The mountain at a glance
kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the mountain behind the city, and on a clear day you see it from almost every street in central Hobart. The summit is 1,271 m high according to the park authority. The mountain lies inside Wellington Park, and entry to the park is free. You do not need a Tasmania Parks Pass here, unlike in the national parks on our Mount Field and Bruny Island pages.
Most visitors go up by road, look around for a short time and come down again. The weather decides how that goes. Conditions at the top can differ a lot from the waterfront, and the road can close at short notice. Treat the mountain as a half-day trip with a backup plan.
Four ways to the top
Pick the one that fits your car, your budget and your tolerance for cold wind.
Summit shuttle
A commercial shuttle leaves from opposite the Tourist Information centre at 4 Elizabeth Street. It saves you the winding road and the limited parking. The fares are in the table below.
Your own car
Pinnacle Road starts at Fern Tree, passes The Springs and ends at the summit. It is sealed, narrow and full of bends. Parking at the summit and at The Springs is limited, so go early.
City bus to Fern Tree
Metro route 448 runs on weekdays and route 449 on weekends and public holidays, both from Franklin Square to Fern Tree. This gets you to the foot of the mountain, not to the summit. Check the current timetable before you go.
On foot
Walkers can start at Fern Tree or The Springs. Longer routes are exposed and suit experienced, well-prepared walkers. See the walks section below.
Our picks: kunanyi/Mt Wellington
A bus pass for the mountain, or a full day with Mt Field and Bonorong.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond day trip
Nine hours with a local guide and transport, with pickup from selected Hobart hotels. Entry to Russell Falls and Bonorong is included; food and drinks are not.
Check availability →
Mt Field, Mt Wellington and Bonorong small-group tour
A group of up to 15 with eco-certified guides. Mount Field park entry and Bonorong entry are included; food and drinks are not.
Check availability →
kunanyi/Mt Wellington explorer bus pass
A day pass with hop-on hop-off rides, commentary, a hiking map and summit access in Wellington Park. It is not a guided hike, and bikes on the bus cost A$10 each, booked at least 30 minutes ahead.
Check availability →Mount Wellington and Hobart tours
Guided trips that include the mountain or combine it with other Hobart highlights, with live prices and availability.
Shuttle and driving options compared
Prices are the figures published for 2026 and are in Australian dollars.
| Option | Price in 2026 | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Pass, round trip | A$55 adult (17+), A$50 student or senior, A$30 child (6 to 16) | 2.5 hours, 30 minutes at the summit | Book ahead. Children under 5 travel free |
| One-way pass | A$35 adult, A$30 concession, A$20 child (6 to 16) | About 50 minutes up | Not available on snow tours |
| Your own car | – | Allow extra time for the bends | No entry fee. Parking is limited |
| Metro bus to Fern Tree | – | – | Routes 448 and 449 from Franklin Square, not to the summit |
Shuttle departures listed are 09:30, 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00, and one tour page adds a 15:30 departure from October to April. Closure days on the operator's pages differ (Christmas Day on both, Good Friday on one). Ask about the fare for a 5-year-old when you book, because the published age bands leave that age open. Check the current timetable before you go.
Walks from The Springs
The Springs is a stop partway up Pinnacle Road. Two walks that start here are named by the park authority.
- Organ Pipes: reached via the Pinnacle Track from The Springs.
- Sphinx Rock: a short, level approach from The Springs.
Longer routes across the plateau are exposed to wind and sudden weather. The photo shows the rock and scrub on the plateau, with little shelter. Take warm and waterproof clothing even on a sunny morning in Hobart, and tell someone where you are going. If you park at Fern Tree, use Stephenson Place or Fern Glade. The Fern Tree Tavern car park is for the tavern's customers only.
Snow, fire and closures
The mountain is open to the public, but not every day and not every road.
Snow and ice
Snow and ice can close Pinnacle Road at any time of year, but April to September is the likeliest period. There is no fixed winter season with guaranteed access. When snow closes the road, the Explorer bus has special access arrangements, but a summit visit is not guaranteed for every closure cause.
Fire danger
The park closes on days of Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger. Follow the instructions on the day. Summer in Tasmania runs from December to February.
Road works, 16 to 19 November 2026
Pinnacle Road is announced as closed to vehicles from 16 to 19 November 2026. On 18 and 19 November the lower section is open only as far as The Springs. Walking tracks stay open, but the road itself is closed to walkers and cyclists during the works.
Rules in the park
Drones need a permit. Overnight stays in campervans or motorhomes in the car parks are not allowed. Keep at least 2 m from wildlife and do not feed it. If you find sick or dead animals, avoid them and report them, as the park asks.
What about a cable car?
No cable car operates on the mountain. The City of Hobart rejected a cable car application on 27 July 2021, and that is a historic decision, not a current project. A state review of the mountain has since been completed. Its FAQ of 2 September 2026 says that new proposals would still need planning assessment. The action plan discusses cable cars as one possible access option but does not confirm any approved construction. A future parks pass is under consideration but undecided, so entry is free today.
Plan your visit with the road, the shuttle or your own legs, and check the park pages for closures before you leave.
Plan the rest of your Hobart days
Pages that pair well with a morning on the mountain.
kunanyi/Mount Wellington: frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to enter Wellington Park?
No. Entry to Wellington Park is free, and a Parks Pass is not needed. The shuttle is a separate paid service.
How long does the summit visit take?
The Explorer Pass round trip takes 2.5 hours, including 30 minutes at the top. By car, add the drive up from Fern Tree and the time you want at the lookout and on the walks.
Is the road open in winter?
Often, but not always. Snow and ice can close it at any time, most likely between April and September. Check the park pages on the morning you go.
Where do I park?
Parking at the summit and at The Springs is limited. At Fern Tree use Stephenson Place or Fern Glade, not the tavern car park, which is for its customers.
Can I get there by public bus?
Only part of the way. Metro routes 448 (weekdays) and 449 (weekends and holidays) run from Franklin Square to Fern Tree. For the summit, use the shuttle or a car.
Is there a cable car?
No. A proposal was rejected in 2021, and no approved construction or opening date exists today.