An excellent circuit hike that connects several of the mountains best trails, Taking walkers into a rugged alpine environment in one of the less visited parts of the park, before returning through the more frequented terrain around the Pinnacle and the face of the mountain.
Highlights
Epic views, remote alpine landscapes, windswept alpine flora, massive dolerite boulders, and regular snow and ice.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Notable natural features include Dragon heath (Richea dracophylla), Mountain pinkberry (Leptecophylla parvifolia), 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 and 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
Part one:
Starting from The Springs car park, cross the road near the café and toilets to the road opposite, Pinnacle Track Road, and follow it for a short distance before turning right on to the Radford Track. This will lead you up to the road again, where you will continue to your right for around 40 metres, to the start of the Pinnacle Track, which is signposted. After following the Pinnacle Track uphill for around 160 metres, you will come to another intersection. Take the left hand turn onto Gray’s Fire Trail, which you will follow for a little over 100m, before coming to a Y intersection. Take the top, right hand track to continue on to the Milles Track, which, after walking for another 200 metres, will take you to the Ice House Track on your right-hand side.
Taking this trail, you will begin to head uphill, into the forest.
As you make your way along, keep your eye out for the ruins of several ice houses that were located on this trail. You may also observe that as you get higher, sub-alpine species gradually become more prevalent such as dragon heath (Richea dracophylla) and mountain pinkberry (Leptecophylla parvifolia).
Gradually, the forest will begin to thin out as it becomes predominantly sub alpine eucalyptus species and small shrubs, which gradually giving way to Dolerite boulders fields.
Around 1.45km into the walk, a large boulder field opens up on your right, with the trail continuing to follow it on the left-hand side. Some impressive views of the edge of South Wellington also begin to open up looking past the boulder fields.
At around the 2.21km mark, you'll see a sign ensuring you are adequately prepared for your hike, as you're about to enter an alpine plateau that is very exposed to the wind, rain and snow, and can be considerably colder than what you have so far experienced.
While the trail is still obvious at this point, if there has been heavy snow, keep an eye out for the orange arrow markers directing you along the track.
As you come out into the higher regions, notice how the trees and shrubs are stunted from the harsh westerly winds. Once you reach this point, you will soon reach the end of the Ice House Track. You will come to a trail intersection where The South Wellington Track, The Ice House Track and Smiths Monument Track meet.
take the trail towards Smiths Monument.
Part two:
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 800 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.
Part three:
Once you have reached the track intersection, you will now take the only trail you haven't yet explored of the three, moving onto the South Wellington Track.
Begin making your way along the South Wellington Track. After walking around 350 metres, you will begin to head uphill making your way up the side of the plateau, which involves some light rock scrambling up the dolerite boulders.
The view looking out away from the mountain takes in the southern end of the Derwent estuary and Storm Bay, as well as the surrounding areas.
This part of the mountain is at the edge of the North West Bay River water catchment, with water gathering on the plateau before flowing into the river on the south side of the mountain. As such, the trail can often become wet and sometimes muddy, especially if there has been recent snow. It does, however, look especially beautiful during colder weather when the pools of water begin to freeze.
This area is covered in towering, dolerite boulders and small, windswept alpine shrubs. It is also extremely exposed, and if it is windy, there is little protection except behind the larger boulders.
Continue on for around 1.9km. Gradually, you will come closer to the Pinnacle of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. After walking this distance, you will join another trail. If you wish to head to the Pinnacle of the mountain, take the left-hand turn and walk for around 200 metres, after which you will reach the car park. The Pinnacle is straight ahead and is marked by a survey marker.
At the other side of the Pinnacle carpark there a public toilet, and a lookout shelter a little further down.
Once you are finished here, continue back the way you came along the trail for around 200 metres, and you will once again reach the track intersection where you left the South Wellington Trail.
This time, go straight ahead remaining on the well-graded trail. This is the Zig-Zag Track.
Part four:
As you make your way down the Zig-Zag Track, if the weather is clear you will have excellent views both looking out away from the mountain, as well as of the surrounding dolerite cliffs and boulder fields.
