A day at Mount Wellington, in Wellington Park, is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Tasmania’s landscape. On your journey to the 1,271-metre summit, you’ll come across remnants of huts and shelters that date back to the 1800s, a testament to the enduring popularity of this spot as a recreational park.
The mountain was given its name by European settlers in 1832 to honour the Duke of Wellington’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Four years later, Charles Darwin scaled its peaks when he stopped in Hobart during his round-the-world trip on the HMS Beagle.
Nowadays, Mount Wellington offers a range of activities and hiking routes that cater to all fitness levels. Bush walking trails in the foothills are perfect for families, whereas tracks leading up and over the summit require a full day’s trek. Many paths are also open to experienced mountain bikers and horse riders.
Setting off from the Springs, follow the trail up to Sphinx Rock. Your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of the aptly-named Organ Pipes. This is an unusual formation of dolorite columns across the cliff face, and a particularly popular challenge for very experienced climbers.
Discover Rocky Wheelan’s Cave where the notorious bandit hid out following numerous murder-robberies in Hobart in the mid-19th century before he was finally captured and hanged in 1855. The same trail will take you past Radford’s Monument commemorating George Radford who perished in 1903 when taking part in a foot race on the mountain.
Mount Wellington is not its only name. Tasmania’s Aboriginal people have known it as Kunanyi for thousands of years. Climb to the southwest platform of the Pinnacle to learn about the traditional significance of this mountain to the indigenous population.
When visiting Mount Wellington, make sure you plan carefully in advance. The weather is very changeable, and the temperature right at the top is always significantly lower than in the foothills. You need to ensure that you take enough food and water with you, and don’t forget navigation aids if you are planning a long hike, as visibility can deteriorate rapidly.
