In good weather, without fog or ice and snow on the road, Mt Wellington is within a leisurely half-hour drive from Hobart city centre.
Its peak rises to 1270 metres (about 4000 feet), enough to give a vantage point for panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River and Storm Bay, and the southern section of the vast World Heritage Tasmanian Wilderness areas.
And if you could see that far, some 11,000 kilometres away west of Mt Wellington is the nearest permanent human settlement, which is in Chile in South America.
Near the summit
You will find the Mt Wellington lookout building near the summit and there should be ample parking for visitors' cars.
There are picnic and barbecue facilities in the park area as well as bushwalking trails for those wishing to explore the hills and gullies close to the peak.
If you prefer to do more than walk, you could also go cycling, horseback riding or abseiling.
The weather
Mt Wellington can experience wind gusts and icy cold weather, so it is advisable to wear, or bring, warm clothing.
Heavy fog or snow and ice on Pinnacle Rd, the road to the peak, may make driving difficult, if not hazardous.
Signs on Pillinger Dr at the bottom of the mountain and Huon Rd at the South Hobart approach give motorists advance warning about road closures.
Driving up the mountain
From the Hobart Town Hall and Constitution Dock area, take Davey St southwest and continue on Huon Rd. Do a sharp right at Pilinger Dr and follow the arc into Pinnacle Rd.
