Kunanyi / Mt Wellington may look close to Hobart, but it's a true alpine environment where conditions can change rapidly—snow, black ice, and sub-zero temperatures are common, even when the city below is mild. Here's what you need to do to stay safe and have a terrific time on Hobart's iconic landmark.
When a cold front sweeps across southern Tasmania, you never really know what mark it will leave on Kunanyi / Mt Wellington.
It could be a light dusting of snow, a blanket knee deep, or a treacherous icy mountain road.
It's a story that plays out time and time again and one that Greg Milne, who has worked at the City of Hobart for 15 years, is very familiar with.
Greg's role has always focused on helping people learn about, care for and enjoy Hobart's incredible natural environment.
He's managed teams including our Bushcare and Bush Adventures programs, which encourage families and kids of all ages to get out into nature, as well as the development of new walking and biking tracks.
"Hobart is a small city in a big landscape," he says.
"It's a mountain city on the water and I love that my work helps people enjoy this incredible landscape.
"Part of that is helping people of all backgrounds and levels of experience walk, run, ride and sightsee safely, including when we get snow on the mountain."
Kunanyi / Mt Wellington in snow
Greg now runs the team responsible for managing Pinnacle Road access, the only way visitors can reach the summit of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington by car.
"Part of our job is to keep a close eye on incoming weather and gauge whether or not we need to restrict access to Pinnacle Road until it is safe to drive on," says Greg.
"Most of the time Pinnacle Road is open all the way to the summit. But there are times, especially in winter, when we have to restrict road access to keep people safe. The road may be closed for periods of time, but the tracks and trails remain open.
"And while most people think snow is the biggest danger to drivers, the real risk is black ice, which can be impossible to see and deadly if you hit it at speed."
Mountain more popular than ever
Greg with Koran, a tourist visiting from Melbourne.A decade ago those working on Kunanyi / Mt Wellington's tracks and trails could spend an entire day without meeting another soul, but that's changed, and the mountain is more alive with people than ever before.
"Any time of the year Pinnacle Road can be temporarily closed due to snow or ice at either the Springs or Wellington Park entrance, but that doesn't mean people aren't up here having fun," says Greg.
"And we get all types of people up here when it snows, visitors from overseas or interstate who are amazed at the way a snowfall transforms Hobart into a winter wonderland, locals who drive up and back with snow on the bonnet of their car, and more experienced people fully equipped for a walk in deep snow."
What's the biggest kick Greg gets out of his job?
"I never get tired of seeing the joy and wonder on people's faces when they reach snow on the mountain and start throwing snowballs at each other. It's a delight to watch."
Stay safe on the mountain
Snow from the Organ Pipes on Kunanyi / Mt WellingtonIf you are planning a trip to Kunanyi / Mt Wellington, remember, always check before you go:
Forecasted temperatures for the summit will barely tick over 4 degrees Celsius today, but with the wind chill factored in get ready for temperatures as low as -10 degrees! We've had wind gusts over 100km/h this morning, so rug up.
Kunanyi / Mt Wellington might seem close enough to be a suburb of Hobart, but it's not, it's an alpine environment and can be treacherous if the weather turns nasty with white-outs and sub zero temperatures.
Please remember:
- if you're not well prepared, the mountain weather can be deadly
- for every 100 metres you ascend the temperature typically falls a degree
- the summit is 600 metres higher than The Springs and is likely to be 6°C colder. If it's windy, the summit will feel even colder. Walkers should always be prepared to turn back
- low cloud can reduce visibility to a few metres. Snow and ice can make tracks very slippery.
If you are heading up the mountain for a walk please be prepared for very cold conditions by bringing:
- warm layers and a jacket
- a waterproof coat
- hiking shoes
- warm hat and gloves
- a fully charged mobile phone
- a map.
Find more information on the Kunanyi / Mt Wellington page.
And please, stay safe on the mountain.