Trail summary
Hike overview
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.
Tips
- 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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 701 m
Min elevation: 441 m
Total climbing: 300 m
Total descent: -300 m
For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
Getting there
To access the starting point of the walk, simply take a bus or drive to the suburb of Fern Tree in Hobart.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
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.
About the region
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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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Fern Tree or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.