The mountain that is the heart and soul of Hobart, kunanyi / Mt Wellington, draws visitors near and far, but did you know there are beautiful nature trails right across our city's bushland parks?
Often well-kept local secrets, places like Bicentennial Park, the Queens Domain and Knocklofty Reserve are full of nature-based experiences that will take you to rainforest gullies, native grasslands, woodlands, coastal walks and stunning lookouts.
And to make it easy for everyone to explore these lesser known trails we've produced three Hobart Nature Trails guides to help you on your way.
Queens Domain, a hop, skip and a jump away
The closest bushland park to the city centre is the Queens Domain. It's a one kilometre stroll from the Hobart post office, and in the blink of an eye you can walk out of our city streets and into a botanical treasure house.
Home to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and native grassy woodlands, the Domain is rich in rare and threatened native plant species.
It is also home to Legacy Park, a nature-based play area with a kids climbing wall, Max's Infinity Loop - perfect for runners after a workout in a bushland setting - and the sweeping Soldiers Memorial Avenue.
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Cornelian Bay
Just north of the Queens Domain is Cornelian Bay. The foreshore area is the perfect spot to sit and watch the local waterbirds at play, and you can take the coastal walk out to the Cornelian Bay Point for great water views.
Cornelian Bay has excellent barbecue and picnic facilities, and the beautiful old boathouses are not to be missed.
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Knocklofty Reserve
Nestled into the hills behind Hobart is Knocklofty Reserve, one of our best kept secrets.
Knocklofty is a favourite for locals wanting to head out for a day walk, dog walkers and bike riders. Bird watching and picnicking are popular too.
A visit to Knocklofty also gives you an insight into Hobart as seen through the eyes of artist John Glover, who in the 1830s would lug his easel, canvas, brushes and oil paints into the forest to depict scenes of this beautiful area and its views over the River Derwent.
Take the Reflecting Pond Walk and follow in the artist's footsteps.
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Bicentennial Park
South of Hobart is Bicentennial Park, and the locals will tell you views from Mt Signal Station give kunanyi / Mt Wellington a run for its money.
There are several great trail options in Bicentennial Park. You can base yourself at the top - there is plenty of parking and public buses will also get you there – and follow the Skyline Walk for sea views, or take the shorter Signal Station Circuit.
You can also start your walk from either Lambert Park, following Lambert Rivulet up through beautiful rainforest into dry forest and then the heritage-listed Mt Nelson Signal Station, or at the other end in Cartwright Reserve, taking Truganini Track to the Signal Station.
If you car shuffle or use public transport you can walk the entire 5 km Bicentennial Circuit. Our Nature Trails notes have all the details.
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