The Chalet, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

## Overview The Chalet on kunanyi / Mount Wellington is a beloved natural water source and historic shelter located along Pinnacle Road, high above Hobart, Tasmania. Perched on the slopes of this iconic 1,271-metre mountain, the area offers visitors access to a natural spring, stunning cascading water features, and a rare encounter with ancient wildlife — the Anaspides crustaceans (mountain shrimp), a living fossil found only in the alpine waters of Tasmania. The Chalet itself is a well-known stone shelter that has served as a rest stop for bushwalkers and visitors to kunanyi / Mount Wellington for generations. The spring water flows down the mountainside and is accessible via a tap fitted to a black pipe along the road, making it easy to fill water bottles. Historically, locals and hikers have used this spring as a drinking water source, and visitors have reported the water tastes clean and fresh. The source of the spring is a stone pool further up the road, where you may spot the remarkable Anaspides — tiny freshwater crustaceans that have remained virtually unchanged for over 250 million years and are native to the mountain's waterways. ## Directions 1. From Hobart, head west and follow signs toward kunanyi / Mount Wellington via Pinnacle Road. 2. As you drive up Pinnacle Road, watch for water cascading down the rocks on your left-hand side — this marks the beginning of the spring area. 3. Parking spots are available on both sides of the road near the cascades. 4. Walk up the road from the cascades. You will pass a black pipe fitted with a tap — this is where you can easily fill water bottles. 5. Continue along the road until you reach the Chalet shelter on your left. 6. From the Chalet, keep walking up the road for approximately five more minutes to reach the spring's source — a stone pool where you may also observe Anaspides crustaceans in the water. **GPS:** -42.902805, 147.243179 ## What to Expect The cascades along Pinnacle Road are a scenic highlight and make a refreshing spot to stop and cool off. The roadside tap on the black pipe provides a convenient way to fill bottles without scrambling over rocks. The Chalet shelter offers a covered rest area and is a popular gathering point for hikers exploring the mountain's many trails. The walk from the cascades to the spring source takes roughly 10–15 minutes at a leisurely pace. At the source, you'll find a tranquil stone pool set among the mountain's sub-alpine landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for Anaspides — these ancient crustaceans are small and translucent, and spotting them is a genuinely unique experience found nowhere else on Earth outside Tasmania. The spring and surrounding area are accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Be aware that kunanyi / Mount Wellington can experience rapid weather changes, including snow, high winds, and fog at any time of year, so dress in layers and be prepared for cool conditions even in summer. The road and walking paths can be slippery when wet. This is a wonderful stop for anyone driving to the Pinnacle or exploring the mountain's trails — combining natural spring water, ancient wildlife, and sweeping views of Hobart and beyond.