Waterfalls, lookouts and national parks in Hobart

Hobart's awe is on the doorstep. kunanyi, Mount Wellington, rises behind the city, and its lower slopes are crossed by tracks that wind through tall forest, along creeks and past waterfalls. The Cascades Track in South Hobart follows a creek through ferns and big trees, and New Town Falls in Wellington Park is a short outing for those who want a waterfall without a long walk. Waterworks Reserve at Ridgeway has a dam, paths and open space, and Hobart Rivulet Park gives a gentle, flat walk close to the city. Out on the coast, Tinderbox Marine Reserve offers a rocky shoreline with sea views, Gordons Hill is a small reserve with a lookout feel, and the Clarence Foreshore Trail links Kangaroo Bay to Bellerive Beach with a flat path beside the water. The summit road is a draw, but the weather up there is its own thing: wind, cloud and cold, and snow in the cooler months, with the road sometimes closed. Dress warmly, even if the city is mild. Waterfalls run best after rain, and tracks can be wet and slippery. Short walks with a creek and a reward at the end are the best for children, and Hobart is full of them.

Our picks

  • Cascades Track Cascades Track South Hobart

    The Cascade Track is a bush walking track in South Hobart that starts at the Cascade Brewery next to the Hobart Rivulet.

    ★ 4.7 (136)

  • New Town Falls New Town Falls Wellington Park

    New Town Falls is a small waterfall on the Lenah Valley Track in Wellington Park, on the slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

    ★ 4.4 (47)

  • kunanyi / Mount Wellington (Wellington Park) kunanyi / Mount Wellington (Wellington Park) Fern Tree

    Wellington Park covers kunanyi / Mount Wellington above Hobart and is free to enter, with no parks pass needed.

    ★ 4.8 (9,131)

  • Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures South Hobart

    Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures runs guided mountain bike tours, bike hire, a minibus shuttle on Mt Wellington and skills coaching from its shop at 466 Macquarie…

    ★ 5.0 (596)

  • Waterworks Reserve Waterworks Reserve Ridgeway

    Waterworks Reserve on Waterworks Road, Ridgeway is a City of Hobart reserve built around historic reservoirs, with walking tracks around the reservoirs and up into the…

    ★ 4.7 (288)

  • Hobart Rivulet Park Hobart Rivulet Park South Hobart

    Hobart Rivulet Park is a City of Hobart park off Anglesea Street, South Hobart, that runs along the Hobart Rivulet from the foothills of Mount Wellington to the edge of…

    ★ 4.7 (140)

Before you go

Best for which ages

Short creek walks and flat foreshore paths suit toddlers and pre-schoolers, especially in a carrier. Primary-age children enjoy waterfalls and forest tracks, while teens can take on longer mountain walks. Let the smallest walker decide how far you go. Little legs tire quickly on stairs and roots, so turn back early and call it a win.

What to bring

Warm layers and a rain jacket, even if the day starts sunny, because mountain weather changes fast. Sturdy shoes with grip, water and snacks. A hat and gloves in cooler months, and a small first-aid kit for scrapes. Gloves and a beanie for the car park at the top of the mountain are worth having in autumn.

Parking and facilities

Some trailheads have small car parks, and a few have toilets, but many have little. Popular spots fill on fine weekends. Check the listing for what is on site, and plan food and toilet stops for before or after the walk.

Prams and accessibility

Foreshore trails and parts of the rivulet path are flat enough for prams, but forest tracks are usually uneven, stepped or muddy. A carrier is the safer choice. The listing describes the surface, so check first if you need step-free access.

Best time of year

Waterfalls are best after rain, often in autumn, winter and spring. Summer is the most comfortable for walking, but streams can slow. Check mountain conditions before you go, since snow and ice can affect the road and tracks. Early morning is quieter on the tracks and the creeks sound louder in the cool air.

Waterfalls, lookouts and forest walks

Walks the park service or council describes with a length and grade. Each listing says how far, how hard, and what is at the start.

All walks, waterfalls and lookouts in Hobart, free and paid

Questions parents ask

What is an easy waterfall walk near Hobart?
New Town Falls and the Cascades Track are popular and relatively short. Check the listing for length and surface, and wear shoes with grip.
Can we drive up kunanyi with kids?
Usually, but the weather is very different from the city and the road can close in snow or ice. Check conditions first, and bring warm clothes.
Are the tracks muddy?
Often, especially after rain. Waterproof shoes help, and so does a spare pair of socks for the car.
Is there a flat walk with kids?
The Clarence Foreshore Trail and Hobart Rivulet Park are flatter and easier. Check the listing for surface details and access.

Other kinds of free day in Hobart

Waterfalls and walks in other cities