The Trail
Located on Hobart’s eastern shore the Mount Direction walk is a steep 7km 3 hour trail offering the unique views of Hobart and the Derwent Valley from 448m.
Starting at the Risdon Brook Dam carpark the trail crosses the concrete dam wall and continues along a wide track on the reservoir’s western shore. After 500m a sharp bend is reached and the Mount Direction trail leads into the bushland via a gate. Sticking to the right hand track the trail passes a series of powerlines before heading uphill at a track junction.
From here the steep climb to the summit begins. After an initial climb the trail passes another gate and flattens out for a brief period within eucalypt forest before steeply climbing again to the summit. At the summit a large rock cairn and communications station can be found.
The views north from the summit are fantastic, with Mount Dromedary (956m) towering above the Glenorchy and Brighton in the far distance. 100m below the summit to the southeast more impressive views south of Hobart and Mount Wellington are also achieved.
Follow the same track back towards the reservoir, continuing straight ahead at the track junction to reach a further section of the reservoir track. From here the walk can be completed as a loop following the circumference of the dam.
Getting There
View Google Map Directions |
The Mount Direction Track begins from the Risdon Brook Dam. From Hobart, head over the Tasman Bridge, sitting in the far left lane. Turn off into Lindisfarne and continue along the East Derwent Highway for 6.6km. At the round about take the second exit onto Grasstree Hill Road where the Risdom Brook Dam car park is located. |
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania
Photos
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