Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1263m
Min elevation: 965m
Total Ascent: 366m
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.
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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: 965 m
Total climbing: 366 m
Total descent: -366 m
For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Wellington Park.
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.
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 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
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.