Knocklofty Reserve Hobart
A serene bushland reserve offering abundant wallaby sightings, diverse birdlife, and scenic trails connecting to Mount Wellington.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife & cooler temps
Knocklofty Reserve Hobart
Best Time
Best for wildlife & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene bushland reserve offering abundant wallaby sightings, diverse birdlife, and scenic trails connecting to Mount Wellington.
"Good place to hike, catch some fresh air and see wild animals like lizards n wallabies. "
🐾 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on-leash to protect native wildlife, except in designated off-leash areas. :dog:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Signage can be limited; use a navigation app for easy trail finding. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wallaby Encounters
Abundant wallabies graze freely, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography and close-up nature viewing.
Bushland Trails
Explore diverse walking tracks through native bushland, connecting to Mount Wellington for extended hikes.
Scenic Views
Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Wellington, the river, and Hobart's northern suburbs from various vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Wallaby Sightings
Trail Navigation Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on-leash to protect native wildlife, except in designated off-leash areas. :dog:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Signage can be limited; use a navigation app for easy trail finding. :iphone:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails include some stone stairs and varied terrain, so comfortable footwear is essential.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Bring your camera for excellent opportunities to photograph wallabies and diverse bird species. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Leash Your Dog
Keep dogs on-leash to protect native wildlife, except in designated off-leash areas. :dog:
📱 Download Offline Maps
Signage can be limited; use a navigation app for easy trail finding. :iphone:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails include some stone stairs and varied terrain, so comfortable footwear is essential.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Bring your camera for excellent opportunities to photograph wallabies and diverse bird species. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Knocklofty Reserve for its abundant wallaby sightings and well-maintained bushland trails, offering a peaceful escape with scenic views of Mount Wellington and the river. While navigation can be tricky due to limited signage, the gentle to moderate gradients make it accessible for hikers, cyclists, and dog walkers.
"Views were not as scenic as the Mount Stuart lookout but it was a great hike.
Forks are well marked with directions.
I saw lots of wallabies!!
I already made the trek up to the Mount Stuart lookout from the CBD so the extra 1.5km wasn't too bad! Much less steep than the CBD to Mount Stuart. There are some stone stairs on this trail.
There was one maybe questionable turn off with a bench, but there's nothing beyond the bench so it was obvious to go right (trail) instead of left (bench)"
Tansy Chau
"Signboards are only at forks in the trail. My first time up here (May 2022) n had to fall back on my trusty handphone app to move about. Good place to hike, catch some fresh air and see wild animals like lizards n wallabies. Location is ideal for folks coming from neighbouring areas like West Hobart, Lenah Valley, New Town and Moonah. Was the hike challenging? Depends on your fitness level but gradients are gentle to moderate and ideal for trail runners n cyclists.
Three days later, I am starting my hike from Poets Road n going to the summit using Glover Track and Southern Summit Fire Trail. Temperature 5C brrr... but should warm up soon enough."
Eng-Hoe Loh
"Great spot for seeing wallabies and birds. I go there for some me time photographing the many species of bird life."
Elizabeth Russell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Knocklofty Reserve is easily accessible from Hobart's CBD. You can drive, with parking available, or it's a manageable hike from the city center, though less steep than the direct route to Mount Stuart.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the reserve is located in West Hobart, making it reachable by local bus services that serve the surrounding suburbs. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient options.
Popular entry points include Poets Road and various access points from West Hobart and Lenah Valley, offering different trail starting points.
Yes, Knocklofty Reserve is ideal for trail runners and cyclists, with gentle to moderate gradients suitable for biking.
Knocklofty Reserve is a terrific piece of bushland that connects to Mount Wellington, offering a gateway to longer hikes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Knocklofty Reserve is a public park and does not have an entrance fee, making it a free natural attraction for visitors.
As a natural reserve, Knocklofty is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times posted, allowing for flexible visits.
No, tickets are not required for Knocklofty Reserve as it is a free public space. You can visit spontaneously.
While not standard, there have been special events like Sci Art Walks exploring cultural burning, so keep an eye on local event listings.
Yes, you can enjoy a short walk and wildlife spotting in a relatively brief visit, or extend it into a longer hike.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You're likely to see numerous wallabies grazing, as well as a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
The trails are generally well-maintained, with some stone stairs on certain routes. Signboards are primarily at trail forks.
The loop walk offers wonderful views of Mount Wellington, the river, and the northern suburbs, providing a comprehensive experience of the reserve.
Yes, Knocklofty Reserve is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on-leash to protect native animals, except in designated off-leash areas.
Basic facilities like trail markers are present. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks as amenities are limited.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints offering vistas of Mount Wellington and the river are excellent. Also, the natural bushland and wallaby sightings provide great photographic subjects.
Early morning and late afternoon light is ideal for photography, offering softer light and increased chances of wildlife activity.
Absolutely! Knocklofty is known for its birdlife and wallabies, making it a prime location for nature photography.
While not permanent installations, events like Sci Art Walks have occurred, and the natural landscape itself, inspired by artists like Helen Mueller, offers artistic inspiration.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, such as a telephoto or a zoom lens, would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited. The reserve is a great spot for a picnic amidst nature. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for walking and are supervised, especially near any steeper sections or stairs.
It's a perfect destination for a family outing that combines light exercise with wildlife spotting and appreciation for the natural environment.🐶 Dog Owners
Bring waste bags for cleanup and ensure your dog is well-behaved around other visitors and their pets. The reserve's connection to Mount Wellington also means you can extend your dog-walking adventures if you're looking for a longer outing.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The opportunity to see wallabies and diverse birdlife adds an extra layer of excitement to any hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Knocklofty Reserve
These paths wind through native bushland, offering a refreshing escape into nature just minutes from the city. The reserve is also a crucial wildlife corridor, connecting to the larger Mount Wellington parklands. This connectivity means you can extend your hike significantly if you wish, venturing further into the wilderness.
Remember to wear sturdy walking shoes as some sections can be uneven or involve stairs. For those new to the reserve, it's wise to be prepared for navigation. While trail forks are marked, signboards are not abundant. Downloading an offline map or using a reliable navigation app on your phone is highly recommended to ensure you stay on your intended path.
Wildlife Encounters and Photography Opportunities
Beyond wallabies, the reserve is rich in birdlife. Photographers and nature enthusiasts can spend hours identifying and capturing images of various local bird species.
When visiting for photography, consider bringing a telephoto or zoom lens to get clear shots of the wildlife without disturbing them. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for capturing the expansive views and the natural bushland setting.
Cultural and Artistic Connections
This connection highlights how the reserve serves as a muse for creative expression. Furthermore, the reserve has been a site for unique educational experiences. Events like the Beaker Street Sci Art Walk have utilized the area to explore topics such as the role of cultural burning in shaping the land, presented through podcasts.
These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to understanding and appreciating the deeper ecological and cultural history of the area, blending art, science, and nature. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit