Mount Wellington

## Overview Mount Wellington (known by its Aboriginal name **kunanyi**) rises to 1,271 metres above sea level just behind Hobart, Tasmania, and has long been a source of fresh, naturally flowing water. The mountain's dolerite geology and cool temperate rainforest catchments feed a number of springs and streams that have historically supplied drinking water to the city below. Public drinking springs on the mountain have been used by bushwalkers, locals, and visitors for well over a century. The mountain sits within **Wellington Park**, a 18,250-hectare reserve managed under the Wellington Park Act 1993. The park's water catchments are considered ecologically significant, and the springs found along the mountain's trails have historically been regarded as clean, high-quality water sources. The Wellington Park Management Trust has noted the importance of the mountain's water resources on their website (wellingtonpark.org.au). Please note that while the springs on kunanyi / Mount Wellington have a long history of use as drinking water sources, water quality can vary with weather and season. The water has not been independently tested or certified as safe for consumption. ## Directions 1. From central Hobart, head west on Davey Street, which becomes Huon Road briefly before you turn onto Pinnacle Road (signposted to Mount Wellington / kunanyi). 2. Follow Pinnacle Road as it winds uphill through the suburb of Fern Tree and into Wellington Park. 3. Public drinking springs and water points can be found at various locations along the mountain's walking tracks. The Springs, a well-known picnic area roughly halfway up the mountain, is accessible from Pinnacle Road and is a popular starting point for walks. 4. GPS coordinates for this listing: **-42.884015, 147.310181** — use these to navigate to the specific spring location. 5. Parking is available at several pull-off areas and designated car parks along Pinnacle Road. The Springs car park is one of the most convenient access points. ## What to Expect kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers a dramatic landscape ranging from lush temperate rainforest at lower elevations to exposed sub-alpine terrain and the iconic dolerite-columned summit. The public drinking springs are typically found along well-maintained walking tracks in the forested mid-slopes of the mountain, where water emerges cool and clear from the ancient dolerite rock formations. The area around The Springs (approximately 720 metres elevation) features picnic shelters, interpretive signage, and access to several popular trails including the Pipeline Track and Rivulet Trail. Water flow from the springs tends to be strongest during Tasmania's wetter months (autumn and winter), though many springs run year-round thanks to the mountain's reliable rainfall — Hobart's annual average is around 600 mm, but the upper slopes of Mount Wellington receive significantly more. Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions on the mountain. Temperatures at the summit can be 10°C or more cooler than in Hobart, and snow can fall in any month of the year. Wear layers and sturdy footwear if you plan to walk to the spring locations. The mountain is a cherished landmark for Hobartians and a must-visit for anyone travelling through Tasmania. The combination of accessible natural springs, world-class bushwalking, and sweeping views over Hobart and the Derwent River make kunanyi / Mount Wellington one of the finest natural attractions in southern Australia.