Trail Fast Facts

The Springs to Sphinx Rock Loop is a 3.5km, grade 2 hike in Wellington Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 1.5 hours to complete.

Length: 3.5km

Duration: 1.5 hrs

Grade 2 (Easy)

Style: Circuit

Start: The Springs Carpark

End: The Springs Carpark

Location: Wellington Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: Fern Tree

From state capital: 15.2km

Latitude: -42.91536275840115

Longitude: 147.24857301150965

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike Overview

Embark on a journey through the rainforest foothills of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and discover the marvels of nature along the way. The Springs to Sphinx Rock Loop is a 3.5 km, grade 2 hike nestled in Wellington Park, Tasmania, offering a captivating adventure that typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Prepare for your trek by packing lunch and water to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Sphinx Rock, a prominent rocky outcrop along the trail, serves as a natural lookout offering breathtaking vistas of Hobart's beloved mountain. Further along, you'll encounter the remarkable Octopus Tree, an enormous eucalyptus seemingly embracing a large boulder with its sprawling roots.

Commencing at the Springs Carpark, follow the Lenah Valley Track in a northerly direction until you reach Sphinx Rock. Continue along the track until you intersect with Lower Sawmill Track; then turn right and follow it until you reach the North South Track. Take a right onto the Shoobridge Track to reach the Octopus Tree. Return to the North South Track, heading south until you reach the Springs.

While dogs are allowed on lead along the Lenah Valley Track, they are not permitted on the North South Track.

For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails

Track Grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Tips

Snowfalls can occur in Wellington Park at any time of the year. The track can be slippery when covered in snow and ice. Bring warm, waterproof clothing.

Map and GPX file

The Springs to Sphinx Rock Loop Walk (3.5km)

Total distance: 3407 m
Max elevation: 742 m
Min elevation: 633 m
Total climbing: 171 m
Total descent: -171 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

The Springs to Sphinx Rock Loop Walk (3.5km)

Drive your car to The Springs in Wellington Park to the start of the walk.

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Access conditions

Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter

Photo gallery

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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

The summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers breathtaking views of Hobart and much of southern Tasmania. On the west side of the summit, you can gaze deep into the Southwest wilderness. Boardwalks and lookout platforms, along with the Pinnacle observation shelter, provide prime vantage points. The shelter is open from 7am to 10pm from September to April, and from 7am to 5.30pm from May to August.

Few cities can rival Hobart for the natural splendor of its backdrop, with kunanyi / Mount Wellington towering 1,271 meters above the city—almost 200 meters taller than Cape Town’s famed Table Mountain. For Hobartians, "the mountain" is integral to daily life: a place to walk, ride mountain bikes, play in the winter snow, and reconnect with nature, all just a half-hour drive from the city center. The mountain dominates the cityscape; stand almost anywhere in Hobart and you’ll see its forested slopes.

Much of the mountain is within Wellington Park reserve, which features the Organ Pipes escarpment running like ribs across the slopes, and numerous trails threading throughout. Wellington Park is an 18,011-hectare reserve on the doorstep of nipaluna / Hobart in southern lutruwita / Tasmania. The Park stretches west from the 1,271-meter summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and includes spectacular lookouts, dramatic cliff faces, boulder fields, waterfalls, fern glades, and stunning dolerite rock formations.

kunanyi / Mount Wellington is accessible to walkers via a network of recreational trails, a shuttle bus from the Hobart waterfront, or by car or bike on a sealed but winding road to the summit (the Pinnacle). Note that car parking in the Park is limited, and the road may be closed due to ice and snow—check the Pinnacle Road status on the City of Hobart or Wellington Park Management Trust website before departing. Be prepared for extreme and changeable weather.

Lookouts and observation decks at the Pinnacle provide spectacular views over Hobart towards the east coast, the World Heritage Area of southern Tasmania to the west, and Bruny Island to the south. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

The Park supports a network of tracks for walking, running, mountain biking, horse riding (permit required), and recreational 4WDs (permit required). Popular locations in the Park include The Springs picnic area and Lost Freight Cafe, Cathedral Rock, Myrtle Forest picnic area, the Octopus Tree, Sphinx Rock, the Organ Pipes, and Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park.

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The Springs to Sphinx Rock Loop Walk (3.5km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.