Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the spellbinding 4.6km, Grade 3 Fern Tree to The Springs Loop hike in Tasmania. This circuit walk, set to take around 1.5 hours, reveals the lush ferns, mossy gullies and rich history of kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Start at the tranquil Pipeline Track, pass the historic Fern Tree Bower picnic spot and the picturesque Silver Falls, before reaching The Springs. Remember, snowfall can occur year-round, so pack warm, waterproof clothing for this unforgettable bushwalking adventure.

Length:

4.6km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 701m

Min elevation: 441m

Total Ascent: 300m

Start: Fern Tree Park

End: Fern Tree Park

Fern Tree

Tasmania

Nearby town: Fern Tree

From state capital: 12.8km

Latitude: -42.92232203453728

Longitude: 147.2597631716486

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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.

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Walk map and GPX file
Fern Tree to The Springs Loop Walk (4.6km)

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Battery Point, Hobart, Huntingfield, Kingston, Mount Nelson, South Hobart, Taroona

Access conditions

Public Transport
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter

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.

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

Reviews
Fern Tree to The Springs Loop Walk (4.6km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Fern tree to the springs loop walk (4. 6km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Fern Tree to The Springs Loop Walk (4.6km)