Tasmanian community supports improving Wellington Park and securing the mountain’s future

Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is a popular landmark for both Tasmanians and visitors. Wellington Park, where it is located, offers great recreational, cultural, and environmental benefits.

Wellington Park is located on the doorstep of Nipaluna / Hobart in southern Tasmania. The Park stretches west from the 1271metre summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and includes spectacular lookouts, dramatic cliff faces, boulder fields, waterfalls, fern glades and amazing dolerite rock formations.

Mount Wellington is accessible to walkers via a network of recreational trails, shuttle bus from the Hobart waterfront or by car or bike on a sealed but winding road to the summit (the Pinnacle).

However, the Park's popularity has raised concerns about funding, amenities, environmental and cultural issues, and infrastructure, including access.

Recognising the challenges with the mountain and the Park, the Tasmanian Government, from October to December 2024, asked the community for feedback on what is important for ‘Our Mountain’s Future’ and over 9000 Tasmanians took the time to have their say.

The community is overwhelmingly supportive of improving Wellington Park and securing the Mountain’s future for years to come.

Releasing the shared community vision, Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the response from Tasmanians demonstrated just how deeply they care about the mountain’s future and noted “understanding the community’s vision for Our Mountain’s Future provides our Government with a roadmap to move forward and develop a long-term plan that sets out strategic objectives and actions to guide future improvements.

“The consultation shows that demand for accessing the mountain is growing and we need long term solutions that ease congestion, improve safety and respect the character of the mountain.

“It is encouraging to see so many Tasmanians - of all ages and backgrounds – eager to participate in this important conversation about one of our most iconic natural landmarks.

“The community has made clear that while the natural values of the Park are cherished, people also want better amenities, safer access and thoughtful improvements that reflect the mountain’s growing popularity.

“Tasmanians have also made the case that – while they value the Park’s natural environment - improved visitor amenities and better accessibility are priorities that need to be addressed.

“We’ve heard that people want to see common-sense improvements including better shelters, toilets and safer transport options, to help everyone enjoy the mountain safely. That includes families, tourists and people with disability.”

Minister Abetz said the review also highlighted strong community interest in a broader range of access and tourism options. Many respondents were supportive of improved transport solutions and adventure-based infrastructure, especially in areas that are already developed or less environmentally sensitive.

“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we recognise the importance of our natural visitor economy, and the mountain is a critical part of this,” Minister Abetz added.

“This vision is not the end of the process. It is the foundation for the next stage.

“This is about planning for the long term. We need to preserve what makes the mountain special, while also allowing sensible development that helps more people experience and enjoy it.”

The final plan is expected to be released later this year.

For more information on Our Mountain’s Future

Image. Wellington Park Credit: Tourism Tasmania