Mount Wellington – WOW, thank you for the amazing views at 1271m above Hobart. This is a must do for those visiting Hobart.
The drive up was okay, but towards the top I’d had enough. It is a 21km drive up to the summit from Hobart. The last half of this is within the National Park and is mostly a narrow and winding road. There is a considerable amount of parking at the summit. For those that really don’t want to drive, there is a regular bus service from Hobart to the summit.
The cloud movement was interesting. We had the feeling of impending doom with big clouds coming at us from the West. But then they would thin out and form a shelf to the east. This is quite clear in most of the photos.
Temperatures at the summit of Mount Wellington/ Kunanyi are said to be up to 10oC lower than in Hobart. At 11:30 a.m., when we arrived, the Bureau of Meteorology recorded the following:
Hobart 18.9 oC (apparent temp of 15 oC) NNW wind 11 knots (18 knot gusts)
Mt Wellington 8.1 oC (apparent temp of -4.4 oC) W wind 33 knots (44 knot gusts)
It was hard to walk, my glasses flew off my face, and it was incredibly difficult to take a photo. I wasn’t cold until I got back in the car and realised how warm it was.
Our car wouldn’t lock, and once we did get it locked, it wouldn’t unlock by remote. There is a sign describing this phenomenon, which I believe has something to do with the massive tower atop the mountain. The tower was known as the Post Master General tower. Built in 1959, it brought National TV to Tasmania.
“The day was splendidly clear, and we enjoyed a most extensive view; to the North, the country appeared a mass of wooded mountains ... to the south, the broken land and water, forming many intricate bays, was mapped with clearness before us.” – Charles...
Read moreStanding at the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, the wind whipping at my face, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The view sprawling beneath me was breathtaking - Hobart like a miniature city nestled in the valley, and the rugged Tasmanian wilderness stretching out towards the horizon. It was a panorama that instantly etched itself into my memory.
The climb itself was no walk in the park. The weather on kunanyi is notoriously fickle, and I experienced sunshine, rain, and even a brief snow flurry within the space of a few hours. But the well-maintained trails and diverse landscapes kept me engaged throughout. Lush fern glades gave way to rocky outcrops, and the sight of the dramatic Organ Pipes dolerite columns was truly something special.
One thing to be prepared for is the unpredictable weather. I witnessed fellow hikers caught off guard by sudden changes, so pack layers and be sure to check the forecast before setting off. But even with the occasional downpour, the sense of accomplishment reaching the top and the beauty of the surroundings made it all worthwhile.
kunanyi / Mount Wellington isn't just a mountain; it's an experience. It's a place to challenge yourself physically, immerse yourself in nature's wonders, and witness the stunning beauty of Tasmania from a truly unique perspective. I left feeling invigorated, humbled, and with a newfound appreciation for this...
Read moreThe wind whipped across the summit of Mount Wellington, carrying with it the salty tang of the distant sea. From this lofty perch, the world unfolded like a breathtaking tapestry. To the east, the sun was a fiery orb, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape. Below, the city of Hobart nestled in a bowl of verdant hills, its sprawl of red-tiled roofs and sparkling harbor a testament to human ingenuity. The mountain itself was a geological masterpiece, its weathered granite peaks etched with the scars of time. Towering boulders, worn smooth by countless storms, stood as silent sentinels, guarding the edge of the world. Patches of hardy vegetation clung to the rocky outcrops, a testament to life's tenacity in the face of adversity. To the west, a vast expanse of wilderness stretched towards the horizon. Rolling hills cloaked in emerald green gave way to distant mountains, their peaks shrouded in a hazy blue mist. The sky was a canvas of ever-changing hues, streaked with wisps of cloud that drifted lazily like cotton candy. As the sun began its descent, casting the landscape in hues of gold and amber, a sense of peace washed over the mountaintop. It was a place where the worries of the world seemed to melt away, leaving only a profound appreciation for the raw...
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