Enjoy a captivating 4.6km, grade 3 hike from Fern Tree to The Springs Loop in Tasmania, offering an enriching outdoor adventure. This scenic loop walk is expected to take around 1.5 hours to complete, showcasing ferns, mossy gullies, and glimpses of kunanyi / Mount Wellington’s storied history.
Beginning your journey along the tranquil Pipeline Track, you'll soon encounter the Fern Tree Bower, a beloved picnic spot dating back to the 1860s. Continuing onward, you'll pass the picturesque cascade of Silver Falls before reaching The Springs. Here, open grassy areas and convenient picnic facilities provide the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or snack.
As you descend back to Fern Tree, you'll be immersed in a lush variety of mosses and ferns, accompanied by the soothing sound of running water along the Fern Glade Track. While Wellington Park's beauty is unparalleled, it’s important to note that snowfalls can occur at any time of the year, potentially rendering the track slippery when covered in snow and ice. Ensure you're equipped with warm, waterproof clothing for a comfortable hike.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- Snowfalls can occur in Wellington Park at any time of the year. The track can be slippery when covered in snow and ice. Bring warm, waterproof clothing.
- Dogs are not permitted from the Pipeline Track up to the junction of Silver Falls Track and Middle Track, including the Silver Falls themselves, due to the area's significance as a drinking water catchment. However, there are plenty of nearby tracks where dogs are welcome on a lead, ensuring all members of the family can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Total distance: 4642 m
Max elevation: 701 m
Min elevation: 441 m
Total climbing: 300 m
Total descent: -300 m
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For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
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To access the starting point of the walk, simply take a bus or drive to the suburb of Fern Tree in Hobart.
- Public Transport
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Shelter
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Fern Tree is an outlying suburb of Hobart. The name Fern Tree is adapted from the common name of the plant Dicksonia antarctica which grows abundantly in the area. Set beneath Mount Wellington, whose summit is at 1270 metres above sea level, Fern Tree is 13 km by road from Hobart's central business district.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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