A short trail that takes the walker through beautiful yet rugged, alpine terrain to Smiths Monument, where a plaque commemorates John Smith, a hiker who passed away from exposure here in 1858. This track can be taken as an extension of either the South Wellington Track or Ice House Track.
Highlights
Beautiful alpine scenery including windswept Tasmanian snow gums, pineapple grass and dolerite boulder fields, as well as the monument remembering John Smith.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Pineapple Grass (Astelia alpina), Mountain Pepper Berry (Tasmannia lanceolata), wind swept Tasmanian snow gums (Eucalyptus coccifera) and Alpine yellow gum (Eucalyptus subcrenulata), dolerite boulder fields, frequent snow and ice.
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
At the trail intersection where The South Wellington Track, The Ice House Track and Smiths Monument Track meet, take the trail towards Smiths Monument.
From this point, the trail gradually becomes less defined, and you will become more reliant on the orange arrow markers to find your way.
Sections of the trail are often wet, forming small streams and puddles if snowy or wet weather has been around, however, this can provide for especially beautiful scenery when the water is frozen.
As you make your way along the trail, you will come across several boulder fields that require care when crossing, especially if wet, icy or covered in snow. It can sometimes be difficult to tell where the trail starts again when crossing these boulder fields, however, there are orange trail markers that show the way.
If you have not seen a marker for some time, it may be worthwhile retracing your steps to the last marker and attempting a different direction across the boulders.
After walking around 850 metres, you will come to John Smiths monument, a monument to a hiker who passed away due to exposure here in 1858.
Once you are ready to return, head back the way you came, again taking care to stay on the track.
History
Name history
This is a commemorative trail that leads to John Smiths monument, a monument to Dr John Smith, a hiker who passed away here due to exposure in 1858.
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. 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 South East districts.
For up to date weather forecasting on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mtwellington.shtml
Safety advice
This trail is extremely exposed to the elements and should not be attempted during storms, blizzards or other adverse weather events. There are sections where the trail is not clear such as when passing over boulder fields, in which case walkers should keep an eye out for the orange arrow markers.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking boots, and food and water, and have let someone know where you are going.
Weather conditions can change rapidly within the area, with freezing temperatures occurring regularly.
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.
While reception is available with certain mobile providers, be aware that this may not be the case for all providers.
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 rough trail with sections that are not clear, especially when passing through boulder fields. As such, it is not suitable for the very young or infirm, and children should be supervised at all times.
Location
7054, Tasmania, Australia
Smiths Monument Track can be accessed by either the South Wellington Track, starting at the pinnacle, or the Ice House Track, starting at The Springs. For information on accessing these two trails, please refer to the trail guides for those walks.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Pineapple Grass (Astelia alpina), Mountain Pepper Berry (Tasmannia lanceolata), wind swept Tasmanian snow gums (Eucalyptus coccifera) and Alpine yellow gum (Eucalyptus subcrenulata), dolerite boulder fields, frequent snow and ice.
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
At the trail intersection where The South Wellington Track, The Ice House Track and Smiths Monument Track meet, take the trail towards Smiths Monument.
From this point, the trail gradually becomes less defined, and you will become more reliant on the orange arrow markers to find your way.
Sections of the trail are often wet, forming small streams and puddles if snowy or wet weather has been around, however, this can provide for especially beautiful scenery when the water is frozen.
As you make your way along the trail, you will come across several boulder fields that require care when crossing, especially if wet, icy or covered in snow. It can sometimes be difficult to tell where the trail starts again when crossing these boulder fields, however, there are orange trail markers that show the way.
If you have not seen a marker for some time, it may be worthwhile retracing your steps to the last marker and attempting a different direction across the boulders.
After walking around 850 metres, you will come to John Smiths monument, a monument to a hiker who passed away due to exposure here in 1858.
Once you are ready to return, head back the way you came, again taking care to stay on the track.
History
Name history
This is a commemorative trail that leads to John Smiths monument, a monument to Dr John Smith, a hiker who passed away here due to exposure in 1858.
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. 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 South East districts.
For up to date weather forecasting on Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mtwellington.shtml
Safety advice
This trail is extremely exposed to the elements and should not be attempted during storms, blizzards or other adverse weather events. There are sections where the trail is not clear such as when passing over boulder fields, in which case walkers should keep an eye out for the orange arrow markers.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking boots, and food and water, and have let someone know where you are going.
Weather conditions can change rapidly within the area, with freezing temperatures occurring regularly.
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.
While reception is available with certain mobile providers, be aware that this may not be the case for all providers.
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 rough trail with sections that are not clear, especially when passing through boulder fields. As such, it is not suitable for the very young or infirm, and children should be supervised at all times.
Location
7054, Tasmania, Australia
Smiths Monument Track can be accessed by either the South Wellington Track, starting at the pinnacle, or the Ice House Track, starting at The Springs. For information on accessing these two trails, please refer to the trail guides for those walks.