Fern Tree, TAS

Rising 1270 metre above Hobart’s harbour and the wide Derwent River, kunanyi/Mt Wellington dominates the Hobart skyline and is an iconic experience within 20 minutes of the city.
The 21 km drive from Hobart to the summit passes through temperate rainforest, past glacial rock formations, to sub-alpine flora, and ends with spectacular views of Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula.

The summit features a landscape of sub-alpine flora and lichen-encrusted boulders and is regularly snow-capped during the colder months. An interpretation centre and shelter at the top protects visitors from the blustering winds. A viewing platform on the western side of the car park looks out to the World Heritage Wilderness Area beyond. Bushwalking trails suit all fitness levels and there are barbecue and picnic facilities at the Springs, as well as coffee and food from the Lost Freight Cafe. Other mountain activities include cycling, mountain biking and abseiling.

Interestingly, Charles Darwin climbed Mt Wellington in 1836 while visiting on the HMAS Beagle and found it “a severe day’s work”.