A detailed hiking guide for those looking to get to Wellington Falls Tasmania in Wellington Park near Hobart. Explore scenic alpine trails, see the fabled potato fields and get a chance to witness the elusive Disappearing Tarn on a day-hike from Hobart.
Did you know that Wellington Falls is the tallest waterfall on Mount Wellington in Tasmania? Fittingly then, getting here requires the longest walk! In this blog post, I aim to arm you with everything you need to tackle the Wellington Falls hike on Milles Track.
I’ve also included a small section dedicated to the Disappearing Tarn which is accessible on the track.
About the Wellington Falls Track on Mount Wellington
As mentioned, getting to Wellington Falls requires a rather long hike from Hobart. While the waterfall itself is the largest in the park, it's by no means the most impressive in Tasmania. However, it is still a waterfall worth visiting especially since there are plenty of things to see on the way.
The track to Wellington Falls is known as Milles Track and departs from The Springs in Wellington Park. However, as you'll see in this guide, there are several ways to start the walk.
Tip: If you're visiting Hobart, one of the best ways to experience the hiking trails and waterfalls on Mount Wellington and the incredible Mount Field National Park is to book a full-day guided experience from Hobart.
Where to Start the Wellington Falls Track
Option 1: The Springs
The official starting point for Milles Track leading to Wellington Falls is at The Springs, approximately 750 metres up Kunanyi (Mount Wellington). You'll find it signposted just up Grays Fire Trail after a small set of stairs.
To get to The Springs, you can either drive from Hobart or get the shuttle bus. If you're taking the bus, I recommend just purchasing an Explorers Pass online. This will give you unlimited 24-hour access to jump on and off the bus so you can even sneak in a trip to the summit.
Option 2: Fern Tree
As we were in our big van, we wanted to avoid another drive up to The Springs during a busy weekend. So, instead we decided to park our car near the suburb of Fern Tree at the base of Mount Wellington. This added a bit more of a climb but allowed us also to check out Silver Falls on the way.
If you'd like to follow our route to Wellington Falls from Fern Tree, I'd recommend parking at the local park at the start of "Westringa Road" to avoid too much road trekking.
Wellington Falls GPX File
Below I've attached my GPX file generated on my Garmin watch. Navigating on the Milles Track to Wellington Falls is really easy, so you won't necessarily need the maps for navigation.
GPX File: Download
My Strava: Visit
The Wellington Falls Hike
Car Rentals in Tasmania
Unfortunately, the cost of bringing your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania has skyrocketed in recent years.
Now, it is usually cheaper to rent a car on arrival. I recommend using RentalCars.com in Tasmania to compare rates for different vehicles across dealerships.
(Rentals are limited in Tasmania so it's a good idea to book in advance).
- Hiking Distance: 20 km return (Fern Tree)
- Duration: 5-7 hours
- Elevation: 950 m total elevation gain
- Difficulty: Moderate but a long day hike
Below I will break down the route that we took to reach Wellington Falls following the Pipeline Track, Silver Falls Track and then the Milles Track all the way to the waterfall. This can be completed by anyone with a decent level of fitness as long as you are prepared for a rather long day hike of 20 kilometres.
We had excellent hiking conditions in late April with no snow or rain. However, the slopes of Mount Wellington can turn into a different place in winter. Therefore it is advisable to monitor conditions and prepare for alpine environments even though you are close to Hobart.
If you're starting from The Springs, begin reading from here.
Fern Tree to Silver Falls
Leaving our car at the local park, we crossed Huon road and followed the "Maps.Me" app through local roads towards for about 5 minutes to gain the Pipeline Track.
The Pipeline Track quickly merges into Silver Falls track, and before we knew it, we found ourselves at yet another waterfall in Wellington Park.
Silver Falls isn't the most impressive waterfall in Tasmania but it was a good spot to prepare for the coming short but steep climb to The Springs.
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Looking for more Tasmania travel guides & adventure inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive blog posts that will serve as a great free resource for your trip.
FEATURED IN: 7 Waterfalls Near Hobart You Can See on a Day Trip
Silver Falls to The Springs
The track continues on from Silver Falls by climbing a wooden staircase. From here, the track is known as Reids Track, a short but sharp historic rocky trail that has long been a shortcut to The Springs.
Milles Track
The Springs serves as a great hub for all of the great hikes around Wellington Park. There are facilities including toilets, a small day-use hut with a fireplace, maps, information boards and even a cafe.
If you're planning to get to Wellington Falls from The Springs, then it's appropriate to start reading here.
