kunanyi, also known as Mount Wellington, rises behind Hobart and shapes the city's weather, its skyline and its sense of place. The summit area is called the Pinnacle, at 1,270 metres above sea level, and it looks out over the Derwent estuary, the city, the Tasman Peninsula and a large part of south-east Tasmania on a clear day. Pinnacle Road is the only vehicle route to the summit lookout, and it is sealed and suitable for ordinary cars. The mountain is part of Wellington Park, which is managed by a trust and has tracks for walkers and riders, from short rainforest strolls at Fern Tree to longer climbs. Entry to the park is free. The weather is the thing to plan around: it can be mild in the city and bitterly cold, windy or icy at the top, even in summer.
What to do
Most visitors drive or take a tour up Pinnacle Road to the summit lookout, stepping out to the observation shelter and the rocky viewpoints for the panorama. Halfway up, The Springs sits at 720 metres, about 3.5 km from Fern Tree, and the Pinnacle is a further 9 km beyond.
Walkers can start at Fern Tree and take tracks into the park, including the historic Pipeline Track, which links several of Hobart's bushland reserves. Trails also enter the park from South Hobart, Lenah Valley, Glenorchy and Collinsvale, so there is a walk for most abilities.
Planning
The City of Hobart manages Pinnacle Road, and access can be restricted in winter because of snow and ice. The road can also close for fire danger or community events, and the park itself closes during hazardous fire weather. The park trust says to check the road status before you leave and to check the mountain weather and bring suitable clothing.
Tour operators and private shuttles run between the city and the mountain, and metro buses run to Fern Tree from Franklin Square. One licensed explorer bus can take visitors up when the road is closed for snow.
Fitting it in
Allow two to three hours for a drive-up visit with time at the top, or half a day if you add a walk. Go on a clear day, ideally in the morning, and always carry a warm layer and a windproof jacket. The mountain pairs naturally with a visit to the city in the same day, and tours often combine it with a brewery or wildlife stop. Do not park at the Fern Tree Tavern, which has no public parking; use the signposted car parks at Stephenson Place or Fern Glade instead.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided visit by car, tour or on foot to a summit lookout and a network of walking tracks in Wellington Park.
Best time
A clear morning gives the best views, and summer is the most reliable season for the road to be open.
How long
Allow two to three hours for a drive-up visit, or half a day with a walk.
Tips
Check the road status and mountain weather before leaving, and carry warm, windproof clothing even on a warm day in the city.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want a big view and a quick taste of Tasmanian alpine bushland close to the city.
- Families
- The summit lookout is easy to reach by car, but it is cold and exposed, so bring jackets and keep children close at the edges.
- Couples
- Go up on a clear morning for the panorama, then come back down for a long lunch in Battery Point.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Cascade Brewery in South Hobart, or with Salamanca Place and the waterfront on the same day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours for a drive-up visit, and half a day if you walk.
Good questions
Is it free to visit kunanyi / Mount Wellington?+
Yes, entry to Wellington Park and the summit lookout is free. Parking is available at The Springs and the Pinnacle, and tour or shuttle operators charge their own fares.
How high is the summit?+
The Pinnacle is 1,270 metres above sea level, and The Springs, a popular stop on the way up, is at 720 metres. The temperature at the top is often far colder than in the city.
Can I drive to the top?+
Yes, Pinnacle Road is sealed and suitable for ordinary vehicles, and it is the only road to the summit lookout. It can be restricted in winter because of snow and ice, and it may close for fire danger or events.
How do I get there without a car?+
Metro buses run to Fern Tree from Franklin Square in Hobart, and tour operators and private shuttles run to the mountain. A licensed explorer bus can go up when the road is closed for snow.
What should I wear?+
Bring warm layers, a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes, even in summer, because the summit is exposed. Check the mountain weather before you leave the city.
