifera), Alpine Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus subcrenulata), Richea dracophylla and Mountain Pinkberries (Leptecophylla parvifolia).

Towards the end of the thumbs, you will reach a high point that is distinctive as it is somewhat flatter and wider than the other high points so far, making it a good spot for a rest and a snack. 

After leaving this point, you will make your way a short distance down into the forest, where you will come across the Old Montagu Fire Trail. At this point you will have travelled slightly over 7km from beginning. There will be a signpost pointing you to go right. Follow the signpost. At this point, you are 1.8km from the summit of Mt. Montagu.

The trail between here and the Mt. Montagu turnoff is relatively easy. Once you reach the Mt. Montagu turnoff, there will be another sign directing you to take a left hand turn up to the mountain. It is around 600 metres from this point, however, the path to the top is very steep, with multiple sections of rock slab which can be slippery and difficult to traverse when wet or frozen, so it can take longer than anticipated.

Once you are at the peak, on a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning 360 degree views out to Fluted Cape on Bruny Island, the Tasman Peninsula, Sleeping Beauty and the rest of the Wellington Range, and an excellent view of the Huon Valley and the mountains of the South-West behind it. This point is an excellent spot for lunch, especially on a sunny day.

Once you have finished enjoying the views atop Mt. Montagu, head back the way you came to where the Mt. Montagu Track meets the Old Montagu Fire Trail. This time, turn left in the direction of the Thark Ridge Trail, as indicated on the signpost at the intersection. 

After a short distance you will come across another intersection and a signpost directing you to take a right hand turn to Wellington Falls. Take this turnoff. From here it is 1km to Wellington Falls. 

This section of the trail can be difficult to follow at several points, as the trail merges with dolerite boulder fields. When you come to the first one, cross the boulders at the top of the field, and you will find the path on the other side. Keep an eye out for the occasional cairn (piles of rocks) if you are unsure where to go, as someone may have left them there to indicate the correct path. Once you are nearly at the falls, the track becomes quite steep. Make your way slowly down to the water’s edge of Northwest Bay River, the river that feeds Wellington Falls. 

This section of the river is made up of several beautiful, clear pools. While it may be tempting to swim here on a hot day, the water here is part of the Hobart drinking water catchment, and swimming is not permitted. 

Once you have finished appreciating the clear waters, make your way across the river, stepping across the stones at a point where it is safe to do so. Generally, it is easy to cross in one step, however, water levels may rise after heavy rain or snow, and crossing the river should not be attempted if it is flooded.

At this point, you will have walked approximately 11.13km.

After crossing the river, there is a trail on the other side that leads up then across. You will cross a small boulder field and then meet another trail where you will take a right hand turn down the hill. 

After a short distance, you will meet a trail intersection with a sign to the Wellington Falls lookout. This detour is worthwhile as you will get a proper view of the waterfall. At the bottom of the lookout trail, there is a bench and views through the forest to Wellington Falls. 

Once you are ready, make your way back up the hill to the intersection and take a right hand turn. From here, you will gradually make your way downhill to where the trail meets with the Pipeline Track. Along the way, there are some great views out across the valley looking back toward Cathedral Rock and the Montagu Thumbs, giving you a chance to appreciate them from a distance.

Once you reach the Pipeline Track, turn left and you will see a bike rack on the other side of the path. To the right of the bike rack there is a trail leading down the hill. This is the syphon track and is the next stage of the walk.
 

While the syphon track begins as a steady downhill, it soon becomes extremely steep and can be quite slippery from the loose leaves and dirt. Use the trees along the side of the trail to keep yourself steady as you make your way down. Walking poles can also help to keep your balance for this section. You will see sections of Pipe from Hobarts historic water supply system along the trail.

At the bottom of the steepest part of the syphon track, you will meet Plains Rivulet. Hop across the rocks and continue to the trail on the other side.

After walking a short distance, a rough track will appear off to your right leading down to North West Bay River. Head down this trail and cross the river. The river will have two branches at this point, however, unless there is very high water only the far side will be flowing. Make your way across the rocks, and then head down stream around 15 metres, keeping an eye out for a pink piece of tape on a tree, as this is the marker for the trail. 

If the boulders in the riverbed are dry, you also have the option of walking along the river to the car park. As it can often be too slippery to do this, however, following the trail is generally the safest option.

The track follows the creek for a few metres, before heading uphill into the forest. After following the trail for a short distance, you will meet with the Cathedral Rock track you started on earlier in the day. Take a left hand turn here and make your way back to the beginning of the track and the car park.

This walk is extremely exposed to the weather, with strong winds, freezing temperatures, snow and rain occurring regularly. The trail is often wet, which can be extremely slippery if frozen over, requiring additional care.

It is not recommended you attempt this walk during wet conditions, as the sections that require rock scrambling will become very unsafe and potentially impassable. River crossings may also become impassable after heavy rain or snow.

While conditions may be fine at the outset of your walk, weather conditions within in this section of the park can change rapidly, potentially bringing high winds, rain, and snow, even during summer. 

Check local weather forecasts before attempting any walks in Wellington Park. Also be aware that roads may be closed on certain days during winter due to icy roads and snow cover. 

Ensure you have appropriate sun protection, as UV radiation is stronger in high altitude areas, such as on mountains. The fire danger rating for the area should also be checked. Be aware that Wellington Park is closed on days with a fire danger rating of Extreme or Catastrophic in the Upper Derwent Valley or Southeast districts. 

For up to date weather forecasting on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mtwellington.shtml

This is one of the more challenging and technical walks in Wellington Park, and some navigation skills and familiarity with walking on poorly defined tracks is recommended. It is recommended that you walk in a small group for this walk. 

This walk should not be attempted in wet, snowy, or foggy conditions. There are regular sections that require scrambling on rock faces. There are also several river crossings that may be impassable after heavy rain or snow. The trail is very rocky and often wet, and after cold weather, wet sections may be frozen, making them very slippery, requiring additional caution. 

Sections of this walk are extremely exposed to shear drops of hundreds of metres, especially around Cathedral Rock and the Montagu Thumbs, requiring extra care from walkers.  

This walk includes sections that are over 1000 metres in altitude, with weather conditions changing rapidly in the area, and freezing temperatures occurring regularly. 

Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking boots, a map, compass, food and water. Attempting walks in this region without adequate preparation is extremely dangerous and may lead to hypothermia and death.

There are sections of the trail where you may have limited access to mobile service, and it is recommended that walkers carry an emergency beacon device such as a PLB or EPIRB as well as let at least two people know which hike they are completing in case of an emergency. 

There are extremely steep sections on this trail going both up and down, and walking poles are highly recommended.

Hikers should also be aware of the possibility of bushfires as this is a forested environment. 

During spring, summer and autumn, be aware that snakes may be active in the area. If encountered, move away from them slowly.  

If you are injured and require emergency medical attention, call 000.

For further information on bushfires in Tasmania, refer to: https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/