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.
- 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.
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Total distance: 4642 m
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
Getting to the trailhead: Fern Tree.
To access the starting point of the walk, simply take a bus or drive to the suburb of Fern Tree in Hobart.
Closest towns to this walk: Battery Point, Hobart, Huntingfield, Kingston, Mount Nelson, South Hobart, Taroona
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Fern Tree? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.