After a few days of rain, I knew the “Hike of the Week” had to include a waterfall. My partner and I started searching for options near Hobart, and unsurprisingly, Wellington Park offered a lot of choices. We were looking for something not too short, not too long, not too easy, not too hard. With so many trails and waterfalls to choose from, I quickly felt a bit overwhelmed.
Eventually, we settled on a route starting from Fern Tree that would take us to O’Gradys Falls and Silver Falls, a forested out-and-back trail full of ferns, creeks, and birdsongs.
Before we dive into this week’s hike, a quick reminder: if you’re exploring nature, please take a moment to read about the Leave No Trace Principles. They’re a great guide to enjoy the outdoos responsibly, especially after rain, when trails can be more sensitive.
Trail Overview
- Distance: 6 km return
- Elevation Gain: 352 m
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: Around 2–2.5 hours (depending on stops)
- Fees/Permits: None required
- Best Time to Visit: After rain
- [Check the hike on AllTrails]
- [More info of bushwalking in Wellington Park]
Getting There
The trail starts in Fern Tree, just a 20-minute drive from central Hobart. There’s a small car park in Fern Tree that fills up quickly, but usually you can find street parking near the Fern Tree Tavern.
Public transport is also available. Some Metro Tasmania buses from Hobart’s city centre stop at Fern Tree, making it accessible without a car.
Hiking to O’Gradys Falls
We started the hike by following the Fern Glade Track, gently ascending through a beautiful, dense, shady forest alongside Dunns Creek. The trail was alive with the sights and sounds of nature everywhere, ferns arching over our heads, lichen covering tree trunks, tiny mushrooms along the path, and birds singing all around us. It felt magical.
As we climbed, the vegetation gradually changed. The bushy ferns gave way to tall eucalypts in a more open, drier forest. The Fern Glade Track eventually meets Pinnacle Road, where we crossed and continued along the Woods Track. From there, it was about 600 metres downhill until we reached O’Grady’s Falls, a small but dramatic and beautiful cascade flowing over dark rocks, surrounded by moss, ferns, and tall trees.
Detour to Silver Falls
We returned following the same trail, but we added a short detour to visit Silver Falls, turning off at the intersection with Fern Glade Track.
The Silver Falls Track is mostly flat and easy to follow. As we approached the falls, the forest became denser and cooler, with more shade, soft moss, and an enchanted feel. Silver Falls isn’t as tall or dramatic as O’Grady, but it has its own quiet charm. I especially loved the way the ferns grew close around the waterfall and the small creek.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about Wellington Park is the variety of trail options. You can mix and match routes to suit your schedule and energy levels. While several loop options connect O’Grady and Silver Falls, I was so drawn to the beauty of Fern Glade Track that I chose to return the same way.
The hike was easy and well-marked, with a few short sections of steep stairs. While we originally went for the waterfalls, it was the forest that truly stood out. Watching sunlight filter through towering ferns, spotting mushrooms and moss-covered logs, and listening to the gentle flow of water made the whole walk feel like stepping into a quiet world of its own.
If you’re in Hobart after a good rain, I highly recommend this trail. The waterfalls will be flowing more fully, the air feels fresh and cool, and the entire forest seems to come to life.
Before you go, if you’re planning to hike this trail (or do anything outside, really), consider following the Leave No Trace Principles as an habit. It’s not about rules, it’s just about being kind to nature so wild places stay wild.
