A short walk with some fun rock scrambling, excellent views and epic dolerite landscapes.
Highlights
Rock scrambling, amazing views, and unique landscapes on this short but worthwhile walk.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
The rugged cliffs and dolerite slabs of the Lost World, sub-alpine eucalyptus forest, and several species of mountain berry and other subalpine species. Keep an eye out for Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) hovering above, and other smaller bird species moving between the trees.
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).
Track details
From the small carpark at the beginning of the hike, cross the road and follow the signpost directing you on to the track to The Lost World. From this point, the track takes you up a short distance, moving between dirt track and dolerite boulders. ensure you pay attention to your direction, keeping an eye out for orange direction arrows.
Before long, you will begin descending downhill. Once again, it is important to remain on the track, as there are large cliffs in the area. There are a few sections of boulder scrambling that requires some concentration, and before long, you will be down at The lost World.
Here, there is a field of large, dolerite rock slabs that you can move between and explore, backed by distinctive, dolerite column cliffs, which are somewhat like a smaller version of the Organ Pipes on Kunanyi.
Spend some time exploring the area and enjoying the views looking out over Hobart and its surrounds, taking care when moving between rock slabs, as there are plenty of large gaps between rocks that you would not want to fall in to.
Once you have spent some time in the area and are ready to return, make your way back the way you came to Pinnacle Road.
Conditions
Sections of this walk are quite steep, which becomes more dangerous when wet or frozen. As such, it is not an appropriate walk to complete when there is bad weather or heavy snow.
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 Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mtwellington.shtml
Safety advice
There are exposed cliff faces at The Lost World, as well as at several other locations throughout the walk, where extra care should be taken.
Weather can change rapidly in the region, which is fully exposed to the mountain conditions.
Be aware of potential ice or snow on the road here, driving according to the conditions.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and enough food and water. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly in the area.
Ensure you have informed two other people of the walk you intend to do in case of emergency.
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
Children should be supervised at all times in this area due to rock scrambling, exposed ledges and large crevasses.
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. From the turnoff, continue up the road for 9km, where you will reach the Big Bend Carpark on your left.
Alternatively, the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus can be used to Access the Big Bend Car Park as well as other parts of the mountain. From here, it is around a 600 metre walk back down the road to the start of The Lost World track. More information on this option is provided here: https://mtwellingtonexplorer.com.au/
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
The rugged cliffs and dolerite slabs of the Lost World, sub-alpine eucalyptus forest, and several species of mountain berry and other subalpine species. Keep an eye out for Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) hovering above, and other smaller bird species moving between the trees.
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).
Track details
From the small carpark at the beginning of the hike, cross the road and follow the signpost directing you on to the track to The Lost World. From this point, the track takes you up a short distance, moving between dirt track and dolerite boulders. ensure you pay attention to your direction, keeping an eye out for orange direction arrows.
Before long, you will begin descending downhill. Once again, it is important to remain on the track, as there are large cliffs in the area. There are a few sections of boulder scrambling that requires some concentration, and before long, you will be down at The lost World.
Here, there is a field of large, dolerite rock slabs that you can move between and explore, backed by distinctive, dolerite column cliffs, which are somewhat like a smaller version of the Organ Pipes on Kunanyi.
Spend some time exploring the area and enjoying the views looking out over Hobart and its surrounds, taking care when moving between rock slabs, as there are plenty of large gaps between rocks that you would not want to fall in to.
Once you have spent some time in the area and are ready to return, make your way back the way you came to Pinnacle Road.
Conditions
Sections of this walk are quite steep, which becomes more dangerous when wet or frozen. As such, it is not an appropriate walk to complete when there is bad weather or heavy snow.
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 Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, refer to: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/mtwellington.shtml
Safety advice
There are exposed cliff faces at The Lost World, as well as at several other locations throughout the walk, where extra care should be taken.
Weather can change rapidly in the region, which is fully exposed to the mountain conditions.
Be aware of potential ice or snow on the road here, driving according to the conditions.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and enough food and water. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly in the area.
Ensure you have informed two other people of the walk you intend to do in case of emergency.
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
Children should be supervised at all times in this area due to rock scrambling, exposed ledges and large crevasses.
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. From the turnoff, continue up the road for 9km, where you will reach the Big Bend Carpark on your left.
Alternatively, the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus can be used to Access the Big Bend Car Park as well as other parts of the mountain. From here, it is around a 600 metre walk back down the road to the start of The Lost World track. More information on this option is provided here: https://mtwellingtonexplorer.com.au/