The Glover Track is a picturesque entrance trail that passes a historic sandstone quarry and leads into Knocklofty Reserve, where walkers have the choice of various other trails to continue upon.
Highlights
Historic sandstone quarry, towering eucalypts, plentiful birdlife and interpretation boards on the 19th Century Painter, John Glover.
Nature
Park size: 155 hectares
Natural features
Dry sclerophyll forest on the foothills of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Knocklofty Reserve is an excellent site for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for tawny frogmouths blending into the scenery. Six species of native frog can also be found (or heard) in the reserve. For more information on the flora and fauna of Knocklofty, refer to the Friends of Knocklofty website: https://www.friendsofknocklofty.org/
Track details
From the end of Poets Road, begin walking up the Glovers Track past the walking track signs. Almost immediately, a short detour through the nearby sandstone quarry will appear on your left. It is only around 20 metres off the track if you want to check out one of the sites where sandstone was mined for building materials in the 19th century.
After having a look around, continue making your way up the Glover Track. The trail becomes relatively steep, and you will see several interpretive signposts along the way that give some insights on John Glover, the landscape painter and namesake of this track, who painted multiple artworks on site at Knocklofty.
Before long, you will reach the top of the Glover Track, coming out on to the main Knocklofty Fire Trail.
From here, you can continue onto several other trails, including the ponds loop or the Knocklofty circuit, or you can make your own way exploring the reserve and its many tracks.
History
Name history
The Glover Track is named after the 19th century landscape painter, John Glover, who often painted at Knocklofty in the 1830s.
Place history
Previously known as Woodmans Hill, Knocklofty Reserve was previously the sight of several quarries and was heavily deteriorated from mining, logging, grazing and land-clearing. however, Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare Group and City of Hobart began revegetating the reserve in 1992, leading to its current, forested state.
Conditions
Set on the foothills Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, although milder than further up the mountain, conditions can change rapidly, potentially bringing high winds and rain. Check local weather forecasts before attempting any walks in the area, and ensure you have appropriate sun protection. The fire danger rating for the area should also be checked.
For up to date weather forecasting on Knocklofty Reserve, refer to: https://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/west-hobart/
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for your walk and have appropriate clothing such as warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes or boots, as well as water, and snacks.
Weather conditions can change rapidly within the area, so be sure to check the forecast prior to setting out.
Ensure you are paying attention to which trail you are taking, as there are many trails in the area, and it is easy to become disoriented and lost.
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/
Age restrictions and advice
This walk is suitable for all ages.
Location
83 Poets Road, West Hobart Tasmania 7000, Australia
From central Hobart, drive southwest on Liverpool Street for around 800m, then turn right onto Molle St. From here, drive northwest up the hill for around 350 metres, before turning left on to Melville Street. Follow this street for another 350 metres, then turn left at the roundabout onto Lansdowne Crescent. From here, continue for 280 metres, before turning left onto Poets Road. Follow Poets Road up the hill for 750 metres to the end of the road and park here.
Nature
Park size: 155 hectares
Natural features
Dry sclerophyll forest on the foothills of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Knocklofty Reserve is an excellent site for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for tawny frogmouths blending into the scenery. Six species of native frog can also be found (or heard) in the reserve. For more information on the flora and fauna of Knocklofty, refer to the Friends of Knocklofty website: https://www.friendsofknocklofty.org/
Track details
From the end of Poets Road, begin walking up the Glovers Track past the walking track signs. Almost immediately, a short detour through the nearby sandstone quarry will appear on your left. It is only around 20 metres off the track if you want to check out one of the sites where sandstone was mined for building materials in the 19th century.
After having a look around, continue making your way up the Glover Track. The trail becomes relatively steep, and you will see several interpretive signposts along the way that give some insights on John Glover, the landscape painter and namesake of this track, who painted multiple artworks on site at Knocklofty.
Before long, you will reach the top of the Glover Track, coming out on to the main Knocklofty Fire Trail.
From here, you can continue onto several other trails, including the ponds loop or the Knocklofty circuit, or you can make your own way exploring the reserve and its many tracks.
History
Name history
The Glover Track is named after the 19th century landscape painter, John Glover, who often painted at Knocklofty in the 1830s.
Place history
Previously known as Woodmans Hill, Knocklofty Reserve was previously the sight of several quarries and was heavily deteriorated from mining, logging, grazing and land-clearing. however, Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare Group and City of Hobart began revegetating the reserve in 1992, leading to its current, forested state.
Conditions
Set on the foothills Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, although milder than further up the mountain, conditions can change rapidly, potentially bringing high winds and rain. Check local weather forecasts before attempting any walks in the area, and ensure you have appropriate sun protection. The fire danger rating for the area should also be checked.
For up to date weather forecasting on Knocklofty Reserve, refer to: https://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/west-hobart/
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for your walk and have appropriate clothing such as warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes or boots, as well as water, and snacks.
Weather conditions can change rapidly within the area, so be sure to check the forecast prior to setting out.
Ensure you are paying attention to which trail you are taking, as there are many trails in the area, and it is easy to become disoriented and lost.
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/
Age restrictions and advice
This walk is suitable for all ages.
Location
83 Poets Road, West Hobart Tasmania 7000, Australia
From central Hobart, drive southwest on Liverpool Street for around 800m, then turn right onto Molle St. From here, drive northwest up the hill for around 350 metres, before turning left on to Melville Street. Follow this street for another 350 metres, then turn left at the roundabout onto Lansdowne Crescent. From here, continue for 280 metres, before turning left onto Poets Road. Follow Poets Road up the hill for 750 metres to the end of the road and park here.