Loved for the challenge it is, overlooking Hobart, discover the imposing summit of the 880-metre Cathedral Rock which offers an arduous but rewarding hike. The Cathedral Rock Walk is a 9km out-and-back trail that starts and ends at the Cathedral Rock car park within Wellington Park, Tasmania. Leading hikers through a wet moss and lichen-covered forest, that is often muddy, even on the dry days, the trail follows the Birth West Bay River before veering off and up to begin the steep switchback climb and then finally a steeper, tough scramble to reach the summit of Cathedral Rock and the views you worked so hard for. The trail is graded as Medium difficulty with a decent total elevation gain of 1861 ft over the fairly short 5 miles and is usually completed in around 3 - 4 hours. For information on how we grade trails, please click here and caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here. Wellington Park is a wilderness reserve of 18,250 hectares near Hobart, and is home to the glorious Mount Wellington, standing at 1270 metres. It’s a popular region for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and abseiling. Its wild rugged cliffs and imposing dolerite rock faces and formations lure outdoor adventurers and mountaineers from afar. Whilst the park’s fern glades, waterfalls and temperate rainforests provide miles of bushwalking, horse riding and cycling trails for those choosing to stay on the ground. Entry to Wellington park is free, and park facilities include a small café at The Springs, open year-round; toilets at Fern Tree Park, Myrtle Forest, the Pinnacle, and the Springs, and disabled access and toilets at the Pinnacle and The Springs. It’s advised to be prepared, and bring plenty of food and water for your visit and dogs are not allowed on this trail for the protection and conservation of the park and its wildlife. Dogs are not allowed on this trail for the protection and conservation of the park and its wildlife.
