Revived track offers new mountain view

A walking track that has remained dormant for decades has been re-opened as part of a suite of improvements for visitors and locals at a key location on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

The Exhibition Gardens Perimeter Track at The Springs has been refurbished and opened to the public, providing a scenic and easy 15 minute walking loop.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the track offered a new and accessible experience for walkers on the mountain and connected with an existing, but largely unknown, lookout.

“The track offers stunning views of the mountain summit and Organ Pipes and is suitable for all ages and people with limited mobility,” Cr Reynolds said. “The location is an important part of the mountain’s history and it’s wonderful that it can now be enjoyed by visitors.

“The view of the mountain from this track is a lovely surprise and I imagine it may become a popular place for photos.”

The 150 metre track bounds the site of the former Exhibition Gardens, which were created in the Depression years of 1931-32 with the intention of publicly showcasing Tasmania’s spectacular native flora. However, the site was later impacted by bushfires and many of the surviving plants were relocated.

The upgrade is part of a series of infrastructure improvements that have been undertaken by the City of Hobart to make The Springs more visitor-friendly.

“The Springs is a great starting point for people to explore the mountain on foot and to escape some of the climate extremes of the summit,” Cr Reynolds said. “The City of Hobart has invested in upgrades to the area through new picnic tables and visitor information signage, improved car parking and upgrading of about 500 metres of walking tracks around The Springs.

“And just a few months ago, we completed a major refurbishment of the iconic Great Short Walk that connects The Springs and The Chalet.

“In total, the City has spent $2.5 million on tracks and visitor facilities in the past three years. Hobart ratepayers are the major investor in ensuring that Tasmania’s most highly visited natural attraction is well managed and maintained.”

There are multiple short walks and longer hikes accessible from The Springs. Always check weather conditions before heading out and be prepared for conditions to change without warning.