If you are looking to explore the scenic beauty of Tasmania, then kunanyi / Mt Wellington is a must. Reaching 1,271 meters above sea level, The Mountain, as locals call it, provides a wealth of options to explore as well as magnificent panoramic views from the pinnacle. Let us look at how to get top the top.
The Best 3 Ways to Get to Mt Wellington from Hobart
- Head West along Davey Street
- Alternative route via South Hobart
- Huon Highway
1. Head West along Davey Street
The simplest and most common route is to head west from the City Centre along Davey Street. Davey Street will eventually turn into Huon Road which will take you as far as the town of Fern Tree. Here you will find a well signed, hard right-hand turn onto Pinnacle Road. Then it is straight on until you reach the pinnacle. From the City Centre to the top of The Mountain is approximately 20km and under normal traffic conditions, the time it will take to the top of Mt Wellington is around 35 minutes.
2. Alternative route via South Hobart
An alternate route from the City Centre is to travel via South Hobart. The distance and time are much the same as the first route however this route will also take you to the Female Factory historic site and the famous Cascade Brewery. Both sites are well worth a visit. Again, from the City Centre, head West along Davey Street. At the top of Davey Street turn right onto the Southern Outlet and the left onto Macquarie Street – just follow the signs to South Hobart. Continue along Macquarie Street as it becomes Strickland Avenue and then when Stickland Avenue ends, turn right onto Houn Road. Keep travelling along Houn Road to the Pinnacle Road turnoff and then continue to the top.
3.Huon Highway
People often want to know how to get to Mt Wellington by car via the south. If you are travelling from the Huon Region (Huonville, Dover, Franklin) take the Huon Highway to the Sandfly intersection. Here you can turn left onto Huon Road and follow the road to Fern Tree. After stopping at The Fern Tree Tavern for refreshments, take the left turn onto Pinnacle Road and continue until you reach the summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Best Route to Drive to MT Wellington from Hobart?
Our preferred route is via South Hobart, the second option in the above list. This gives you the added options of visiting the historic Female Factory and the Cascade Brewery.
2. Can You Drive Up Mount Wellington, Tasmania?
You certainly can! And it is the best way to get the most out of a trip up The Mountain. The summit has a good-sized carpark and the road is well maintained, however the road can be closed from time to time depending on the weather conditions.
3. Is There an Entry Fee for Mount Wellington?
No there isn’t. Whether you are planning a quick drive to the summit or a full day exploring, there is no fee to access the Wellington Park. You may however like to set aside a few dollars for a coffee or a hot chocolate at Lost Freight Café located at The Springs.
4. Can You Go Up Mt Wellington at Night?
Yes! On a clear night, the night view from the top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington can be spectacular. The city lights, the Iron Pot Lighthouse and of course, the stars above. If you are into astrophotography the summit of The Mountain is an excellent location to get a spectacular shot away from the bright lights of the city. Do take care on your drive as Pinnacle Road is narrow and windy and there are no streetlights.
5. Can I Camp On Mt Wellington?
As kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a protected nature reserve, the simple answer is no, camping is not allowed. The longer answer is that there are some areas within the Wellington Park where camping is permitted but may require a permit. If you are looking to camp in the area, contact Wellington Park Management.
6. Can you drive a motor home up Mount Wellington?
Yes, you can, but… Pinnacle Road in particular is narrow in places and very windy. This can make passing difficult, and care is required when tackling tight corners. Our recommendation for travelers in motor homes is to head up early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak visitor times.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to drive to the top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington, head for Pinnacle Road. This is the road to the summit. The Hobart to Mt Wellington drive time is approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Combined with no applicable fees, this makes it a fantastic day trip from Hobart and a must do for both visitors and locals.
And don’t forget to take advantage of the Take A Local kunanyi/Mt Wellington tour!
