Arguably the greatest running trail in Hobart, most people start the Pipeline Track directly across from the Fern Tree Tavern.
A few hundred metres from the Fern Tree trailhead, the track turns to the south (the right hand turn at the junction takes you up to Silver Falls), and then travels along the contour of the mountain – past houses, and ferny gullies of Neika. At approximately the 4km, the track opens up to a beautiful view of the Derwent River, looking over Mt Nelson.
After Neika the track winds in and out of a series of gullies above North West Bay River. A little past this, the track turns to the right (left takes you back down to Huon Rd – which can be an alternate starting point) and continues through sheltered forest. It passes an old gate before the 7km mark, and a tin shed at the 9km mark. Just past the shed is the St Crispin’s Well trail (a short track leading up to the ‘well’), but the Pipeline track continues along past this, where you’ll see spectacular views of Cathedral Rock across the valley. The last Pipeline Track marker is at 12km, where you’ll come to a closed gate.
The Pipeline Track is generally good in most weather conditions; shaded on hot days, sheltered on windy/rainy days. Garmin has trouble finding satellites, but there are wooden distance markers on the left hand side of the track. There’s the odd tiger snake or two in summer.
There are a number of tracks that you can veer off on along the way (probably more for walking, though – the Wellington Falls track in particular is rather steep). There are toilets and a tap at the start, another tap at about 500m (hidden in the bush across from the old hut) and fresh creeks flowing at a couple of points throughout (not in the height of summer though).
Note: Dogs are only permitted within the first 4km of the Pipeline Track (between Fern Tree and Neika), and they must be on a short lead. Check the Dog Walking in Wellington Park page to learn more.
Maps + more info:
Hobart City Council
Greater Hobart Trails
TasTrails
AllTrails (Note: This route diverges from the Pipeline Track at 10.5km)
| Location: | Fern Tree, Hobart |
| Access: | Fern Tree trailhead Neika: Huon Rd/Morphetts Rd intersection |
| Parking: | Carpark at Fern Tree Carpark at Neika (Huon Rd/Morphetts Rd) |
| Toilets: | Fern Tree |
| Water Refill: | Fern Tree Fresh creeks in winter/spring |
| Distance: | 24km return |
| Surface: | Hardpack gravel |
| Slope: | Gradual uphill |
| Dogs Allowed: | First 4km only (between Fern Tree and Neika), on short lead |
