Hobart: kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus & Summit Access

Summary

Kunanyi summit views, alpine tracks and local stories by bus

You’ll ride from Hobart up kunanyi/Mt Wellington by Explorer Bus with a local guide sharing stories along the way. At the summit, take in wild views or try a short alpine walk before warming up with coffee at The Springs. Flexible hop-on hop-off stops let you set your own pace — it’s all included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the cold — not biting, just this crispness that crept in as our kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus wound higher above Hobart. Our driver, Pete (he’s lived here forever), pointed out the changing trees through the fogged-up window. “Gum trees down low, snow gums up top,” he said. Someone behind me tried to photograph a wallaby but it darted off. The road twisted and my ears popped; I kind of loved that feeling, like we were sneaking into a different world.

At the summit, I stepped out and the wind hit my face so hard I laughed. You can smell eucalyptus and something colder — snow maybe? The view over Hobart is huge; you see the river snaking around and tiny boats like confetti. Pete handed out bushwalking maps (“Don’t lose these!”) and told us about the Zig Zag Track if we wanted a quick walk. I tried it for maybe ten minutes — boots crunching on gravel, clouds moving so fast overhead it felt like time sped up here.

I hopped off at The Springs on the way back because someone mentioned good coffee at Lost Freight Cafe (they weren’t lying). There was a group of locals with muddy bikes laughing about last week’s hailstorm — apparently not unusual up here. The air smelled of wet earth and espresso. I could’ve stayed longer but caught the next bus instead; they run all day, so there’s no rush unless you want one.

I still think about how quiet it felt up there compared to Hobart below. Even with other people around, it’s like everyone’s whispering or just listening to the wind. If you’re after something easy but real — not some polished tour — this day trip from Hobart to kunanyi/Mt Wellington is honestly worth it just for that first breath at the top.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus Tour

• Depart from Hobart waterfront
• Optional hop-off at Fern Tree Park
• Optional walk Pipeline Track to Silver Falls
• Optional lunch at Fern Tree Tavern
• Optional hop-off at The Springs
• Optional walk Lenah Valley Track to Sphinx Rock
• Optional visit Lost Freight Cafe
• Optional hop-off at The Chalet
• Optional walk Organ Pipes Walk
• Travel to kunanyi/Mt Wellington summit
• Spend 30 minutes at summit lookouts
• Optional walk Zig Zag Track lookout
• Optional walk Zig Zag and Pinnacle Track to The Springs
• Hop-on later bus to return to Hobart

Top questions

How long does the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus tour take?

The return tour takes 2.5 hours including 30 minutes at the summit.

Where does the Mt Wellington Explorer Bus depart from in Hobart?

Buses depart daily from Hobart’s waterfront area.

Can I get off at different stops during the tour?

Yes, you can hop-on and hop-off at five Wellington Park bus stops along the route.

Is there wheelchair access on the Mt Wellington Explorer Bus?

Yes, buses are wheelchair accessible and can carry prams or strollers too.

What walking tracks can I do during this day trip?

You can try short walks like Pipeline Track to Silver Falls or longer ones like Organ Pipes Walk from various stops.

Does my ticket include entry fees or maps?

Your pass includes access to Wellington Park and a complimentary bushwalking map.

Are there places to eat or drink during the tour?

You can stop for coffee or snacks at Lost Freight Cafe or Fern Tree Tavern depending where you hop off.

Is commentary provided by a local guide?

Yes, informative commentary is given by your local guide throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your day includes an all-day kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Pass with unlimited hop-on hop-off travel between Hobart and summit stops, local guide commentary on board, free WiFi, air-conditioned bus comfort even when Pinnacle Road is snowy, full access to walking trails plus a complimentary bushwalking map—just bring layers for whatever weather rolls in.