Take a wild walk in Hobart

07 July 2024

Discover the Natural Wonders of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington

 

Nestled in the southernmost reaches of Australia, Hobart, Tasmania is often heralded as one of the best places to live on earth. The city boasts a unique blend of vibrant culture, historical charm, and breathtaking natural beauty. One of the crown jewels of Hobart is undoubtedly Kunanyi / Mt Wellington, a majestic mountain that stands sentinel over the city, offering a myriad of opportunities to connect with nature right on our doorstep.

 

Walking Experiences on Kunanyi / Mt Wellington

 

Kunanyi / Mt Wellington is not just a mountain; it’s a tapestry of natural wonders and intriguing stories waiting to be discovered.  Slow down and go for a leisurely walk!

 

  1. Myrtle Gully Trail
    • Distance: ~2km
    • Walk Time: 30-45 mins one way
    • Difficulty: Moderate

 

One of the oldest and most beautiful tracks, the Myrtle Gully Trail features mighty eucalypt gum trees, tree ferns, lush mosses, and weird fungi. The trail, starting from the car park at the top of Old Farm Rd in South Hobart, steps its way up to Junction Cabin, climbing ~300m in elevation. The trail criss-crosses a rambling brook with numerous waterfalls and handcrafted bridges. Hidden secrets along the track include hut ruins and waterfalls, making it a delightful journey for nature lovers.

 

  1. The Organ Pipes Track
    • Distance: 2.5km
    • Walk Time: 25 mins one way
    • Difficulty: Easy

 

Recognised as one of Tasmania’s 60 great short walks, the Organ Pipes Track is suitable for a wide range of walking abilities. The track skirts along the base of the towering dolerite cliffs, providing a great sense of scale to the rock columns and their buttresses. The eucalypt woodlands thin out, offering views over Hobart, the River Derwent, Storm Bay, and Bruny Island. In early summer, the track showcases a vibrant floral display of the Tasmanian Waratah.

 

  1. The Ice House Track
    • Distance: ~3km
    • Walk Time: ~1 hr one way
    • Difficulty: Moderate

 

Before the road from the Springs to the Summit was made, the only way to the top was roughly along this track. The Ice House Track, starting from the site of the now-ruined Springs Hotel, offers changes in plant life from thick eucalypt forest to sub-alpine Tasmanian Snowgum forest, ending with stunted heath flowers on the windswept alpine plateau. The large boulder screes, like the Ploughed Fields and Devils Gulch, offer spectacular views.

 

  1. Ferntree to Silver Falls
    • Distance: 2km
    • Walk Time: ~20 mins one way
    • Difficulty: Easy

 

This short walk up the pipeline track from Ferntree Park passes through the gorgeous Ferntree Bower. The track, bordered by towering tree ferns, winds up the hill beside Brown’s Rivulet to reveal the small but beautiful Silver Falls, still a source of Hobart’s drinking water. It’s a great family-friendly walk, with the Ferntree Tavern nearby for a warm retreat in winter.

 

  1. Milles Track to Wellington Falls via Disappearing Tarn
    • Distance: 12km
    • Walk Time: 6 hours return
    • Difficulty: Rough but not too steep

 

For experienced hikers, the Milles Track follows the southern contours of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington from the upper Springs Carpark to Wellington Falls. The trail offers stunning views of Greater Hobart and Bruny Island and the elusive Disappearing Tarn, which appears after heavy winter rains. The return journey, totalling 22km, is best done in clear fair weather.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to enjoy a leisurely walk, Hobart and Kunanyi / Mt Wellington offer an unforgettable experience, solidifying Hobart’s reputation as one of the best places to live on earth. Lace up your hiking boots, grab a map, and embark on a journey to discover the natural wonders right at our doorstep.