Trail Running in kunanyi / Mount Wellington
kunanyi / Mount Wellington dominates the Hobart skyline and is accessible from the city centre in under 20 minutes, yet its summit sits at 1271m and is frequently dusted with snow in winter. The mountain on muwinina and Mouheneener Country contains over 100 km of trails from easy forest walking tracks to expert-level technical singletrack used by top mountain runners. The dolerite boulder fields and exposed summit plateau can be brutal in bad weather and stunning in good. It is one of the finest accessible mountain running venues in the southern hemisphere, and the starting point of many Hobart runner mornings.
Region
Hobart, TAS
Difficulty
Challenging
Best Seasons
Summer, Autumn, Spring
Trails
4 featured
Terrain
Lower slopes feature eucalypt forest singletrack; upper slopes transition to subalpine vegetation, dolerite boulder fields, and exposed alpine plateau. Technical rock scrambling required near the summit.
Best Trails
Pinnacle Road to Summit via Pipeline Track
ChallengingThe classic route to the 1271m summit via the historic Pipeline Track through eucalypt forest and open alpine terrain.
Forest singletrack transitioning to dolerite boulder fields
Organ Pipes Track
ChallengingApproaches the dramatic Organ Pipes dolerite columns beneath the summit cliffs.
Technical dolerite scramble and forest trail
Springs to Fern Tree Loop
ModerateA lower mountain circuit through the best forest trails, accessible year-round.
Forest singletrack
Chrisps Track Long Loop
ChallengingA long route linking the northern and southern trail systems of the mountain.
Mixed forest and alpine singletrack
Gear Recommendations
Always carry a wind and waterproof jacket, summit conditions change in minutes
Trail shoes with good traction on wet rock are essential above the Springs car park
Carry food and a minimum of 1 litre of water for summit runs
A headlamp if starting before sunrise or planning a long summit route in winter
Safety Tips
Summit weather can deteriorate to white-out conditions very rapidly, check the forecast and turn back if conditions worsen
The dolerite boulders above the Springs are extremely slippery when wet or icy
Do not attempt summit runs in strong wind conditions, exposure is severe
Always tell someone your route and expected return time for any summit run
Getting There
The Fern Tree suburb (20 min drive from Hobart CBD) is the main lower trail access point. The Springs car park is higher up Pinnacle Road and reduces drive time for summit runs. The summit is also accessible by road via Pinnacle Road.
Post-Run Refuel
The Cascade Brewery Tap Room at the base of the mountain is an excellent post-run stop. In South Hobart, the Machine Laundry Cafe in Salamanca Place is a Hobart institution for coffee and brunch.
Local Trail Events
Wellington Vertical Kilometre
1000m verticalA brutal vertical kilometre race up the face of Mount Wellington from Fern Tree to the summit, held during the Tasmanian Trail Running Festival.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
How high is kunanyi / Mount Wellington?
The summit is 1271m above sea level, rising directly above Hobart. It is accessible from the city in under 20 minutes and frequently receives snow in winter.
Is Mount Wellington safe to run in any season?
The lower trails near Fern Tree and the Springs are runnable year-round. The summit plateau requires good weather assessment in all seasons due to rapid weather changes.
What gear do I need to run to the summit of Mount Wellington?
A waterproof jacket, trail shoes with good grip on wet rock, food, and at least 1 litre of water are the minimum. A headlamp and emergency layer are recommended for longer routes.
How far is the Mount Wellington trailhead from Hobart CBD?
The Fern Tree trailhead is about 8 km and 20 minutes from Hobart CBD. Many runners also access the mountain on foot from South Hobart, adding 3-4 km each way.
What is the Wellington Vertical Kilometre?
It is a race of exactly 1000m of vertical elevation gain from Fern Tree to the Mount Wellington summit, held in February as part of the Tasmanian Trail Running Festival.
