Not that into bushwalking but want to give it a go? Got kids and need to run them ragged? Just feel like breathing in some fresh mountain air, but not going too far out of town? Then these three walks are for you.
Organ Pipes Track Even though this walk is high up the mountain, it’s actually relatively flat and suitable for almost all abilities. It traverses the front face of the mountain, across the Organ Pipes, for a sweeping view over Hobart. Kids will love a bit of off track bouldering at the start of the walk, climbing up the huge rocks. The track had been closed until recently, undergoing extensive track work and the result is a high quality walking trail with perfectly positioned rocks for sitting and contemplating. The new track can get muddy in parts after rain, but that should settle over time – in any case, it’s a good idea to wear gear that can get muddy. At the end of the track you have three choices – turn on your feet and head back the same way, or turn left and walk down to The Springs, or turn right and head up to the Summit of Mount Wellington.
Myrtle Gully Track For a classic bushwalk with a little bit of uphill and a whole lot of beautiful forest to explore, the Myrtle Gully Track is a step above a flat walk. It’s not too strenuous but will get you puffing as you ascend from the base of Mount Wellington. Starting at the end of Old Farm Road (grab some berries or fruit from the honesty stall along the road) there’s a short walk to get to the start of the track. Look out for the Secret Falls, they’re not signposted and you’ll have to look hard for them. Continue over bridges and creeks and wind your way through the pretty forest looking for mushrooms, lichens and the occasional leech (after rain!) along the way. Because the mountain is criss-crossed with walking tracks, there are loads of diversions you can take to extend the walk. Younger kids might struggle with the uphill, but hire or take a hiking carrier and you’ll get a decent workout for yourself too.
Clarence Foreshore Trail While not strictly a bushwalk, this 3.5km sealed track will take you along the waterfront from Geilston Bay all the way to Simmons Park in Lindisfarne. Start among the yachts at Geilston Bay and wind along admiring the houses that border the track. The track boasts fantastic views of Mt Wellington, Tasman Bridge and the Derwent River.
You can use your legs or take a bike and the track also works well with a pram. There’s a playground and toilets when you hit Simmons Park at Lindisfarne. Extend your walk all the way to Howrah, which ends up being a 14.5km trip past more playgrounds and beaches too.
Check out more tracks around Hobart at www.greaterhobarttrails.com.au
