If you’re visiting Hobart, there’s one place you have to go – Mount Wellington, also known by its Palawa name, kunanyi. Towering 1,271 metres above sea level, this mountain is the ultimate backdrop to Tasmania’s capital city and offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the state. Whether you drive to the summit, hike through alpine trails, or chase waterfalls in the foothills, Mount Wellington is the perfect way to add a dose of mountain views to your Tassie Itinerary.
How to Get to Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington is only a 30-minute drive from Hobart’s city centre, but it feels like you’ve been dropped into the middle of a Tasmanian wilderness. You can drive up the winding Pinnacle Road to the summit (weather permitting), or take a kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus if you don’t have your own wheels. Adventurous types can hike or bike up – but be warned, it’s steep!
What to Do on Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington isn’t just a pretty view (though the view is spectacular). It’s packed with trails, history, and surprises – here are some of the best ways to explore:
Summit Views at the Pinnacle
Let’s be real – the main event is that unbelievable view from the top. From the Pinnacle Observation Shelter, you can see all of Hobart, the River Derwent, Bruny Island, and even the Tasman Peninsula on a clear day. It’s dramatic, windy, and oh-so-photogenic.
Top tip: The weather changes fast up here, so bring layers, even in summer. You might get sun, fog, rain, and a temperature drop of 10°C compared to Hobart – all in one visit.
Hike the Wellington Park Trails
If you’re up for stretching your legs, Wellington Park has over 20 walking tracks, ranging from short strolls to half-day hikes.
- Pinnacle to Zig Zag Track – 1.6 km return, steep and scenic with wild rock formations.
- Organ Pipes Track – 4.2 km return, follows the base of towering dolerite cliffs.
- Summit to The Springs – 4 km one-way downhill, or a challenging uphill if you’re reversing it.
- Silver Falls Track – A gentle loop near Fern Tree with a lovely little waterfall.
Discover the Subalpine Forest & Strange Rock Formations
The higher you go, the more the landscape changes – think alpine heath, snow gums, mossy boulders, and eerie dolerite columns. The Organ Pipes are a highlight: massive, vertical rock formations that look like nature’s version of a cathedral.
Snow in Tasmania? Yep!
If you’re visiting in winter, there’s a good chance Mount Wellington will be dusted in snow—sometimes even in spring! Kids (and grown-ups) love pulling over for a snowball fight, and the mountain takes on a whole new mood when it’s blanketed in white.
Sunrise & Sunset on Mount Wellington
Want a magical experience? Head up early for sunrise or stay for sunset. Watching the sky light up over Hobart from above the clouds is unforgettable. Just check road conditions first – the summit road can close due to ice or snow.
Refuel After Your Mountain Adventure
After exploring kunanyi, head to Fern Tree Tavern for a hearty pub meal or drive back into South Hobart for great coffee and eats. The famous Cascade Brewery is nearby, and it’s the perfect post-hike reward.
Tips for Visiting Mount Wellington
- Check the weather before heading up. Pinnacle Road can close in bad conditions.
- Dress in layers, even in summer—it gets cold up top.
- Bring water and snacks if you’re planning to hike.
- Respect the land—Mount Wellington is sacred to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and it’s important to treat it with care.
- Go early or late for the best light and fewer crowds.
Mount Wellington / kunanyi is the wild heart of Hobart – always watching over the city, always ready to surprise you. Whether you’re standing on the summit in a cloud of mist or hiking through its forested lower slopes, it’s a place that captures the raw, untamed beauty of Tasmania. And best of all? It’s just a short trip from town.
So pack a jacket, get your camera roll ready, and head up the mountain. This is a tassie day trip you won’t forget!
Check out my full 2 Week Tasmania Itinerary here!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
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Jess at Sea 
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