Introduction
Easily accessible from Hobart, this medium difficulty, 5-hour 12km return walk to Collins Bonnet (1260m) will reward walkers with panoramic views of the Derwent and Huon Valleys and across the D’Entrecasteax Channel. From the trailhead at Myrtle Forest, Collinsvale, the trail climbs through wet sclerophyll rainforests and subalpine vegetation before reaching the rocky alpine plateau below Collins Bonnet summit. This walk is particularly challenging in poor weather and is not recommended if visibility is limited.
An alternative 12km return route leaves from the Big Bend carpark on Pinnacle Road, just before the summit of Mount Wellington (kunanyi). That return route follows what is mostly gravel fire trails is less picturesque and more exposed than the suggested route below.
Getting There
| View Google Map Directions | From Hobart, head north on the Brooker Highway and exit at Berriedale. Follow Berriedale Road for 8km towards Collinsvale (Berriedale Road will turn into Collinsvale Road). Once in Collinsvale, continue past the general store and take a sharp left onto Springdale Road. Continue for 1.8km before turning left onto Myrtle Forest Road. The Collins Bonnet trail begins here. Parking is available adjacent to the boom gate. Picnic and toilet facilities are available 500m further up. |
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania
The Trail
Collins Bonnet is the second-highest peak in the Wellington Range, standing at 1246m. The trail commences at the Myrtle Forest picnic ground after a brief stroll from the parking area. The trail crosses a bridge from the picnic area and skirts along Myrtle Forest Creek. This walk section features a stunning display of iconic Tasmanian plant life, including lush myrtle forests and large man ferns. The attractive Myrtle Forest Falls are reached after a 15-minute ascent. This short climb is the first the 500m of altitude that must be gained to reach the summit.
The trail continues for a short time before the track junction to Collins Cap is reached. Continue uphill towards Collins Bonnet via the left-hand fork. The track begins to steepen here, but views east towards the Derwent River will distract from the slight increase in difficulty. Climbing further, the path will take you through the subalpine bush before emerging to meet the East-West fire trail.
Once on the fire trail, the walk continues to climb gently, passing an emergency shelter 300m before the summit track is reached. Avoid taking the fire trail to the East, which leads to Big Bend and Mount Wellington.
This final section of the trail is the most difficult of the walk as it crosses tricky dolerite boulder fields marked only with cairns and poles. Care must be taken in wet and icy conditions. Be especially cautious about foot placement during snowy conditions to avoid gaps and crags hidden underfoot. A short, steep climb up to the trig point will see walkers arrive at the summit. From here, panoramic views of the Derwent and Huon Valleys, Wellington Park and D’Entrecasteax Channel are achieved.
Descend to the Myrtle Forest carpark the same way.
Photos
View more Collins Bonnet photos
Hazards and Warnings
Once at the top, the walk enters a sub-alpine area, be sure to take appropriate clothing. Careful footing is needed near the waterfall and on the boulder fields.