You will follow this section of the track for around 1.2km. As you walk down the trail, there are spots where seats provide a place to rest and enjoy the scenery. If the track is wet or frozen, take care on the rocky sections.
As you come closer to the bottom of the Zig-Zag Track, you will begin to re-enter eucalyptus forest. You will then come to a track intersection where the Zig-Zag Track meets the Pinnacle Track to your right, and the Organ Pipes Track to your left. Take the Pinnacle Track and follow it steadily downhill for around 1.5km.
After Passing the start of the Milles Track and heading down some stairs, you will reach Pinnacle Track Road. If you have parked at the bottom car park in the main Springs area near the toilet block and café, continue on to your right for around 40 metres, then follow the Radford Track a short distance downhill and then cross the road to The Springs. This is the end of the circuit.
History
Place history
There are multiple historic sites along this circuit including the icehouses along the Icehouse Track, and Smiths Monument at the end of the Smiths Monument Track.
Along the Icehouse Track, there are several ruins of ice houses that were used to store ice which was then sold on to confectioners and publicans prior to the invention of electric freezers. The first ice house on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington was commissioned by the then current governor, Sir William Denison, in 1849, and was constructed by 20 convicts. The ice houses become disused and gradually forgotten during the 1890s. They were then later uncovered by the bushfires in 1967.
Smiths monument is a commemorative plaque that remembers 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 takes you into an alpine environment that is extremely exposed to the elements and should not be attempted during storms, blizzards or other adverse weather events.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking boots, and food and water.
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.
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 strenuous walk that covers significant altitude over a short distance, with sections that are regularly well below freezing. As such, it is not suitable for young children.
Location
Grays Fire Trail, 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. From the turnoff, continue up the road for 4.1km, where you will reach The Springs. Here, you will find multiple car parks, however, it can be busy during holidays.
Alternatively, the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus can be used to Access The Springs as well as other parts of the mountain, with more information provided here: https://mtwellingtonexplorer.com.au/
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
Notable natural features include Dragon heath (Richea dracophylla), Mountain pinkberry (Leptecophylla parvifolia), 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 and 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
Part one:
Starting from The Springs car park, cross the road near the café and toilets to the road opposite, Pinnacle Track Road, and follow it for a short distance before turning right on to the Radford Track. This will lead you up to the road again, where you will continue to your right for around 40 metres, to the start of the Pinnacle Track, which is signposted. After following the Pinnacle Track uphill for around 160 metres, you will come to another intersection. Take the left hand turn onto Gray’s Fire Trail, which you will follow for a little over 100m, before coming to a Y intersection. Take the top, right hand track to continue on to the Milles Track, which, after walking for another 200 metres, will take you to the Ice House Track on your right-hand side.
Taking this trail, you will begin to head uphill, into the forest.
As you make your way along, keep your eye out for the ruins of several ice houses that were located on this trail. You may also observe that as you get higher, sub-alpine species gradually become more prevalent such as dragon heath (Richea dracophylla) and mountain pinkberry (Leptecophylla parvifolia).
Gradually, the forest will begin to thin out as it becomes predominantly sub alpine eucalyptus species and small shrubs, which gradually giving way to Dolerite boulders fields.
Around 1.45km into the walk, a large boulder field opens up on your right, with the trail continuing to follow it on the left-hand side. Some impressive views of the edge of South Wellington also begin to open up looking past the boulder fields.
At around the 2.21km mark, you'll see a sign ensuring you are adequately prepared for your hike, as you're about to enter an alpine plateau that is very exposed to the wind, rain and snow, and can be considerably colder than what you have so far experienced.
While the trail is still obvious at this point, if there has been heavy snow, keep an eye out for the orange arrow markers directing you along the track.
As you come out into the higher regions, notice how the trees and shrubs are stunted from the harsh westerly winds. Once you reach this point, you will soon reach the end of the Ice House Track. You will come to a trail intersection where The South Wellington Track, The Ice House Track and Smiths Monument Track meet.
take the trail towards Smiths Monument.
