A short walk to a sandstone outcrop with a small cavern in the back, where a bushranger, John "Rocky" Whelan, was based in 1854-55 while on the run.
Highlights
A large sandstone outcrop where it is said that the bushranger John Rocky Whelan sheltered while on the run.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
A large sandstone outcrop with an overhang surrounded by eucalyptus forest.
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
For a longer walk, there are several other tracks you can take to get to Rocky Whelan's Cave, such as the Fern Glade Track from Fern Tree. This, however, is the shortest and most direct route to the sandstone outcrop.
After parking at the small turnout, walk back down the road to the trailhead, keeping an eye out for cars.
Take the signposted Fern Glade Track. Follow the trail up the hill around 150 metres, and you will come to the turnoff to the cave. Follow this track another 50 metres and you will come to Rocky Whelan's Cave.
While the trees obscure the view of Hobart, if you head to the far side of the outcrop, the trail continues up to the top of the cliff, and you can see the mountain through the eucalyptus trees.
Once you have finished having a look around, head back the way you came.
History
Name history
Rocky Whelan's Cave is named after the notorious bushranger, John "Rocky" Whelan, who is believed to have used it as a hideout for several months whilst on the run after escaping from Port Arthur. Whelan was known to be an especially dangerous bushranger, known for shooting and robbing his victims. He was apprehended and hung for armed robbery in 1855, however, after his arrest he also confessed to the murder of several others.
Conditions
Weather conditions within Wellington Park can change rapidly, potentially bringing 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 Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mtwellington.shtml
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and if you are going to walk further, water and snacks.
Weather conditions can change rapidly within the area, with very cold temperatures occurring regularly.
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 is a very short walk and is appropriate for all ages. It is, however, somewhat steep and very young children may require assistance.
Location
Pinnacle Road, Wellington Park Tasmania 7054, Australia
From Hobart, drive up Davey Street, which later becomes Huon Road. Continue around 7.2km past the Southern Outlet intersection before turning on to Pillinger Drive, which then becomes Pinnacle Road. Continue for around 1.9km up Pinnacle Road. The start of the walk will be on your left going up the hill, and there is a small pullout a short distance up the road where you can park your car.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
A large sandstone outcrop with an overhang surrounded by eucalyptus forest.
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
For a longer walk, there are several other tracks you can take to get to Rocky Whelan's Cave, such as the Fern Glade Track from Fern Tree. This, however, is the shortest and most direct route to the sandstone outcrop.
After parking at the small turnout, walk back down the road to the trailhead, keeping an eye out for cars.
Take the signposted Fern Glade Track. Follow the trail up the hill around 150 metres, and you will come to the turnoff to the cave. Follow this track another 50 metres and you will come to Rocky Whelan's Cave.
While the trees obscure the view of Hobart, if you head to the far side of the outcrop, the trail continues up to the top of the cliff, and you can see the mountain through the eucalyptus trees.
Once you have finished having a look around, head back the way you came.
History
Name history
Rocky Whelan's Cave is named after the notorious bushranger, John "Rocky" Whelan, who is believed to have used it as a hideout for several months whilst on the run after escaping from Port Arthur. Whelan was known to be an especially dangerous bushranger, known for shooting and robbing his victims. He was apprehended and hung for armed robbery in 1855, however, after his arrest he also confessed to the murder of several others.
Conditions
Weather conditions within Wellington Park can change rapidly, potentially bringing 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 Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mtwellington.shtml
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and if you are going to walk further, water and snacks.
Weather conditions can change rapidly within the area, with very cold temperatures occurring regularly.
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 is a very short walk and is appropriate for all ages. It is, however, somewhat steep and very young children may require assistance.
Location
Pinnacle Road, Wellington Park Tasmania 7054, Australia
From Hobart, drive up Davey Street, which later becomes Huon Road. Continue around 7.2km past the Southern Outlet intersection before turning on to Pillinger Drive, which then becomes Pinnacle Road. Continue for around 1.9km up Pinnacle Road. The start of the walk will be on your left going up the hill, and there is a small pullout a short distance up the road where you can park your car.