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Mount Wellington is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Hobart. I knew that when I visited the Tasmanian capital I had to head up the mountainside. Luckily for me, the hostel I was staying at offered guests a free return trip to Mount Wellington, so my friend and I quickly jumped on board.
We stopped halfway to take in the views of Bruny Island. I couldn’t believe the fortunate weather we had on our summit. It was a beautiful blue sky day, complete with wispy clouds. Our guide actually said it was the clearest morning he had seen in six months — and he visits Mount Wellington twice a week. Thank you, weather gods.
We wound our way up along the sealed road and through the forest. Our second stop was at a tiny fall to drink some natural spring water. As you ascend you will see quite a few opportunities to enjoy water at its freshest source. We even saw a local with many large water containers in the back of his car, filling them up at one of the falls. I feel like it must be good for your health, drinking the water straight from Mount Wellington. Magical even. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Mount Wellington Summit
Finally, we made it to the top. I was weirdly excited to feel the familiar crunch of my boots on the snow again, as it had been a while since my last experience. Although I did visit in winter, Mount Wellington is known to have a snowy top year-round, so be prepared with layers. We had about twenty minutes to take photos and enjoy the views. This was definitely enough for me and my non-gloved hands.
The views were just spectacular and reminded me of New Zealand, which has its own Mount Wellington. To be able to see Hobart, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula was very fortunate. The Discover Tasmania website says, “no other city in Australia has a vista like this one,” and I’d have to agree. No other city that I have seen is so fully surrounded by water. I think that’s what makes Hobart that much more raw and naturally beautiful.
Bridgewater Jerry
We also got the opportunity to meet Bridgewater Jerry.
A dense, remarkably compact stream of fog, which occasionally rolls down the western shore of the Derwent River into parts of Hobart.
It was eerie to see this thick blanket slowly moving and revealing more of Hobart as the minutes passed. But its mystery sure made for interesting photos. Thanks Jerry for being so photogenic.
Mount Wellington is also known for its many walking tracks. Some of the hostel guests decided to walk down the mountain, but my friend and I wanted to spend more time in Hobart that day instead. There are long and short trails, with the shorter leading descenders to Fern Tree, where there is a pub and public transport access. Otherwise the longer tracks can take you all the way back to Hobart if you are so inclined.
Definitely ensure you visit Mount Wellington during a visit to Hobart. If you do not have access to a vehicle (although is there any other way to see Tasmania?) there are local tour companies who visit the mountain twice daily. Or stay at the Pickled Frog and catch a ride for free on Monday or Thursday. No, they didn’t pay me to say that, I’m just a budget traveller who loves free stuff.
hayley x
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When were you there? We are going in October and I need to start making some plans! Mount Wellington looks so pretty, any other suggestions?
Just in June actually. In Hobart I recommend walking around Salamanca and Battery Point. Check out MONA too! :)