Part two:
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 800 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.
Part three:
Once you have reached the track intersection, you will now take the only trail you haven't yet explored of the three, moving onto the South Wellington Track.
Begin making your way along the South Wellington Track. After walking around 350 metres, you will begin to head uphill making your way up the side of the plateau, which involves some light rock scrambling up the dolerite boulders.
The view looking out away from the mountain takes in the southern end of the Derwent estuary and Storm Bay, as well as the surrounding areas.
This part of the mountain is at the edge of the North West Bay River water catchment, with water gathering on the plateau before flowing into the river on the south side of the mountain. As such, the trail can often become wet and sometimes muddy, especially if there has been recent snow. It does, however, look especially beautiful during colder weather when the pools of water begin to freeze.
This area is covered in towering, dolerite boulders and small, windswept alpine shrubs. It is also extremely exposed, and if it is windy, there is little protection except behind the larger boulders.
Continue on for around 1.9km. Gradually, you will come closer to the Pinnacle of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. After walking this distance, you will join another trail. If you wish to head to the Pinnacle of the mountain, take the left-hand turn and walk for around 200 metres, after which you will reach the car park. The Pinnacle is straight ahead and is marked by a survey marker.
At the other side of the Pinnacle carpark there a public toilet, and a lookout shelter a little further down.
Once you are finished here, continue back the way you came along the trail for around 200 metres, and you will once again reach the track intersection where you left the South Wellington Trail.
This time, go straight ahead remaining on the well-graded trail. This is the Zig-Zag Track.
Part four:
As you make your way down the Zig-Zag Track, if the weather is clear you will have excellent views both looking out away from the mountain, as well as of the surrounding dolerite cliffs and boulder fields.
You will follow this section of the track for around 1.2km. As you walk down the trail, there are spots where seats provide a place to rest and enjoy the scenery. If the track is wet or frozen, take care on the rocky sections.
As you come closer to the bottom of the Zig-Zag Track, you will begin to re-enter eucalyptus forest. You will then come to a track intersection where the Zig-Zag Track meets the Pinnacle Track to your right, and the Organ Pipes Track to your left. Take the Pinnacle Track and follow it steadily downhill for around 1.5km.
After Passing the start of the Milles Track and heading down some stairs, you will reach Pinnacle Track Road. If you have parked at the bottom car park in the main Springs area near the toilet block and café, continue on to your right for around 40 metres, then follow the Radford Track a short distance downhill and then cross the road to The Springs. This is the end of the circuit.
History
Place history
There are multiple historic sites along this circuit including the icehouses along the Icehouse Track, and Smiths Monument at the end of the Smiths Monument Track.
Along the Icehouse Track, there are several ruins of ice houses that were used to store ice which was then sold on to confectioners and publicans prior to the invention of electric freezers. The first ice house on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington was commissioned by the then current governor, Sir William Denison, in 1849, and was constructed by 20 convicts. The ice houses become disused and gradually forgotten during the 1890s. They were then later uncovered by the bushfires in 1967.
Smiths monument is a commemorative plaque that remembers 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 takes you into an alpine environment that is extremely exposed to the elements and should not be attempted during storms, blizzards or other adverse weather events.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking boots, and food and water.
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.
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 strenuous walk that covers significant altitude over a short distance, with sections that are regularly well below freezing. As such, it is not suitable for young children.
Location
Grays Fire Trail, 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. From the turnoff, continue up the road for 4.1km, where you will reach The Springs. Here, you will find multiple car parks, however, it can be busy during holidays.
Alternatively, the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus can be used to Access The Springs as well as other parts of the mountain, with more information provided here: https://mtwellingtonexplorer.com.au/
Key info
4-5 hours return
9.14km return
Grade 4: Very Difficult
Facilities
There are public toilets located at the start of this trail at The Springs, as well as a small cafe. there are also toilets located at the pinnacle, as well as a viewing platform.