Snakes and Ladders
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The geodiversity of the Wellington Range provides the physical foundation for the landscape, ecosystems and character of Wellington Park and rationale for selecting this exciting route.
Vistas down Snake Plains; a majestic river crossing; a steep climb to Cathedral Rock; ups and downs on the Montagu Thumbs; leaping Wellington Falls; and the finale - rock hopping the Potato Fields. |
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Overview
Difficulty Level 3, Performing Wilder Duration 4–8 hrs Distance 20.5km Ascent/Descent 1260m Terrain Some Fire Trails but almost entirely rocky, undulating walking tracks or boulders. A head for heights and experience with exposed, possibly cold and windy mountain trails is mandatory. |
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Start and Finish Facilities
Toilets
Yes, at The Springs
Water
Untreated water at The Springs with mountain fresh water available at the two river crossings
Parking
Yes. All day parking is available within 200m of the route start location.
Services
“Lost Freight Cafe” on-site drinks, eats and sweets. 9:00am to 3:30pm, 7 days a week
Phone coverage
Telstra, Optus & Vodafone.
Toilets
Yes, at The Springs
Water
Untreated water at The Springs with mountain fresh water available at the two river crossings
Parking
Yes. All day parking is available within 200m of the route start location.
Services
“Lost Freight Cafe” on-site drinks, eats and sweets. 9:00am to 3:30pm, 7 days a week
Phone coverage
Telstra, Optus & Vodafone.
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The Route
- Check the map at The Springs to locate your start at Milles Track. After 2.5km turn left (South) down the Snake Plains Track.
- Follow for 2.8km (5.3km) turning right onto the Pipeline Track for 1.4km (6.7km) to a fire trail on the left to the NW Bay River.
- Zig Zag down for 0.8km (7.5km) looking for cairns marking the river entry and exit. On exit look for a meandering foot track.
- Turn right at the Betts Road to Cathedral Rock Track, then zig zag up to a steep climb onto Cathedral Rock at 884m ASL.
- Stay mostly high on the ridgeline to navigate the Montagu Thumbs dropping left from time to time.
- After crossing the last of the “Thumbs” the track will be narrow and scrubby but eventually breaks out into a vague fire trail.
- At 13.0km turn right to the spectacular Wellington Falls. Note: Straight ahead goes to Big Bend via Thark Ridge (6.0km).
- Follow route marked with rock cairns for 1km. The final 100m drops steeply to the River above the Falls. Check river height!
- After crossing take the first “Wellington Falls Track” that climbs steeply to the left. At this point you could also consider a quick in/out visit to the Falls Lookout.
- Back on route, go up through forest, flattening out in marshy ground and forest then across the famous “Potato Fields”.
- Look out for the “Disappearing Tarn” (Pseudo-karst Depression) before continuing to The Springs via the Milles Track.
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Mapping & directions for this route
We have created 4 easy ways for you to choose from to safely and enjoyably navigate your way around this route. From a physical map to the more technology savvy, we have your safety at heart!
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Here is a sample of the mapping and directions available as a PDF download or printed waterproof versions
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FREE TO DOWNLOAD
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Digitally interactive map for use on your smartphone (FREE)
This map is available for use on a smartphone using the Avenza Maps app. It runs on Android or iOS (iPhones & iPads) and lets you display the route map in detail and see exactly where you are on it. This will be invaluable in an emergency or if you are just unsure of your location on the course. You don’t need to be within mobile phone range to use the map as it’s stored locally. To load the map, open the Avenza app, go to Add Map, select the QR code icon and point your phone at the QR code here. To get the Avenza map app for your phone, see www.avenzamaps.com or just search for Avenza on the App Store or Google Play. For instructions on loading and using Avenza maps, see www.terrainium.com.au/UsingAvenzaMaps |
Concluded the route? Don't forget to get your completion badge or lapel pin!
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Route Highlights
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With thanks to Josh Miller and Chris Price for the production of this inspiring overview of our Pole Dancer route!
About kunanyi & the Wellington Park
Overview
Aboriginal heritage
The traditional custodians of kunanyi were the South East Tribe and more specifically, the Muwinina people, and sandstone rock shelters and stone artefacts are visible reminders of their presence.
For the Muwinina people, the area around present day Hobart was their country. They called the mountain kunanyi, a name that has been revived by Aborigines today. Today a high concentration of Aboriginal sites on the Derwent estuary however, there has been no systematic research undertaken in the Wellington Park. We wish to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Muwinina people as the traditional and original owners of this land in which we wish to enjoy, and as the continuing custodians of this land. We wish to acknowledge these Elders - past, present and emerging.
For the Muwinina people, the area around present day Hobart was their country. They called the mountain kunanyi, a name that has been revived by Aborigines today. Today a high concentration of Aboriginal sites on the Derwent estuary however, there has been no systematic research undertaken in the Wellington Park. We wish to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Muwinina people as the traditional and original owners of this land in which we wish to enjoy, and as the continuing custodians of this land. We wish to acknowledge these Elders - past, present and emerging.
European Culture
With the arrival of Europeans, the mountain was quickly recognised as a source of clean water, food, timber and tourism. Many artefacts, sites and stories bring the past alive.
Some of today’s walking tracks date back to the 1830s. However, most of the walking tracks are testament to the strong recreational interest that began in the early 1800s, initially via the New Town Way. Inspired by her visit to the summit in 1837, Lady Jane Franklin had a hut built at the Springs and one on the Pinnacle. These were the first recreational huts in the Park, but a keen movement began. It is likely that early tracks were also used in part by keen naturalists, such as Charles Darwin, who visited colonial Hobart.
Access has improved since then but the road from Fern Tree to the Pinnacle remains a legacy of the hard work of many Tasmanians. Short term prison and free labour built the lower section, beginning work in 1888. The section from the Springs to the Pinnacle, opened in 1937, was constructed as a Depression work for the dole scheme. At the time it was controversial, termed ‘Ogilvie’s Scar’ after the Premier of the day who initiated the development.
You will visit a range of culturally significant sites as you traverse these trails, including crossing Pinnacle Road, enjoying Junction Cabin, and the site of The Springs.
Access has improved since then but the road from Fern Tree to the Pinnacle remains a legacy of the hard work of many Tasmanians. Short term prison and free labour built the lower section, beginning work in 1888. The section from the Springs to the Pinnacle, opened in 1937, was constructed as a Depression work for the dole scheme. At the time it was controversial, termed ‘Ogilvie’s Scar’ after the Premier of the day who initiated the development.
You will visit a range of culturally significant sites as you traverse these trails, including crossing Pinnacle Road, enjoying Junction Cabin, and the site of The Springs.
Flora & Fauna
In Wellington Park there are distinct microclimates due to topography, altitude, and access to sun and moisture. Geological activity has resulted in varied soil types, hence, the vegetation across the Park is highly diverse.
Contemporary research has since identified the richness and significance of the Park’s flora. The mountain, in particular, is recognised as one of Tasmania’s richest sites in terms of number of endemic vascular species, with two species being found only in this area. A number of these vascular species have conservation significance because they are poorly reserved, or threatened. On Kunanyi there are a total of 164 mosses, 130 liverwort and 95 macrolichen species, and ten plant communities which have a restricted distribution or are poorly reserved in Tasmania.
We ask you to tread gently, remembering that we are visitor's to their habitats.
Help kunanyi!
There are some active volunteer groups who help to preserve & protect the Tasman Peninsula National Park. We strongly encourage you to get involved!