Essential safety tips for bushwalking in Tasmania (PWS)

Wellington Park's close proximity to Tasmania's capital city may lull you into a false sense of security, but be warned, this is true wilderness on our doorstep, and you could very well find yourself in peril within view of your home or hotel.

Pinnacle Road to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington is managed by the City of Hobart. The road is inspected regularly and may be closed pre-emptively due to snow, ice, unsafe conditions or traffic congestion. Check the road status below or call the Pinnacle Rd Information Line 03 6238 2711.

Conditions change quickly in the Park. High winds and temperatures below 0 degrees are common at the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington. The difference in temperature between the Hobart waterfront and the The Pinnacle can be 12 degrees or more. It can also be very windy, with very significant wind chill in excess of -20 degrees Celsius / -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

7 day forecast for kunanyi / Mount Wellington

3 hourly detailed forecast for kunanyi / Mount Wellington

Latest weather observations for kunanyi / Mount Wellington

View the webcams at the summit

Be prepared for all weather conditions and always carry wet weather gear on longer walks. If conditions deteriorate, turn back!

Install the app on your device in case you need to provide your location coordinates in an emergency.

If you're heading into the Park, be familiar with your route, and let someone know your intentions and expected time of return. Walkers should choose a route to suit as tracks vary in condition and gradient. Most are well marked and easy to follow.  However, remote and higher altitude tracks may be rough or wet underfoot. Navigation skills may be required on some routes, especially during poor visibility

If you are walking, take the correct items. Ensure you are comfortable and safe for the walk you choose. Sturdy boots, warm clothing, waterproof jacket and overpants, food and drink and a map and compass should be packed or worn on longer and more difficult journeys.

View the Tasmanian Government's Bushfire Safety for Travellers brochure

Wellington Park will be closed on any days with a fire danger rating of Extreme or Catastrophic in the Upper Derwent Valley or South East districts.. 

Visitors should also take adequate precautions during days of High fire danger. Remote access should be carefully planned and include a strategy for quickly leaving, and visitors should consider the use of appropriate communication equipment. In the event of a bushfire in the Park, walkers should exit the Park immediately via the safest route.

Fires must not be lit on Total Fire Ban days, including designated fireplaces inside huts. Fuel stoves that run on LPG (butane or propane) may be used in areas already clear of flammable material within one metre.  

You may encounter snakes in the Park, especially during warmer months. Keep a look out, and if you see a snake, move away slowly and let it go about its business. Note that all Tasmanian snakes are venomous. If you are bitten, call the 000 emergency number immediately.

The remote control on your vehicle's locking system may be affected at the Pinnacle. This is due to the receiver in your vehicle not working where the signals from the FM radio and TV transmitters are very strong. The transmissions do not pose any danger to humans or animals. If your remote does not unlock your vehicle, try:

• repeatedly pushing the unlock button while holding the key remote near the bottom of the windscreen and window on the driver's side
• holding the key remote behind the wheel in the front right wheel arch whilst pushing the unlock button
• opening the door manually with the key

If your vehicle fails to start, the anti-theft electronics have not been disarmed. Try holding the key remote close to the dashboard whilst pushing the unlock button. Often, holding the remote under the dash above the driver's left knee will produce results.

If you have a metallic windscreen shield or sunshade, try putting it up to help deflect interfering radio waves away from the receiver. If your vehicle still won't start, try moving your vehicle a few metres as radio fields change very quickly along the ground and you may land in a weak spot (Caution! You don't have full braking ability without the engine running.)

Still having trouble? Contact the City of Hobart officers or RACT for assistance:

• City of Hobart Depot 6223 1216 (7.30am - 4.30pm)
• After Hours Emergency Service 6278 0200 (4.30pm - 7.30am)
• RACT 131 111