Guide to the 8.2 km return trail to Collins Cap Summit, Myrtle Forest Walk, and the scenic Myrtle Forest Waterfalls.
Collins Cap is a mountain peak located within Wellington Park, just outside of Collinsvale, Tasmania. The short yet steep hike up to the top of Collins Cap is extremely rewarding and can be completed by almost anyone with a decent level of fitness.
Below, I outline how to get here, everything to know for the hike & details on the beautiful forest walk with a stop at Myrtle Falls along the way.
How to Get to Collins Cap Trailhead
Collins Cap trailhead begins at the Myrtle Forest Walk track just outside of Collinsvale, Tasmania. Expect a roughly 24.5 km (40 minutes) drive from Hobart.
The best way to get here is to enter the pin below (it's accurate) into Google Maps.
Google Maps Location: Myrtle Forest Rd
Directions:
- Head towards Collinsvale on Collinsvale Road.
- At the fork, continue onto Springdale Road.
- Follow Springdale Road for a few minutes until you see a signed turn onto Myrtle Forest Road (unsealed).
- Turn onto Myrtle Forest Road and continue to the end.
- You will reach a dedicated car park that can accommodate approximately 10-12 vehicles.
Myrtle Forest Road is unsealed but in fairly good condition. However, there is little room to pull over if there is any oncoming traffic so make sure to take it slow. We managed the trip in our big campervan with absolutely no trouble.
My Experience on The Collins Cap Walk
- Hiking Distance: 8.2 km return
- Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours return
- Elevation: 660 m total elevation gain |
Collins Cap: 1098 m AMSL - Difficulty: Moderate
The First Section: Myrtle Forest Walk
The track leading to Collins Cap begins on the Myrtle Forest Walk, a popular and very easy track that is a known favourite for families.
The first stretch of the walk seems to follow an old road before reaching a small seating area. Next to this seating area we found information boards and a signed entry into the forest.
As soon as we entered the forest, we were surrounded by a beautiful temperate rainforest and many twisting Myrtle trees that make this track so famous.
The walking track is fairly wide and mostly flat. Approximately 1.2 km from the car park you will arrive at the multi-tiered Myrtle Forest Falls.
Reaching Myrtle Forest Falls
Myrtle Forest Falls is a scenic little waterfall with a dedicated viewing platform above the bottom tier. Just ahead from the track is a small clearing where you will find the main attraction, a quaint cascade running down the roughly 5 m face.
Ascending Collins Cap
Immediately to the right of Myrtle Forest Falls, we found the steep and narrow track marking the beginning of the next section on the walk.
This begins the climb where you gain roughly 300 m of elevation over the next 2 km until you reach the fire trail just below Collins Cap.
I didn't find this section difficult at all, though it is a bit steep (Haylea called it a calf-cramper, but she likes to exaggerate). The forested track is well-maintained, with firm undergrowth throughout the climb.
We began to notice some gentle streams here that we needed to cross, soon we came to a fork marking the way to Collins Bonnet. We took the track on the right here and continued ascending through the forest until we reached the cleared fire trail access road.
From here, you'll have excellent views of Collins Bonnet, the rocky 1246 m peak on the other side of the valley. The final stretch on the Collins Cap begins on the other side of this fire trail. You will begin to climb the final kilometre to the peak, gaining around 160 m as you traverse increasingly rocky ground.
View From Collins Cap
The view from the summit was one of my personal favourites in Wellington Park. In fact, the entire walk was incredible due to the variety and natural beauty throughout the walk.
Once at the summit, there is a large cairn where you can rest your legs and admire the panoramic views of Collinsvale, Collins Bonnet, the lush Derwent Valley, and the whole Mount Wellington plateau.
Once you've soaked up the views, pack up and return back on the same track towards the car park for the Myrtle Forest Walk.
We took our time on the way back down stopping to look at the colourful types of fungi along the trail!
Looking for a place to sleep?
Below are my top picks for the best places to stay near Hobart which would be a great base before or after the Collins Cap hike.
1. The Grand Chancellor Luxury
Centrally located on the waterfront overlooking Constitution Dock, the Grand Chancellor Hotel is one of the most prominent accommodation options in Hobart if you have the budget.
2. The Rivulet Mid-Range
The Rivulet is an awesome 19th-century, heritage-listed manor. It offers some of the best suites in Hobart without a ridiculous price tag and is located in a quiet street close to the main hub in Hobart.
3. Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse Budget
For budget travellers and backpackers, Montacute is by far the best place to stay in Hobart. Ranked as having the best vibe in the city for meeting people and having the best location for nightlife.
I hope that you have enjoyed this guide to hiking Collins Cap.
For more Tassie adventure inspiration including hikes, waterfalls, viewpoints or itinerary ideas, make sure to check out some of my other articles below.
- 65 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania - My ultimate guide to exploring Tassie, complete with must-visit icons & hidden gems.
- Hikes in Tasmania - Discover 40+ of Tassie's best hiking trails, including short walks and long overnight treks!
- Waterfalls in Tasmania - A guide to 25+ of Tasmania's best waterfalls!
- Where to Stay in Tasmania - The ultimate accommodation guide to help your stops and places to stay.
- Best Tours & Experiences in Tasmania - This years' roundup of my favourite bookable tours & experiences across Tassie!