Mount Wellington Guide & the Best of Hobart

Mount Wellington Guide & the Best of Hobart

Hobart is the capital and the biggest city of Tasmania. The city offers a blend of culture and lifestyle with amazing activities and attractions nearby. The highlight of visiting Hobart is without a doubt a trip to the mountain towering over the city: Mount Wellington. The mountain rising up to 1271m dominates the skyline and offers spectacular views. You can choose to drive all the way to the top, or stop mid way and hike the rest of the way along beautiful walking tracks in the Wellington Range. In this guide, we will show you why Mount Wellington should be on your list during Tasmania Road Trip.

Get to the Summit

Mount Wellington offers spectacular views of Hobart, Bruny Island and the south region of Tasmania. Driving up to the Pinnacle Observation Shelter which was built on the summit, is one of the most popular things to do. The shelter provides coverage for from the strong wind, rain and snow that are falling over the mountain during winter days. Tourists can walk on the beautiful boardwalks at the summit to view points around the pinnacle. There are 2 ways to visit the Pinnacle:

You can drive all the way to the top. It takes less than 30 min to reach the summit from Hobart.

Alternatively, you can stop at The Springs. It’s a beautiful picnic spot and the starting point of many short and long walks around Wellington Park. From here, set for a 3h hike to the Pinnacle Summit.

TIP : Check the weather reports. The road is closed during heavy snow.

The Springs

As just mentioned, The Springs are a little further down the mountain than the Pinnacle Summit. There is a shelter, a picnic area and a small cafe on the side. Here you will find the access to a number of bush walks and hikes.

Lookout circuit

A very easy, less than 10 min walk to a beautiful view point.

The Sphinx Rock

This short, easy walk leads on a beautiful path through a forest. At the end you will find spectacular views over the area from exposed cliffs. There are no barriers and the drop is high. Caution is advised.

Note : The map says the walk is 45 min return, but that’s a very slow walk. We came back within 25 min and took a bunch of pictures at the view point.

Hike to the Pinnacle

If you’d like a bigger adventure than simply driving all the way up to the summit of Mount Wellington, leave your car at the Springs and hike the rest of the way. There are 2 treks leading all the way to the summit : the 3h return Pinnacle or 5h return Pinnacle Circuit. Both of those hikes are considered as difficult. You should be in good condition and well prepared to complete either hike. Below you will find the maps and description of the hikes.

Note : There are detailed informations including the trekking maps on the official website of Wellington Park. We however found this information confusing prior to arrival in the park. But once there, the trails, hikes and the rest of the information became much clearer. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you prepare your trip, just leave us a comment below ?

Visiting Hobart

Tasmania’s capital city, once a town that went to sleep before 8PM. Now it’s a lively centre of culture and lifestyle, with cool attractions and great restaurants, surrounded by spectacular nature.

While passing through Hobart visit the Waterfront: the centre of the town. Walk around the famous Salamanca Place, a picturesque row of four-storey sandstone warehouses dating back to 1830′. If you happen to be there on a Saturday don’t miss a visit to Salamanca Market. From Brooke Street Pier hop on a ferry that will take you to MONA, Museum of Old & New Art. MONA gives a fresh, eccentric and submersive view on art.

Practical info

Getting to Hobart & Mount Wellington

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, therefore getting there is relatively easy. There is an international airport and flights from most of Australian cities arrive few times a day.

Hobart is located 2.5h drive from Freycinet National Park and 4h drive from Cradle Mountain National Park.

Mount Wellington is located just 30 min drive from the city centre. Alternatively, bus 446, 447, 448 or 449 will take you to Fern Tree, from where you will have to proceed up the mountain by walk. There are also organised tours leaving from the city. Kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus is the only company with exclusive access to the mountain when Pinnacle Road is closed due to snow. 

Where to next

Following our Tasmania Road Trip Guide, after visiting Mount Wellington drive 40 min south to Kettering where you will board a ferry to Bruny Island.

Read : Bruny Island Guide – Discover its Amazing Marine Wildlife

Where to eat

Peacock and Jones one of the top new restaurants in Hobart.

Old Wharf Restaurant beautiful restaurant right on the waterfront with great views. Go for fresh oysters or the 6 course menu.

Franklin Bar & Restaurant great modern restaurant.

Where to stay

Accommodations in Hobart can get pricey, try to book in advance.

We especially recommend Million Dollar View Luxury Guest House 8 as it’s the one we stayed at. It’s a beautiful new house with incredible views. But there is also 2 others Million Dollar Sea View Luxury Guest House 54 & Million Dollar Sea View Luxury Guest House 37. They quite quickly books so you better have better chance with the 2 others (more expensive but even better views tbh)

Find all the best deals for Hobart on booking.com

We recommend: Million Dollar View n°8MACq 01 Hotel

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