If you check the information boards at the Springs, you'll find a map showing the route to Milles Track.
You'll find it just off the start of the Pinnacle Track. After a short set of stairs through the forest, the Pinnacle Track forks onto another short set of stairs on Grays Fire Trail, turn left here.
Next, continue on for a signs showing the fork to the Ice House Track and Wellington Falls (Milles Track). Once you are on Milles Track, you're set for the rest of the walk all the way to Wellington Falls, which is 7 kilometres further on.
Milles Track begins as a gentle, flat forest stroll with occasional clearings offering excellent views over Hobart and beyond. There are also small streams running down on a few sections where we filled up our drink bottles.
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Related: 26 Awesome Things to do in Hobart
The Potato Fields
As we continued on Milles Track, we noticed that the bouldered ground slowly became rockier. Eventually, the track opens up to reveal a boulder-filled landscape with more dispersed eucalypt growth. Soon after, we passed a fork with signs to "Snake Plains Track". Although unnoticeable, this marks the point where the Milles Track turns into Wellington Falls Track.
As we continued, we reached the large boulder field known as the Potato Fields. This section was a little tiring as we were constantly careful not to slip and slide as we hopped from boulder to boulder.
The Disappearing Tarn
The Disappearing Tarn is a Hobart phenomenon that only appears after heavy rainfall, hence the name "Disappearing Tarn". I'd been told about this magical spot and seen photos online and we were optimistic about seeing it. The boulders form a small natural alpine pool (tarn) which is usually aquatic turquoise in colour.
While we were hopeful that we'd get at least a glimpse of it on the way to Wellington Falls, the spot where we thought it would be was completely dry. In fact, there was no pooling of any water anywhere near the Potato Fields so we continued on a little disappointed.
If it's Winter and there has been heavy rainfall, then let me know if you find it. Below I'll include the GPS coordinates for approximately the Disappearing Tarn is supposed to be located (The Google Maps pin is totally off).
42°55’28″S 147°12’36″E
Continuing on the Endless Boulders
Truthfully, before departing on the Wellington Falls hike, we weren't really prepared for this much boulder and rock hopping. The field seems to stretch on forever. However, we pushed on, following the orange post markers to navigate through the best routes.
I'd imagine in heavy rain, fog or snowfall that these post markers would be life-savers!
Descending to Wellington Falls
Continuing on from the Potato Fields, the track gives you a slight break from rocks by evening out on muddy earth. This track then undulates slightly through dense, prickly forests before descending sharply to Wellington Falls.
Once you arrive, you'll see a fork with signs to the waterfall lookout. From here, you can continue right to reach the top of the waterfall.
The Wellington Falls lookout is a great spot to observe Hobart's tallest waterfall. However, there is a bit of tree growth blocking half the waterfall. I carefully walked around to the left to get a bit of a better view. Be careful though, these sections are steep and help is far away!
WANT MORE HIKES: Circuit Walk to Mount Wellington Summit
Returning to Fern Tree
After resting the legs and enjoying the view of Wellington Falls from the lookout, we doubled back and return to Fern Tree taking the same route.
Where to Stay in Hobart
The area closest to most highlights in Hobart is called “Salamanca Place“. This area has great restaurants and bars and is close to the markets, wharf, museums and the Elizabeth Mall.
However, Hobart is a relatively small city of just over 200,000 and consequently, most accommodation options in the inner suburbs provide easy access to most of the highlights.
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Rivulet - The Rivulet is an awesome 19th century, heritage-listed manor. It offers some of the best suites in Hobart without a ridiculous price tag.
- Best Budget Hostel: Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse - For budget travellers and backpackers, Montacute is by far the best place to stay in Hobart. This is a great hostel that is ranked as having the best vibe in the city.
- Best Luxury Accommodation: The Grand Chancellor - Centrally located on the waterfront overlooking Constitution Dock, the Grand Chancellor Hotel is one of the most prominent accommodation options in Hobart.
- ...15+ More in this Complete Guide on Where to Stay in Hobart
More Tasmanian Adventure & Travel Guides
I hope that this hiking guide to reaching Wellington Falls Tasmania and the Disappearing Tarn has been useful in planning your next adventure from Hobart.
If you're searching for more Tasmanian travel guides or adventure inspiration, make sure to check out some of my other articles below. Also, if you manage to find the Disappearing Tarn, let me know, I'd love to see photos of it!
Dominic
Sunday 9th of May 2021
42°55’28″S 147°12’36″E
Olly Gaspar
Sunday 9th of May 2021
Thank you mate