Trail Fast Facts
Pinnacle to Zig Zag Track Lookout Loop is a 4km, grade 3 hike in Wellington Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 1.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Enjoy the scenic Pinnacle to Zig Zag Track Lookout Loop, a 4km adventure nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Wellington Park, Tasmania. This grade 3 hike offers a delightful journey, perfect for exploring Tasmania's alpine beauty, and typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete.
Commence your excursion from the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, immersing yourself in the pristine alpine environment. Before setting off, ensure you're warmly attired, as the summit's chilly and windy conditions are near-constant companions. Follow the Zig Zag Track, recently renovated with improved track surfaces and stone steps, leading you to a mesmerizing lookout.
From this vantage point, soak in the awe-inspiring vistas stretching across southeastern Tasmania, including Hobart, the Derwent estuary, the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island, and the Channel area. Marvel at the mosaic of low-growing alpine flora and frozen pools, a testament to Tasmania's unique natural splendor.
After relishing the panoramic views, descend to the junction of the Pinnacle Track before retracing your steps. Throughout this journey, respect the area's rich fauna and its significance as a drinking water catchment by refraining from bringing dogs along.
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.
Tips
- Given the park's unpredictable weather, be prepared with ample warm, waterproof clothing, as snowfalls can surprise visitors at any time of the year.
- Exercise caution on sections of the route that may become slippery due to snow and ice, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hiking experience amidst Tasmania's pristine wilderness.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1263 m
Min elevation: 965 m
Total climbing: 366 m
Total descent: -366 m
For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Either drive your car to the Pinnacle of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, or if you are feeling energetic, walk to the Pinnacle from Lenah Valley, Hobart or Fern Tree.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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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.