wellness
Hobart Locals Reveal 5 Hidden Nature Walks Tourists Miss
Tucked away from kunanyi/Mt Wellington's main summit paths, several short trails draw steady foot traffic from Hobart residents seeking quiet fitness loops.
How we reported this
More Hobart walkers have shifted to lesser-known tracks in Wellington Park this winter, with foot traffic on the hidden Myrtle Forest circuit rising since the start of June.
Residents cite easier parking and fewer tour buses as reasons to avoid the crowded Pinnacle Road access points that dominate visitor maps. The change aligns with UTAS research released last month showing that regular short hikes in cooler months improve cardiovascular markers for adults over 40 who live within 20 kilometres of the city centre.
Two routes stand out for locals. The Myrtle Forest loop starts at the Collinsvale end of the Pipeline Track and runs 4.8 kilometres through fern gullies before rejoining the main fire trail. Further east, the Knocklofty Reserve circuit off Augusta Road in South Hobart offers a 3.2-kilometre climb with city views that finishes near the Cascade Brewery gates.
Quiet access points near established neighbourhoods
Both tracks connect directly to suburban streets without passing through the paid visitor hubs at the mountain's top. The Collinsvale entry sits two minutes from the local primary school car park, while the Augusta Road start lies 800 metres from the Hobart parkrun finish line on the waterfront. Walkers report completing either route in under 90 minutes, which fits before or after standard work hours at nearby offices in Battery Point.
Usage data and simple entry steps
Parks Tasmania gate counters recorded 2,140 passes on the Myrtle Forest section in the first week of July, compared with 890 the same week in 2024. No fees apply at either trailhead, though the organisation asks visitors to stay on marked paths to protect the catchment area that supplies much of Hobart's drinking water. Public transport users can catch the 425 bus from the Hobart GPO to Collinsvale and walk 400 metres to the track start, or use the 426 service that stops near Knocklofty.
Locals recommend checking the Tasmania Fire Service website each morning for any track closures before heading out, then carrying at least one litre of water on the steeper sections. Those new to the routes often begin with the shorter Knocklofty loop and add the Myrtle Forest option once they know the terrain.