Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1263m
Min elevation: 253m
Total Ascent: 1227m
Hike overview
Explore the scenic Lenah Valley to the Pinnacle Loop, a challenging 17.5km hike nestled in the beauty of Tasmania. This grade 4 trail promises an adventure of approximately 8 hours, offering breathtaking views and a captivating journey.
Your hike begins with the invigorating ascent to kunanyi / Mount Wellington's summit, treating you to panoramic views on clear days. The murmuring melody of the New Town Rivulet accompanies your footsteps as you trace its upstream path. Upon reaching Pinnacle Road, the route transitions into road walking segments, connected by the scenic Panorama Track, leading to the often breezy summit.
As you descend via the aptly named Zig Zag Track, nature unfolds around you, guiding you gently along the Pinnacle Track to The Springs. Along this trail, encounter landmarks like Sphinx Rock, Lone and Junction cabins, and the captivating New Town Falls.
Given the rich fauna and the importance of the area as a drinking water catchment, dogs are respectfully prohibited from traversing the entirety of this track.
Tips
- Due to the park's unpredictable weather, including potential snowfalls year-round, it's essential to pack ample warm, waterproof clothing, as well as provisions for the journey.
- Be cautious of slippery conditions caused by snow and ice, and remain mindful of the risk of falling rocks, particularly around the Organ Pipes.
- No dogs are allowed on Panorama, Zig Zag, or Pinnacle Tracks.
Gallery
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Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1263 m
Min elevation: 253 m
Total climbing: 1227 m
Total descent: -1227 m
For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Wellington Park.
Ride a bike, take a bus or drive your car to Lenah Valley and the start of the walk.
Closest towns to this walk: Bellerive, Blackmans Bay, Bridgewater, Brighton, Claremont, Derwent Park, Fern Tree, Glenorchy, Hobart, Kingston, Mount Wellington, Sorell, South Hobart, Taroona
About the region
The summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers breathtaking views of Hobart and much of southern Tasmania. On the west side of the summit, you can gaze deep into the Southwest wilderness. Boardwalks and lookout platforms, along with the Pinnacle observation shelter, provide prime vantage points. The shelter is open from 7am to 10pm from September to April, and from 7am to 5.30pm from May to August.
Few cities can rival Hobart for the natural splendor of its backdrop, with kunanyi / Mount Wellington towering 1,271 meters above the city—almost 200 meters taller than Cape Town’s famed Table Mountain. For Hobartians, "the mountain" is integral to daily life: a place to walk, ride mountain bikes, play in the winter snow, and reconnect with nature, all just a half-hour drive from the city center. The mountain dominates the cityscape; stand almost anywhere in Hobart and you’ll see its forested slopes.
Much of the mountain is within Wellington Park reserve, which features the Organ Pipes escarpment running like ribs across the slopes, and numerous trails threading throughout. Wellington Park is an 18,011-hectare reserve on the doorstep of nipaluna / Hobart in southern lutruwita / Tasmania. The Park stretches west from the 1,271-meter summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and includes spectacular lookouts, dramatic cliff faces, boulder fields, waterfalls, fern glades, and stunning dolerite rock formations.
kunanyi / Mount Wellington is accessible to walkers via a network of recreational trails, a shuttle bus from the Hobart waterfront, or by car or bike on a sealed but winding road to the summit (the Pinnacle). Note that car parking in the Park is limited, and the road may be closed due to ice and snow—check the Pinnacle Road status on the City of Hobart or Wellington Park Management Trust website before departing. Be prepared for extreme and changeable weather.
Lookouts and observation decks at the Pinnacle provide spectacular views over Hobart towards the east coast, the World Heritage Area of southern Tasmania to the west, and Bruny Island to the south. Parking and toilet facilities are available.
The Park supports a network of tracks for walking, running, mountain biking, horse riding (permit required), and recreational 4WDs (permit required). Popular locations in the Park include The Springs picnic area and Lost Freight Cafe, Cathedral Rock, Myrtle Forest picnic area, the Octopus Tree, Sphinx Rock, the Organ Pipes, and Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Wellington Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
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.