Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a mountain that has different kinds of landscapes and wildlife, and that offers amazing views of the city and the sea?
If you have, then you should definitely check out Mount Wellington, a beautiful mountain in the southeast of Tasmania, Australia. Mount Wellington is also called kunanyi by the Aboriginal people who live there.
It is the highest point of the Wellington Range and is part of a natural reserve called Wellington Park.
I had the opportunity to visit Mount Wellington last weekend, and I want to share with you my experience and some interesting facts about this amazing place.
Here are some of the highlights of my day trip to Mount Wellington, Hobart.
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Getting There
Mount Wellington is about 22 kilometres (14 miles) from Hobart central business district.
There are different ways to get there, depending on your preference and budget. You can drive, take a bus, join a tour, or even cycle or hike to the summit.
I decided to take a bus, which was convenient and affordable. The bus ride took about 40 minutes, and I enjoyed the scenery along the way.
The bus stopped at several places, such as Fern Tree, The Springs, and The Chalet, where I could get off and explore the surroundings.
The Lower Slopes
The lower slopes of Mount Wellington are covered by thick forests, where you can see many birds, animals, and plants.
There are also many walking tracks and fire trails that you can explore. I got off the bus at Fern Tree, which is a popular picnic spot and the start of many walking tracks.
I followed the Pipeline Track, which is an easy and scenic walk that follows the route of the old water pipeline.
Along the way, I saw some beautiful waterfalls, such as Silver Falls and O’Grady’s Falls.
I also saw some native animals, such as wallabies, echidnas, and possums. I learned that Mount Wellington is home to more than 500 plant species, including some rare and endangered ones.
Some of the plants that I saw were eucalyptus, ferns, orchids, and wildflowers.
I also learned that Mount Wellington is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which means that it is protected and valued for its natural and cultural heritage.
The Upper Part
The upper part of Mount Wellington is more rocky and windy, and sometimes it snows even in summer.
There is a road that goes to the summit, which is 1,271 meters (4,170 feet) above sea level.
I got back on the bus and continued to the top, where I was greeted by a stunning view of Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, and the Derwent River, which flows into the sea.
I also saw the Organ Pipes, which are tall columns of rock that look like pipes of an organ. They are made of dolerite, a type of rock that formed when molten rock cooled and cracked into shapes.
Mount Wellington was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and that it has a rich history and culture.
The Aboriginal people of the area referred to Mount Wellington as kunanyi or poorawetter, and they used the mountain for hunting, gathering, and ceremonies.
The first European to see the mountain was Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer who sailed past the island in 1642.
The first European to climb the mountain was Robert Brown, a Scottish botanist who accompanied Matthew Flinders on his voyage around Australia in 1804.
Since then, many people have visited and enjoyed the mountain, and some have even done some adventurous activities, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and hang gliding.
The Pinnacle
The pinnacle is the highest point of Mount Wellington, and it has a lookout, a shelter, and a radio tower.
There is also a plaque that commemorates the first television broadcast in the Southern Hemisphere, which was made from Mount Wellington in 1956.
I spent some time at the lookout, admiring the panoramic view and taking photos. I could see the city, the river, the sea, and the surrounding hills and mountains. I felt like I was on top of the world.
I also felt the cold wind and the fresh air, and I was glad that I brought warm clothes and a hat.
The temperature at the summit can be 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than in the city, and that the weather can change quickly and unpredictably.
I also learned that Mount Wellington is an important landmark for the people of Hobart, and that it has a dual name policy, which means that it is officially called kunanyi / Mount Wellington, to respect both the Aboriginal and the European names.
Going Back
After spending about an hour at the summit, I decided to go back to the city. I took the bus again, which was waiting at the car park. The bus driver was very friendly and informative, and he told us some stories and jokes along the way.
He also pointed out some interesting places, such as the Cascade Brewery, the oldest brewery in Australia, and the Female Factory, a former prison for female convicts.
I enjoyed the ride back, and I felt happy and satisfied with my day trip to Mount Wellington.
Conclusion
Mount Wellington is one of the coolest attractions in Hobart, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature, history, and culture.
It is a place where you can see different kinds of landscapes and wildlife, and where you can enjoy amazing views of the city and the sea.
It is also a place where you can learn about the history and culture of the mountain, and how it is important for the people who live there. Mount Wellington is a place that you will never forget.
