A lovely short walk through the mossy forest above Fern Tree to Silver Falls that utilises several trails.
Highlights
Silver Falls, creeks, fern trees, moss and fungi.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Fern trees, bubbling creeks and mossy rocks, as well as funghi during late autumn and winter, are some of the natural highlights along this trail.
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 begins across the road from the tavern, in front of the Fern Tree Park. Here, take a left-hand turn, walking past the signposts of the walks in the area, and continuing on to the Pipeline Track. Along this section of the track, there are some beautiful, towering eucalyptus.
After walking for around 600 metres, following the signpost to Silver Falls, take a right-hand turn and walk up hill along the mossy stream. During late Autumn and into winter there is often a variety of fungi to be seen along the wetter sections of the track. After walking for around 260m you will reach Silver Falls, which is surrounded by tree ferns and has a small bridge in front of it.
To continue, keep heading along the path and up the stairs.
After walking a short distance, you will reach a split in the path, take the lower track on your right-hand side.
After walking a few hundred metres up the trail, you will reach a large intersection where several trails meet. Take the right-hand turn onto the Middle Track towards the water tower. Make sure you don't take the left-hand turn onto the middle track, as this will lead you uphill to the springs.
After walking past the water tower, the trail begins to go downhill and is quite steep for the remaining duration of the walk. Around 600 metres past this point, you will reach Fern Tree Park, where you began.
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 South East districts.
For up to date weather forecasting on Fern Tree, refer to: https://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/fern-tree/
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, 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.
Age restrictions and advice
While this walk is appropriate for all ages, there are some quite steep sections where very young children may require assistance.
Location
684 Huon Road, Fern Tree Tasmania 7054, Australia
From Hobart, drive up Davey Street, which later becomes Huon Road. Continue around 7.7km past the Southern Outlet intersection, and you will arrive in Fern Tree. There is a car park outside the Fern Tree Tavern that can be used, otherwise there are generally some spaces in the streets either side of the tavern.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Fern trees, bubbling creeks and mossy rocks, as well as funghi during late autumn and winter, are some of the natural highlights along this trail.
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 begins across the road from the tavern, in front of the Fern Tree Park. Here, take a left-hand turn, walking past the signposts of the walks in the area, and continuing on to the Pipeline Track. Along this section of the track, there are some beautiful, towering eucalyptus.
After walking for around 600 metres, following the signpost to Silver Falls, take a right-hand turn and walk up hill along the mossy stream. During late Autumn and into winter there is often a variety of fungi to be seen along the wetter sections of the track. After walking for around 260m you will reach Silver Falls, which is surrounded by tree ferns and has a small bridge in front of it.
To continue, keep heading along the path and up the stairs.
After walking a short distance, you will reach a split in the path, take the lower track on your right-hand side.
After walking a few hundred metres up the trail, you will reach a large intersection where several trails meet. Take the right-hand turn onto the Middle Track towards the water tower. Make sure you don't take the left-hand turn onto the middle track, as this will lead you uphill to the springs.
After walking past the water tower, the trail begins to go downhill and is quite steep for the remaining duration of the walk. Around 600 metres past this point, you will reach Fern Tree Park, where you began.
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 South East districts.
For up to date weather forecasting on Fern Tree, refer to: https://www.bom.gov.au/places/tas/fern-tree/
Safety advice
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, 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.
Age restrictions and advice
While this walk is appropriate for all ages, there are some quite steep sections where very young children may require assistance.
Location
684 Huon Road, Fern Tree Tasmania 7054, Australia
From Hobart, drive up Davey Street, which later becomes Huon Road. Continue around 7.7km past the Southern Outlet intersection, and you will arrive in Fern Tree. There is a car park outside the Fern Tree Tavern that can be used, otherwise there are generally some spaces in the streets either side of the tavern.
Key info
30 minutes return
1.85km return
Grade 2: Moderate
Facilities
There are toilets, drinking water and bbqs at the beginning of the trail at Fern Tree Park, as well as the tavern across the road that serves lunch and dinner. Dogs are not permitted on sections of this trail, and should therefore be left at home.