Trail summary
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 views 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.
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
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’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
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.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Wellington Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.