The Hobart City Council offers two tours of local waterways and water supply infrastructure that offer an insight into Hobart's past.
The first tour is of the historic Hobart Rivulet that flows beneath the Hobart CBD, sometimes via convict-built tunnels. The second tour, the Wishing Well Tour, provides an historic account of Hobart's water supply and infrastructure and takes in many stone aquaducts that are part of Hobart's heritage.
The Hobart Rivulet Tour
The Hobart Rivulet is a water course which flows from Mount Wellington to the River Derwent. This fully guided aboveground tour follows the course of the Rivulet beneath the City's central business district. The Rivulet played a key role in the historical development of the City of Hobart since the early 1800's. A unique opportunity to see some of Hobart's hidden history.
The Hobart Rivulet Tour occurs every Thursday, from 4.15pm - 6.15pm. Alternate days can be arranged for groups of 6 or more
Please note that this tour does not enter tunnels.
Click below to watch a short film on the history and evolution of the Hobart Rivulet.
The Wishing Well Tour
Hobart's water supply is one of Australia's oldest. At first we used the Hobart Rivulet for our drinking water, for driving water wheels and also as a drain! By the 1850's it was badly polluted so the Council began to capture water from the southern slopes of Mount Wellington. Many of the stone viaducts associated with this scheme remain and are part of our Wishing Well Tour.
Come and discover this intriguing story of Hobart's past on a gentle two hour stroll over the lower slopes of Mount Wellington.
The Wishing Well Tour operates by request.
Cost
For information on fees and charges please contact the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Cnr Davey & Elizabeth Street, Hobart Phone: 1800 990 440.
Bookings are essential.
Special Advice and Conditions
Participants should wear sensible clothing and footwear. Sturdy shoes and warm clothes are recommended.
- The Tour Leader is trained in first aid. If you are aware of any medical condition that may influence your ability to complete the tour please notify the guide.
- The Australian Bureau of Meteorology will be consulted by the tour leader to ensure knowledge of the weather outlook prior to the tour. If rain is forecast, the tour may be cancelled or amended to exclude entry into the Rivulet due to flood risk.
- The tour may involve climbing ladder and walking over slippery surfaces.
- Participants are required to sign an indemnity form.
- Please note that these tours do not enter tunnels.