Location: Wellington Park
Length: 16 kilometres return
Grade: 3 (suitable for most with a steep trail in some sections)
Distance from: Hobart - 19 km, Launceston - 219 km, Devonport - 301 km
The falls pour over a columned cliff that looks like giant marshmallows turned into stacked stones. Bouncing off these marshmallow boulders, the water cascades dramatically into a river gorge below. It's quite a wonderful waterfall and worth the five-hour return trek if you bring a camera. You'll just have to choose your path. There are three different and distinct walks that take you to this towering Falls. And these falls sit close to Hobart which makes this walk the perfect escape for those looking for peace, quiet and natural beauty.
You have many trail options for getting to Wellington Falls, but three stand out. Two of the walking tracks -- Nieka and Fern Gully -- originate at the Nieka Trailhead at the end of Huon Road in Wellington Park. The third option, Milles Track, can be accessed via The Springs. The Springs can be found off Pinnacle Road on the interior of the park. While all three options get you to Wellington Falls, the Nieka Trail is the easiest and quickest.
Depending on which trailhead you choose, the drive from Hobart CBD should take no longer than 40 minutes. The drive from Launceston is a little over three hours while the drive from Devonport is nearly 4 hours.
The Trails - Nieka and Fern Gully
The Nieka Trailhead and the Fern Gully Trailhead can be found on the Pipeline Track at the Nieka Trailhead carpark. You'll find both trailheads in the exact same spot, but the Nieka Trail is 16 kilometres return while the Fern Gully Trail is 25 kilometres return. Each trail is fairly flat on a well-maintained trail, you just have to choose how much time you'd like to spend walking through the forest.
The beginning of the walk takes you on the Pipeline Track through dense rainforest. You'll follow the historic pipeline while the rainforest occasionally breaks to give you views of Kingborough to the south as you meander the south-facing side of the mountain. The last kilometre of the track ascends quite steeply to the falls themselves, but the steepness is mitigated by the fact that the track is so well maintained.
The Trails - Milles Track Through the Potato Fields
This track originates at which offers up a variety of facilities, but the walk is much more difficult. You'll find ample parking, toilets, picnic tables and barbecues at The Springs. To start off the hike, head towards the Grays Fire Trail up a small set of steps. You'll quickly discover signage directing you to Wellington Falls via the Milles Track.
The 3 kilometres that you spend on Milles Track is quite beautiful. You'll have ample views of Hobart and River Derwent below. After enjoying a flat stroll with views of the city, you'll come across a well-signed intersection for the Snake Plains Track. Do not take the Snake Plains Track. Instead, look to the fallen log with an arrow for the Wellington Falls Track carved into it. Follow the arrows on the log to find Wellington Falls.
You'll eventually run into a section of the track lovingly called the Potato Field. Here's where you'll need sturdy boots with good traction as the trail takes you over a lichen-covered rock scree. The colours are beautiful but it's easy to turn an ankle during this stretch of the hike.
If you're lucky, Disappearing Tarn will be full of water. This small glacial pond rarely has any water to speak of, but when it's full, it's absolutely gorgeous. The extreme blue of the tarn comes from tannins leeching in from the rock scree. So, a journey over the ankle-breaking scree may be worth it after a fresh rain. Image credit: Flow Mountain Bike
The scree eventually gives way to a muddy track until you reach the falls. Traction simply does not come easy when approaching the falls from . You'll find a short offshoot trail that takes you to a viewing platform near the end of the hike. Image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Richard Bennett
Facilities
You'll find a wide range of facilities at The Springs if you choose to approach the falls from Milles Track over the ankle breaking rock scree of the Potato Field. You'll find picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities with ample parking. There are no facilities at the Nieka Trailhead.
Snakes have been seen in Wellington Park. All Tasmanian snakes are poisonous so seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
Weather can change abruptly in Wellington Park so always pack warm clothing that is resistant to precipitation.
You'll need good boots, a careful step and some dexterity to complete the approach from Milles Track over the rock scree of the Potato Field. Only experienced bushwalkers with a good level of fitness should choose this approach.d
