Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the 5.5km Hobart Rivulet Park trail in South Hobart, Tasmania, a Grade 2 hike that winds its way downstream from the foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington towards the city. Starting and ending at the historic Cascade Brewery, it's a perfect stroll for bushwalkers, cyclists, and dog owners. Watch for platypuses along the water's edge, and soak up the rich cultural history, passing landmarks like the World Heritage-listed Female Factory. Just 6.9km from West Hobart, finish your 2-hour journey with a relaxing breather in the gorgeous Cascade Gardens.

Length:

5.5km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 107m

Min elevation: 32m

Total Ascent: 148m

Start: Cascade Brewery

End: Cascade Brewery

Hobart Rivulet Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: West Hobart

From state capital: 6.9km

Latitude: -42.89547744806487

Longitude: 147.29333643105875

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Hike overview

Following the Hobart Rivulet downstream from the foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington towards the city, this trail offers a gentle downhill grade, making it well-suited for bikes and dogs on lead. The Hobart Rivulet Park trail is a 5.5km, grade 2 hike in South Hobart, Tasmania, and should take around 2 hours to complete.

Keep an eye on the water’s edge for the platypuses that inhabit this rivulet. These remarkable creatures, living so close to Hobart City, have recently been featured in a documentary called "The Platypus Guardian." This documentary, along with the City of Hobart's Bushcare program, aims to raise awareness about the need to protect these beautiful environments.

This trail is also rich in cultural history. Until the 1860s, Hobart Rivulet was the main source of fresh water for the new settlement, leading the colony to grow along its banks. As you walk, you’ll pass the World Heritage-listed Female Factory, an institution that once housed convict women and their children.

At the trailhead, you’ll find the historic Cascade Brewery. The Cascade Gardens, with its playground and barbecue facilities, is an ideal spot to relax after your walk.

Tips

Please be mindful of other cyclists and walkers sharing the trail.
Dogs are allowed on lead.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Walk map and GPX file
Hobart Rivulet Park Walk (5.5km)

Total distance: 5457 m
Max elevation: 107 m
Min elevation: 32 m
Total climbing: 148 m
Total descent: -148 m

For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Hobart Rivulet Park.

Parking is available at both ends of the walk: time-limited parking is offered at the Hamlet Cafe next to Linear Park at the city end, and there is parking at the Cascade Brewery end. Metro buses also serve the area—check the Metro Tasmania website for route timetables or use their Trip Planner.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

Public Transport

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Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Battery Point, Bellerive, Brighton, Cambridge, Claremont, Glenorchy, Hobart, Howrah, Kingston, Sandy Bay, Sorell, South Hobart, West Hobart

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Hobart Rivulet Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

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Hobart Rivulet Park Walk (5.5km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Hobart Rivulet Park Walk (5.5km)