The Springs is the most popular base for walkers heading to the Disappearing Tarn. There are just 70 carparks at The Springs, and carpark turnover is slower on Disappearing Tarn days as walkers make the 4 hr return trip to the Tarn. To avoid congestion, consider walking from Fern Tree (a further 45min walk), catching the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus from the Hobart waterfront, car pooling or riding to The Springs.
Start your walk at the Upper Springs (the old Hotel site on the loop road). Head up the old stone steps at the start of the Pinnacle Track, turn left onto Grays Fire Trail and then veer right onto Milles Track.. About half way you pass the Snake Plains Turnoff and you continue on the Wellington Falls Track. As you approach The Potato Fields you'll see a large sign pointing West to Disappearing Tarn. Take your time, be safe.
The Disappearing Tarn fills after significant rain on Kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Depending on the amount of water moving downslope, water will remain in the Tarn for several days to a few weeks.
NOTE: No swimming! The Disappearing Tarn is located in a protected Drinking Water Catchment. Water is collected just 400m downstream and delivered with minimal treatment, such is the quality of our mountain water, to the taps of local residents.
The Disappearing Tarn has gained popularity via social and mainstream media coverage in recent years, with visitors attracted by imagery capturing quiet solitude above a shimmering pool in tall forest.
Be warned - getting to the Tarn is no walk in the Park! It is a challenging 4 hour return hike to the Tarn on a narrow, muddy and boulder-strewn track. Proper footwear, layers of warm and waterproof clothing, food and water, and a fully charged phone are minimum recommendations for tackling the track.
Owing to the growing popularity and excitement on the occasions when the Tarn does appear, expect to see many people making the trek and on site at the Tarn during your visit. You will need to give way to walkers coming from the other direction at times as there are numerous bottlenecks on the track. One walker counted 700 people on the track returning from the Tarn as they walked in!
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