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! The best part about this walk is that you can also take a small detour to explore the Disappearing Tarn.
After visiting the falls on my recent trip I would say it’s one of the best things to do in Hobart if you love being outdoors and don’t mind a 20 km day on the trail!
Below, I’ll mention everything you need to tackle the Wellington Falls hike on Milles Track.
About the Wellington Falls Track
As mentioned, getting to Wellington Falls requires a rather long 20 km hike. 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 the waterfall 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.
Book: One of the best ways to experience the hiking trails and waterfalls on Mount Wellington and 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 m up Kunanyi (Mount Wellington). You'll find it signposted just up Grays Fire Trail after a small set of stairs.
Location: The Springs Car Park + Toilets
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. 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.
Location: Fern Tree Park
If you'd like to follow our route to Wellington Falls from Fern Tree, I'd recommend parking at the local park.
Wellington Falls Hike 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
My Experience on the Wellington Falls Trail
- 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 km.
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 followed the "Maps.Me" app towards 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 best waterfall in Tasmania but it was a good spot to prepare for the coming short but steep climb to The Springs.
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, we turned left here.
Next, we continued on for 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 km 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 Grayl drink bottles.
This is also where we found the temperature began to drop and needed to put an extra layer on. Again I want to add that this area is known for its chaotic weather changes so be prepared!
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 where the Disappearing Tarn is supposed to be located (The Google Maps pin is totally off).
GPS Coordinates: 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 one of Hobart's best waterfalls. 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 crossing rocks or standing near the edge, these sections are steep and help is far away!
Returning to Fern Tree
After resting the legs and enjoying the view of Wellington Falls from the lookout, we doubled back and returned to Fern Tree taking the same route. This is a long downhill slog but totally worth the effort.
We knew the quicker we got back to the van the quicker we would be enjoying a warm mac n cheese!
Looking for a place to sleep in Hobart?
Below are my top picks for places to stay in Hobart before heading to Wellington Falls or Mount Wellington for a day trip!
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 this hiking guide to reaching Wellington Falls Tasmania and the Disappearing Tarn has been useful in planning your next adventure from Hobart.
If you manage to find the Disappearing Tarn, let me know, I'd love to see photos of it!
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Dominic
Sunday 9th of May 2021
42°55’28″S 147°12’36″E
Olly Gaspar
Sunday 9th of May 2021
Thank you mate