Pipeline Track

The Pipeline Track heads out from Fern Tree, Hobart. If you're looking for an indicator, a good place to park up is at the Fern Tree Tavern (or nearby). It's quite useful to be near a pub for when you arrive back thirsty. The track heads up past the small park area and is extremely well managed, you can't get lost! The track is shaded almost the entire way, so you won't likely get overly hot on sunnier days.

There are a lot of users of this track including cyclists, walkers and joggers too. Be respectful of all other users and watch out for pedestrians or cyclists as your heading along the track in whatever method you prefer. It's generally pretty flat and is an easy walk or cycle for the most part. The route follows a steel pipe that in many places you can see underfoot. The pipe goes all the way along to Wellington Falls but many places and routes can be accessed from this track, the Springs, Fern Glade to name a few (I will review these soon).

As you head out from Fern Tree you soon come to the Gasworks where there are a few signs explaining the Pipeline and its link to Old Hobart. You can take a 5 minute detour to Silver Falls if you continue upwards from here, it would be a tricky uphill cycle, especially for kids but many tend to leave bikes at the side of the path for a 5 minute walk up to the falls and then continue along the path after their detour. The falls are pretty and whilst I wouldn't want to publicly recommend drinking this water, I did and there were no adverse side effects, so far!

After visiting the falls you come back down the decent and can then continue along on the flat (back from where you began your detour) or head back to Fern Tree for a 45 minute return. Generally the track is flat and maintained although thin in places if there are lots of walkers. There are many scenic views to be had along the track.

Point to note: Every so often the track comes out across a road (just house accesses normally) but the tracks can be picked up on the other side if you scan down the road a few meters. We had a shock when we couldn't find the rest of the track with the first 'crossing' but we soon noticed a track like entry a little further along the road. Generally, in hindsight, it's easy.

We haven't cycled any of the track, but will do when it warms up a bit. It would be okay for kids, pushchairs and the like for most of the route, except the detour to Silver Falls which would be more challenging.