Local Loves

Destination Guide: How to See Tasmania’s Spectacular kunanyi/Mt Wellington

Read Time 4 Minutes

Posted 11 Dec 2024

By Vintage Cellars

There’s a reason people fall in love with Tasmania’s kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Standing proudly over Hobart, the mountain boasts rugged terrain, snow-capped mountains, and an abundance of wildlife.

It’s one of the most beautiful, and least touched, parts of what is an already spectacular part of the world. It’s not hard to see why a group of settlers decided to call Mt. Wellington home, and subsequently set up a brewery there, when they landed in 1824.

200 years later, Cascade Brewery still stands proudly on kunanyi/Mt Wellington, and the landscape is as influential on its creations as it was when they first began brewing in 1832. Case in point: Cascade Brewery’s newest release, Cascade Origin. A premium lager brewed exclusively with waters from kunyani/Mt Wellington, Cascade Origin features cool-climate Tasmanian hops and locally malted barley, which results in a citrusy hop aroma, rounded malt, light bitterness, and a refreshing, crisp finish. The lager is a homage to the area’s striking natural splendour, so in celebration of the iconic brewery’s newest drop, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to Tasmania’s kunanyi/Mt Wellington region. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or leisurely explorer, there’s something to see (and do) for everyone. Though one caveat: a visit to kunanyi/Mt Wellington isn’t complete without a stop at the historic Cascade Brewery for a tour and lager to end the day.

Myrtle Gully Trail

The perfect first foray to kunanyi/Mt Wellington is via the Myrtle Gully Trail, one of the area’s oldest walking tracks. It’s only two kilometres, but along the way you’ll encounter towering eucalyptus trees, lush ferns, numerous waterfalls and quaint hand-made bridges. There are also a number of other walks you can tack on to the Myrtle Gully Trail if you want to see more of the area as you go.

Milles Track to Wellington Falls

If you’re after a more challenging hike, the Milles Track to Wellington Falls is an all-day experience that takes walkers around the southern parts of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. From the starting point at the Upper Springs car park to Wellington Falls, hikers will encounter striking panoramic views of Greater Hobart and Bruny Island along the 12 kilometre journey. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks so you can stop and refuel along the way.

Four-wheel driving

Prefer to take in the splendour at high speeds? During the summer months, many of Mt Wellington’s fire trails are open to four-wheel driving enthusiasts, allowing you to cover more ground than you’d be able to on foot.

Rock climbing at The Organ Pipes

If you consider yourself a bit of a thrill-seeker (and have plenty of bouldering experience), trade bushwalking for climbing at The Organ Pipes. Recognised as a challenging and spectacular climbing spot both nationally and internationally, The Organ Pipes is comprised of fluted rock columns that range from steep to overhanging climbs for fearless adventurers.

A tour at Cascade Brewery

Regardless of how you choose to spend your day at kunanyi/Mt Wellington, it’s practically non-negotiable to end it with a crisp and icy lager at Cascade Brewery in the mountain’s southern foothills. Before you settle in for an afternoon at Brewery Bar, embark on a tour of the iconic sandstone building. Taking curious visitors into previously unseen areas of the brewery, this tour dives deep into the brewery’s 200-year history, ending with a tasting paddle of four of the brand’s most-loved beers.