Attractions
Pinnacle Lookout
Located at the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington (1270m), the Pinnacle lookouts and observation decks provide vistas over Hobart, towards the east and south coast, and to the west over the World Heritage Area of south-western Tasmania. Parking and toilet facilities available. Be sure to pack warm, appropriate clothing as the summit can experience rapidly changing and extreme weather.
The Springs & Lost Freight Cafe
The Springs is a common meeting area on kunanyi / Mount Wellington where visitors come together to walk, run, ride, share a coffee or enjoy the picnic area. With links to key walking and riding tracks on the eastern foothills of the mountain, the Springs is sheltered from high winds often experienced at the Pinnacle.
Lost Freight cafe operates at The Springs, offering hot and cold drinks, pies, toasties and sweets. Open 7 days (excluding some public holidays)
North South Track
A shared-use track (mountain bike riders and walkers) linking Hobart and Glenorchy. The trail gently winds its way up the dry mudstone forests of Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park, passing through silver peppermint woodland (Conservation status: Threatened) into wetter stringybark and onwards as the Track skirts around kunanyi / Mount Wellington to The Springs.
Suitable for mountain bike riders of moderate ability. Good sight lines enable riders and walkers to easily see each other. To encounter fewer bikes, choose a week-day rather than a weekend.
Fern Tree Park
Fern Tree Park is one of the main entry points into Wellington Park and a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The park features a lush and sheltered grassy area, complete with toilets, an adventure playground, picnic areas and gas-fired BBQs. Opposite Fern Tree Park is the Fern Tree Tavern, open for Lunch and Dinner, Wednesday to Sunday.
Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park
Includes Cross Country, Downhill, Mountain Cross, Dirt Jumps and Northshore tracks. Various trails feed into the park through steep, dry Eucalypt forest, opening into the main jump area. Riders can also start or finish the North South multi-use track from the Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park. The park provides mountain bike riding opportunities for all skill levels, including ‘extreme’ riders. Bushwalking and on-lead dog walking is also welcome.
Silver Falls
A beautiful 4m waterfall that can be easily reached from Fern Tree Park, along the historic Pipeline track. Surrounded by ferns and lush eucalypts, this is a delightful destination for families and hikers. The Pipeline Track is wide and suitable for walkers, runners and mountain bikes, with excellent signage to Silver Falls.
Octopus Tree
This enormous eucalyptus tree perched atop a large boulder is a sight to behold. Located just off Shoobridge Track.
The Organ Pipes
The distinctive soaring dolerite columns of the Organ Pipes are a Tasmanian icon, visible from Hobart and surrounds. Very popular with rock climbers, bright red Tasmanian waratahs also light up the bush surrounding the Pipes in early summer. The Organ Pipes can be experienced in close range on the 9.2km Organ Pipes Circuit - a diverse loop walk that travels past historic huts, curious geological features and a variety of vegetation types.
Sphinx Rock
Sphinx Rock Lookout is a large sandstone rock platform measuring 100m x 100m. Sphinx Rock is accessible via a short level walk from The Springs, rewarding visitors with great views of the Organ Pipes, Hobart and the Derwent River.
O'Grady's Falls
O'Grady Falls is a short 2.2km walk from Fern Tree. Lush green ferns and mosses surround the falls, which are best viewed from the middle of the bridge. The cold, clear water flows into Hobart Rivulet, under the city and into the Derwent River. Colourful shows of wildflowers in summer, plenty of birds and good views of the Organ Pipes are additional highlights of this walk. A lower elevation and sunny aspect makes this a good option for a winter walk.
Mountain Biking from the Springs
The Springs is a major access point for mountain bike riders, especially those riding the North-South Track or descending to South Hobart. The foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington are home to some amazing mountain bike tracks that suit riders of all skills and abilities.
The Old Springs Hotel Site
The Springs Hotel was built in 1907. After many years as the only accommodation providers on the mountain, the Hotel was destroyed in the bushfires of February 1967 and never rebuilt. Originally a two-storey building, it had sixteen rooms and large drawing, dining, smoking and sitting areas, all surrounded by a large veranda with stunning vistas.
Rocky Whelan’s Cave
This cave was reputed to have been used by Hobart bushranger Rocky Whelan, an Irish convict who served his sentences and went on to become a notorious and dangerous bushranger in the 1850s.
Exhibition Garden and Lookout Circuit
The historic former Exhibitions Gardens were created in 1931–32 by architect Alan Cameron Walker and are located at The Springs. It was conceived as a public garden of native plants, built by unemployed labour during the Great Depression. The area has been left largely undisturbed, however there are remnants of stone fountains, bird baths and other features evident. The former Exhibition Gardens can be accessed via the Lookout Circuit track from The Springs. This is a gentle, short family-friendly walk.
Myrtle Forest
The Myrtle Forest picnic area is a hidden gem amongst the ferns and myrtles of Collinsvale, and is the starting point for day walks to Collins Cap and ‘Sleeping Beauty’. The picnic area is a short walk from the car park, and provides low key day use facilities, including toilets. Vehicle access to the picnic shelter for visitors with special needs can be arranged by contacting the PWS on 6165 4053.
