A short, acccessible trail to a lookout at The Springs.
Highlights
An easily accessible trail with plentiful birdlife, culminating in beautiful views looking out towards Hobart, Kingston, Bruny Island, Storm Bay and the surrounding regions.
Nature
Park size: 18,011 hectares
Natural features
The trail is frequented by nectar feeding birds, and Wedge-tailed Eagles can sometimes be seen riding the air currents in the area.
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
Starting from The Springs carpark near the Lost Freight Café, the trail first makes its way south-east to The Springs Lookout where, on a clear day, beautiful views looking out towards the Derwent Estuary, Hobart, Kingston, Bruny Island, Storm Bay and the surrounding regions. After leaving the lookout, the trail continues to the right, heading north through the Exhibition Gardens before finishing the circuit back at the Springs Carpark. The trail is mostly flat and is well maintained and is accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
It is common to see and hear a range of birdlife along the track, including species of currawongs, wattlebirds, wrens, and the Wedge-tailed Eagle.
History
Place history
The Exhibition Gardens section of the trail is named after the public native garden area that was previously at the site. The gardens were created by architect Alan Cameron Walker and were built using unemployed labour during the Great Depression in 1931-1932.
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, especially 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
While the lookout is fenced, there are gaps on either side of the fencing leading to an exposed cliff edge that should not be approached.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or 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
While this walk is highly accessible for all ages, due to cliff edges at the lookout and the proximity to car parks and roads, adult supervision of children is required on this walk.
Location
Grays Fire Trail, Wellington Park Tasmania 7054, Australia
From central 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
The trail is frequented by nectar feeding birds, and Wedge-tailed Eagles can sometimes be seen riding the air currents in the area.
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
Starting from The Springs carpark near the Lost Freight Café, the trail first makes its way south-east to The Springs Lookout where, on a clear day, beautiful views looking out towards the Derwent Estuary, Hobart, Kingston, Bruny Island, Storm Bay and the surrounding regions. After leaving the lookout, the trail continues to the right, heading north through the Exhibition Gardens before finishing the circuit back at the Springs Carpark. The trail is mostly flat and is well maintained and is accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
It is common to see and hear a range of birdlife along the track, including species of currawongs, wattlebirds, wrens, and the Wedge-tailed Eagle.
History
Place history
The Exhibition Gardens section of the trail is named after the public native garden area that was previously at the site. The gardens were created by architect Alan Cameron Walker and were built using unemployed labour during the Great Depression in 1931-1932.
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, especially 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
While the lookout is fenced, there are gaps on either side of the fencing leading to an exposed cliff edge that should not be approached.
Ensure you are appropriately prepared for mountain weather conditions, and have warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or 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
While this walk is highly accessible for all ages, due to cliff edges at the lookout and the proximity to car parks and roads, adult supervision of children is required on this walk.
Location
Grays Fire Trail, Wellington Park Tasmania 7054, Australia
From central 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/