Growing up in Hobart, Mount Wellington was always a constant presence in my life.
You can see it from almost everywhere in the city — that familiar silhouette rising in the distance like a quiet guardian. Over the years, I’ve been up the mountain countless times: to show visiting friends the incredible views from the top, to hike its many forest trails, and to play in the snow that often dusts the summit during winter.
If you’re visiting Tasmania’s capital, I would highly recommend a trip up to the pinnacle of kunanyi. You can reach it by hopping on a shuttle bus, booking a guided tour, or driving yourself up Pinnacle Road. Here’s all the details on how to get to the summit of Mount Wellington from Hobart.
Quick summary:
Standing high above Hobart, kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers breathtaking views of the city and southern Tasmania. This guide explains the various ways to reach the summit and how to make the most of your visit to Hobart’s iconic mountain.
Recommended tours and tickets:
🚍 Mount Wellington Explorer Bus Pass (Return Shuttle from Hobart) – Ride the official Mount Wellington shuttle bus to the summit, with hop-on/hop-off stops along the way.
🥾 Mt Wellington Explorer Bus Pass (One-Way Shuttle) – Take the Explorer Bus one-way to the summit, then hike or cycle back to Hobart through Wellington Park’s scenic trails.
⛰️ kunanyi / Mt Wellington Ultimate Experience Tour from Hobart – Visit the summit and The Springs, then explore convict history at the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site.
🌿 Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong & Richmond Day Trip – Visit national parks and waterfalls, spot local wildlife, and take in sweeping mountain views.
What to expect at the summit
Mount Wellington is just 30 minutes (21 km) drive from Hobart’s city centre. It rises 1,271 metres above sea level, and the vista from the Mount Wellington summit lookout is truly awesome — you’ll get sweeping views over the city and the River Derwent. I’ve been up there many times over the years, and I swear, it never gets old.
From the Pinnacle Boardwalk lookout, you can see all the way out to Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula in the distance. There’s a glass-walled observation shelter that’s perfect for when the icy wind hits (though the views from inside aren’t quite as nice as they are from the boardwalk), plus a network of short walking trails that lead to even more viewpoints. You can also climb up the rocky trail beside the car park to touch the summit marker.
Be prepared for the weather up there to be brisk, windy, and to change in a heartbeat — I’ve been caught in fog, sunshine, rain, and snow. It’s often about 10 °C colder at the top than in Hobart, so bring a warm jacket, even in summer.
Be aware that sometimes the upper section of Pinnacle Road can be closed in dangerous conditions (like when it’s been snowing, or if there’s high bushfire danger) and it will only reopen when conditions improve or the road has been cleared for vehicle access.
How to get to the summit of Mount Wellington from Hobart
Option 1: Mount Wellington Explorer Bus (best for car-free travellers)
Return shuttle
🚍 If you’re staying in Hobart without a car, the easiest way to reach the summit is on the Mount Wellington Explorer Bus, also known as the Mount Wellington shuttle bus.
The service departs from Brooke Street Pier on the Hobart waterfront and winds all the way up Pinnacle Road, with optional stops at Fern Tree, The Springs, and the Organ Pipes Circuit Trail (The Chalet) if you’d like to do some exploring on foot.
The bus takes about 2 hours return with a 30-minute stop at the summit, or longer if you hop off for walks. There are several daily departures that operate year-round.
One-way shuttle
🥾 If you’d prefer a more active option, consider the Mt Wellington Explorer Bus: One-Way Bus Pass. This pass takes you one-way to the summit, where you can make your own way back down on foot or by mountain bike.
The one-way pass is perfect for adventurous travellers wanting to experience the hike from the Mount Wellington summit down to Hobart or do the popular downhill mountain bike trail (around 1 hour). The bus includes space for bikes.
Option 2: Join a guided tour
If you’d rather make a day of it, you can join one of the Mount Wellington tours from Hobart that include the summit along with other nearby attractions.
These are great if you want to sit back and enjoy the scenery while someone else does the driving — the road is steep and winding near the top, so it’s nice to just relax and take it all in.
Half-Day Mt Wellington Tour
⛰️ A half-day kunanyi / Mt Wellington Ultimate Experience Tour from Hobart will collect you from the city, then drive up to the summit of Mount Wellington for unparalleled scenery.
This tour also allows you time to wander through the famous gardens at The Springs (about half way up the mountain) and includes a visit to the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site to learn about the history of Tasmania’s female convicts. This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to combine nature and heritage in one trip.
Full-day Mt Wellington & Hobart Surrounds Tour
🌿 You can combine your visit to Mt Wellington with Tasmanian wildlife encounters and waterfalls on a Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong & Richmond Day Trip.
On top of the panoramic mountain views, you’ll also get to visit Mt Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the historic Richmond Village. This would be a perfect option for visitors staying downtown without a hire car who want to visit some of the popular attractions surrounding the city in one day.
Option 3: Drive yourself (Mount Wellington self-drive trip)
For those hiring a car, driving up Mount Wellington is a Hobart rite of passage. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve done this — it’s the first place I take visiting friends and family.
From Hobart, you’ll follow Pinnacle Road which climbs steadily through Wellington Park all the way up to the Mount Wellington lookout. It’s a fully sealed road, but it can be quite narrow and twisty towards the top, so do take it slow and watch for cyclists.
A few tips before you go:
- Fill up with petrol: There are no fuel stops on the mountain, so fill up before you leave the city.
- Check road closures: The Mount Wellington weather can change quickly, and Pinnacle Road sometimes closes during snow or high winds — check the current road status online for updates before driving.
Option 4: Hike or cycle to the summit
If you enjoy hiking, kunanyi has a network of walking tracks within Wellington Park. You can walk through mossy forest, past boulder fields, and emerge into alpine scrub with spectacular views over the city.
The Pinnacle Track / Zig Zag Track is the most direct route from The Springs to the summit (2–3 hours each way). You can use the Mount Wellington Explorer Bus for a one-way hike — catch the bus up, walk down to The Springs, then hop back on the bus to return to Hobart.
The Organ Pipes Track is another popular Mt Wellington hiking trail that leads to the base of the mountain’s dramatic dolerite cliffs. This is the hike that I’ve done most often, and every time, I’m amazed at the scenery! It’s about 1.5 hours return from The Chalet, or you can combine it with the Zig Zag Track to access it from the summit.
kunanyi / Mount Wellington FAQs
Can you visit Mount Wellington without a car?
Yes! The Mount Wellington Explorer Bus (also called the Mount Wellington shuttle bus) has multiple departures daily from Hobart’s waterfront and is ideal for car-free travellers.
How long does it take to get there?
It’s about 30 minutes by car or bus from central Hobart to the Mount Wellington summit lookout.
Is the road open all year?
Usually yes, but Pinnacle Road can close for snow, ice, or fire danger — check for road updates before you go.
What’s the best time to go?
The mountain top can often be covered in cloud, so it’s best to choose a clear day if possible (or check the webcams to see if there’s cloud obscuring the view). Sunrise or sunset can be magical up there, if the weather behaves!
Is there snow on Mount Wellington?
Sometimes! From May to October you’ll likely see snow near the summit, and occasionally even in the warmer months.
What should I wear?
Bring layers! It’s always cooler and windier at the top. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, and always carry wet weather gear if you’re taking longer walks. If conditions deteriorate, don’t hesitate to turn back.
Is there anywhere to eat on Mt Wellington?
There’s a small cafe, Lost Freight, which operates out of a shipping container at The Springs. It’s open year-round, but hours may vary. It’s best to take your own food, snacks, and water along with you if you’re planning on spending a few hours up there.
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