A lovely, relatively short walk through eucalyptus forest to New Town Falls.
Highlights
Eucalyptus forests, a waterfall and plentiful bird life. Keep your eyes out for Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (Zanda funereal).
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Along the way you can expect to see Eucalyptus forest, dogwood (Pomaderris apetala), Tasmanian native cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis), dolerite boulders, the bubbling New Town Rivulet, and New Town Falls. Keep your eyes and ears out for Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (Zanda funereal), and other native birdlife.
Conservation
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).
Track details
The trail starts at the end of Lenah Valley Road, where there is a concrete walkway across the New Town Rivulet. Cross the rivulet and pass a white gate. Continue walking for around 200 metres before coming to a Y intersection. Take the right trail which is the Lenah Valley Fire Trail. Follow the trail through the dry eucalyptus forest for around 550 metres, after which you will reach a signposted intersection.
Here, you leave the fire trail behind and continue on to the Old Hobartians Track, which begins with a steep incline up stone steps with a handrail. The trail is quite steep in sections. This section of the trail traverses through denser forest, with the New Town Rivulet flowing at the bottom of the valley. After walking up hill for around 600 metres you will reach another signposted intersection. Here, there is the ruins of an old hut. To continue to New Town Falls, turn left on to the Lenah Valley Track. The forest throughout this section is more open, dry eucalyptus woodland, with large, dolerite boulders littered amongst the trees.
It is reasonably easy going for this next section, with the steepest parts of the trail behind you. After walking around 350 metres, a fire trail will cut across your path. Cross the fire trail and continue along your current track. After around 350 metres, you will come to a Y intersection. The left-hand, lower path leads to the lower viewing area of New Town Falls. Here, you can choose to follow the path to the lower viewing area, or alternatively, you can continue along the track you are currently on, which crosses the upper section of New Town Falls after around 150 metres.
Both areas are worth checking out, however, the trail down to the lower viewing area is quite steep and can be somewhat slippery after rain. You will get a better view of the valley from the upper section of the falls, however, especially after heavy rain, the lower section has a better view of the falls. None of the cliff edges here have railings, and the rock can be slippery, so approach with care.
Keep in mind that if there has not been much rain, there may be very little water flowing at the falls, however, it is still a lovely spot to stop for snack and enjoy the forest and the views. Once you are ready to leave, make your way back the way you came.
Conditions
While this walk is located toward the base of Kunanyi, conditions can still change rapidly, and it is still prone to high winds and rain. If you are venturing further up the mountain there may be high winds, rain, and snow, even in summer. Check local weather forecasts before attempting any walks in Wellington Park.
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 Lenah Valley, refer to:
http://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/lenah-valley/
For up to date weather forecasting on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to:
Safety advice
The cliff faces are not protected around New Town Falls, and the rock surfaces can be slippery when wet, so caution is required. Adult supervision is also recommended here for these same reasons.
After heavy rain, the track that crosses the upper section of the falls may be flooded, and should not be crossed if there is fast-moving water.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and food and water. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly in the area.
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
While this walk is appropriate for all ages, there are steep sections and exposed cliff faces, requiring adult supervision of children.
Location
387a Lenah Valley Road, Lenah Valley Tasmania 7008, Australia
From Hobart, drive north up Elizabeth Street for around 2km before turning on to Augusta Road. Follow Augusta Road until it becomes Lenah valley Road for 5.3km. This will bring you to the end of road, stopping where there is a small car park before it becomes private access only.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Along the way you can expect to see Eucalyptus forest, dogwood (Pomaderris apetala), Tasmanian native cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis), dolerite boulders, the bubbling New Town Rivulet, and New Town Falls. Keep your eyes and ears out for Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos (Zanda funereal), and other native birdlife.
Conservation
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).
Track details
The trail starts at the end of Lenah Valley Road, where there is a concrete walkway across the New Town Rivulet. Cross the rivulet and pass a white gate. Continue walking for around 200 metres before coming to a Y intersection. Take the right trail which is the Lenah Valley Fire Trail. Follow the trail through the dry eucalyptus forest for around 550 metres, after which you will reach a signposted intersection.
Here, you leave the fire trail behind and continue on to the Old Hobartians Track, which begins with a steep incline up stone steps with a handrail. The trail is quite steep in sections. This section of the trail traverses through denser forest, with the New Town Rivulet flowing at the bottom of the valley. After walking up hill for around 600 metres you will reach another signposted intersection. Here, there is the ruins of an old hut. To continue to New Town Falls, turn left on to the Lenah Valley Track. The forest throughout this section is more open, dry eucalyptus woodland, with large, dolerite boulders littered amongst the trees.
It is reasonably easy going for this next section, with the steepest parts of the trail behind you. After walking around 350 metres, a fire trail will cut across your path. Cross the fire trail and continue along your current track. After around 350 metres, you will come to a Y intersection. The left-hand, lower path leads to the lower viewing area of New Town Falls. Here, you can choose to follow the path to the lower viewing area, or alternatively, you can continue along the track you are currently on, which crosses the upper section of New Town Falls after around 150 metres.
Both areas are worth checking out, however, the trail down to the lower viewing area is quite steep and can be somewhat slippery after rain. You will get a better view of the valley from the upper section of the falls, however, especially after heavy rain, the lower section has a better view of the falls. None of the cliff edges here have railings, and the rock can be slippery, so approach with care.
Keep in mind that if there has not been much rain, there may be very little water flowing at the falls, however, it is still a lovely spot to stop for snack and enjoy the forest and the views. Once you are ready to leave, make your way back the way you came.
Conditions
While this walk is located toward the base of Kunanyi, conditions can still change rapidly, and it is still prone to high winds and rain. If you are venturing further up the mountain there may be high winds, rain, and snow, even in summer. Check local weather forecasts before attempting any walks in Wellington Park.
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 Lenah Valley, refer to:
http://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/lenah-valley/
For up to date weather forecasting on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to:
Safety advice
The cliff faces are not protected around New Town Falls, and the rock surfaces can be slippery when wet, so caution is required. Adult supervision is also recommended here for these same reasons.
After heavy rain, the track that crosses the upper section of the falls may be flooded, and should not be crossed if there is fast-moving water.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and food and water. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly in the area.
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
While this walk is appropriate for all ages, there are steep sections and exposed cliff faces, requiring adult supervision of children.
Location
387a Lenah Valley Road, Lenah Valley Tasmania 7008, Australia
From Hobart, drive north up Elizabeth Street for around 2km before turning on to Augusta Road. Follow Augusta Road until it becomes Lenah valley Road for 5.3km. This will bring you to the end of road, stopping where there is a small car park before it becomes private access only.