Collins Bonnet
A rewarding 12-14.5km hike in Wellington Park, Tasmania, offering lush forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking 360° summit views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Collins Bonnet
Best Time
Wildflowers in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding 12-14.5km hike in Wellington Park, Tasmania, offering lush forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking 360° summit views.
"Experience breathtaking 360° views from Collins Bonnet, a must-do hike near Hobart!"
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Essential for varied terrain and potential wet conditions.
🧥 Pack Layers & Waterproofs
Tasmanian weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Collins Bonnet Summit
Summit
Experience breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding Wellington Range and beyond.
Myrtle Forest Trailhead
Start of the hike
Begin your journey through lush, temperate fern forests with beautiful waterfalls.
Native Flora in Bloom
Along the track
Discover native orchids and waratahs, especially vibrant during spring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Views
Gear Up for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Essential for varied terrain and potential wet conditions.
🧥 Pack Layers & Waterproofs
Tasmanian weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially important for the 12-14.5km return hike.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible 360° vistas.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Essential for varied terrain and potential wet conditions.
🧥 Pack Layers & Waterproofs
Tasmanian weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially important for the 12-14.5km return hike.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible 360° vistas.
⏰ Allow 3-4 Hours
For the 12-14.5km return trip, including stops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Collins Bonnet for its stunning 360-degree summit views and the beautiful, varied scenery along the hike, from lush forests to waterfalls. It's considered a rewarding challenge for hikers and trail runners alike, offering a true taste of Tasmanian wilderness just a short drive from Hobart. Some find the weather unpredictable and the climb demanding, but the payoff is widely regarded as worth the effort.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Collins Bonnet is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Hobart's CBD. The most common starting points are the Myrtle Forest trailhead or Big Bend Carpark in Wellington Park. Driving is the easiest way to access the trailheads.
While direct public transport to the trailheads is limited, you can take a bus to The Springs on Mt Wellington and then potentially hike from there, though this adds significant distance and elevation.
The Myrtle Forest trailhead is a popular starting point, leading you through beautiful forests. Big Bend Carpark is another option, often used for longer loops or trail runs.
Yes, but be prepared for potentially cold, windy, and snowy conditions. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before you go, as access can be affected by snow.
While some videos mention trail running, Collins Bonnet is primarily a hiking destination. Mountain biking is generally restricted to designated tracks within Wellington Park, and this specific summit hike is not typically for bikes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Collins Bonnet and Wellington Park are free to access. There are no entry fees or tickets required for hiking.
Wellington Park is generally accessible at all times, but specific road access to certain areas might be restricted during certain hours or due to weather conditions. It's best to check local park information if you plan to drive.
Parking at the trailheads for Collins Bonnet, such as Myrtle Forest or Big Bend Carpark, is free of charge.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and the potential for getting lost. Stick to daylight hours for this hike.
No permits are required for day hiking on Collins Bonnet. It's a public access area within Wellington Park.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The walk is typically around 12-14.5 km return, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
It's considered a moderate to challenging hike due to its length and elevation gain (around 700m vertical). The terrain can be uneven and steep in parts.
You'll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, Bruny Island, and the surrounding Wellington Range, including Mount Wellington itself.
Yes, the track passes by beautiful waterfalls, particularly in the earlier sections starting from the Myrtle Forest trailhead.
The main track is generally well-marked, but it's always advisable to carry a map or use a GPS app, especially if you plan to explore any side routes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food or dining facilities directly at Collins Bonnet or its trailheads. You'll need to bring all your own food and drinks.
Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and sandwiches. Some hikers even bring a small celebratory drink for the summit!
Hobart is only a 30-minute drive away and offers a wide range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to refuel after your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views, making it the prime spot for landscape photography. Don't miss the waterfalls and lush forest sections near the start.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, clear midday can offer stunning visibility.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive summit views.
No, photography is generally permitted. However, always be mindful of other hikers and avoid blocking paths.
While clear days offer the best visibility, dramatic clouds or even a light dusting of snow can add unique character to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃 Trail Runners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Collins Bonnet Hike Experience
Hikers often describe the journey as a sensory delight, with the scent of damp earth and the sound of flowing water accompanying them through the initial forest sections. As you climb higher, the vegetation changes, and the views begin to open up. The final push to the summit is often described as invigorating, leading to a truly spectacular payoff.
Upon reaching the summit of Collins Bonnet, visitors are treated to breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. This vantage point offers sweeping vistas of Hobart, the Derwent River, Bruny Island, and the surrounding mountainous landscape, including a clear view of Mount Wellington itself. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the natural beauty of Tasmania.
Navigating Wellington Park and Collins Bonnet
While the main track to Collins Bonnet is generally well-defined, it's crucial to be prepared. The trail can be steep and rocky in places, and weather conditions can change rapidly. It's highly recommended to wear sturdy hiking boots, carry sufficient water and snacks, and pack layers of clothing, including waterproofs, regardless of the forecast.
For those looking for a more challenging experience, Collins Bonnet can be incorporated into longer hikes or trail runs, sometimes linking with other peaks like Trestle Mountain or Mount Marian. However, for a standard day hike, the 3-4 hour return trip is a manageable and highly enjoyable adventure.
The Seasonal Beauty of Collins Bonnet
Summer brings the warmest weather and the clearest skies, ideal for maximizing those stunning panoramic views from the summit. However, this is also peak season, so expect more fellow hikers on the trail. Autumn offers a more serene experience with beautiful golden light filtering through the trees and fewer crowds.
Winter transforms the landscape into a starkly beautiful, sometimes snow-dusted, environment. While the views can be dramatic, hikers must be extra cautious due to potentially icy conditions, strong winds, and reduced daylight hours. Proper winter gear and a thorough check of weather and track conditions are essential during this season.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit