In Hobart and looking for a quick adventure? The Cathedral Rock Track, just 30 minutes from the CBD, has you scaling dolerite cliffs while you take in some of the best views of southern lutruwita / Tasmania.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Palawa people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

The Cathedral Rock track is a 8.7km out-and-back hike at the southern point of Wellington Park. The 3-4 hours it takes to get to the 880m peak is well worth the 653m climb. It’s one heck of a way to spend a morning when visiting Tasmania‘s capital.

About Cathedral Rock

The Cathedral Rock track is easily one of the best hikes around Hobart. Winding through some stellar Tassie bush, you follow the North West Bay River before conquering the infamous Cathedral Rock switchbacks. Once you hit the end of the sixth and steepest switchback, it’s an easy rock scramble up to the peak of the dolerite cliffs which give Cathedral Rock its name.

At the top, you’re treated to views of the south of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, the entire Greater Hobart region, and the Southwest National Park including Hart, Federation, and Adamsons peaks beckoning to be bagged next.

 

Spiky!

Wellington Park History

One of the nipaluna / Hobart’s biggest assets is Wellington Park. The main attraction of Wellington Park, kunanyi / Mount Wellington, holds significant spiritual importance to the Palawa people, being described in original creation stories passed down through generations.

Most visitors to the city will take the time to visit the mountain, however there’s much more to see and do in the reserve. With over 50 different hiking trails, including the Cathedral Rock Track, it’s really worth exploring the amazing lookouts, waterfalls, fern glads, and dramatic dolerite rock formations.

 

Perfect chair placement *chef’s kiss*

How to Get to Cathedral Rock

Heading south out of Hobart, jump on the Southern Outlet to Kingston. Once you hit the big roundabout at the entrance to Kingston, take a right onto the Huon Highway. Stay on the highway for around ten minutes before taking another right onto Leslie Road to Leslievale. At the end of Leslie Road, it’s a quick right then left onto Betts Road which will take you to the trailhead just across the bridge.

You’ll need a car for this one as there are no public transport options.

Where to Stay Near Cathedral Rock

There are countless places to stay in Hobart – take your pick! However if you’re looking for more of a rustic vibe, the Huon Valley is just 30 minutes away and has some awesome camping spots. A couple personal favourites are Huon Bush Retreats and Rivers Edge Wilderness Camping, both providing plenty of spots to camp or to park up for the night.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Skill Level

Intermediate

 

Ooo you’ll be climbin’

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain of Cathedral Rock

8.7km / 3-4 hours / 654m elevation gain

Essential Gear for Cathedral Rock

  • Walking shoes
  • Warm kit for the top (it can get gusty up there)
  • Camera
  • Water bottle
  • First aid kit

Read more: Packing List for a Day Hike

What it’s Like to Walk the Cathedral Rock Track

There’s nothing like an impromptu microadventure to fill out your weekend (is it really a weekend if it doesn’t involve discomfort in search of a good view?). Living in Hobart provides heaps of options for this right from your doorstep and Cathedral Rock happens to be one of our favourites.

Keen to get a hike in before lunch, and with our minds already set on visiting Leslie Vale’s Bush Bakery on the way home, we drove 30 minutes to the Cathedral Rock trailhead and got started around 8am.

Insert repetitive song here

The pinboard of all park signage

The 8.7km kicked off with a nice and easy stroll down the gravel road to the somewhat-annoyingly askew yellow post which highlights the entry to track.

Once on the track, we wound through beautiful green, mossy Tassie bush which never seems to get old. The dense bush opened up now and then to give us flashes of the North West Bay River.

So

darn

beautiful

After about 45 minutes, our calves quickly noticed the steady increase in incline as we got closer to the infamous switchbacks we’d be warned about. They didn’t disappoint. There are six in total, for those of you that love a countdown, and they’re pretty gnarly.

The myrtle forest surrounds made it all worth it though and we pretty quickly found ourselves on flat ground again, with the turn off to Cathedral Rock on our right.

The last 400m to the peak but is a little more craggy then the nicely laid out track we’d just come from. This was the last and definitely the steepest section of the hike, requiring more of a scramble than a walk, but the gracious trees providing plenty of hand holds made for simple work. The ‘Very Difficult’ sign at the start of this section proved to be a little over dramatic.

 

Just wait until you peek over the other side… no spoilers here!

 

After scrambling for 15 minutes or so, we looked up to see we were nearing the top before being absolutely blown away by the view as we walked over the crest. Everywhere we turned our jaws continued to drop as we took in the gorge which looks up towards Mt Montague, the expansive views right across Hobart, and picked out each of the peaks we still had on our list in Southwest National Park.

Always eager to find the best possible vantage point, we walked down to the edge of the cliff which provides just that, not to mention killer views of the River Derwent providing the perfect photo opportunity.

Please note! There are no barriers at the top of this peak so watch your step. A selfie is never worth the risk of a fall.

 

Always balance your ability and prioritise your own safety against the need want for photos

 

It was hard to peel ourselves away, but after about 20 minutes, with some hunger settling in, we turned around and headed back the way we came, getting back to the car around 11.30am.

Tips For Hiking the Cathedral Rock track

  • Bring warm gear for the top. You’ll want to spend as long as you can up there so the last thing you want is to have to call it early because of a cold breeze
  • Walk right down to the end of the cliffs. If you’re scared of heights this maybe isn’t for you but you’ll get some killer views and awesome photos
  • Bush Bakery in Leslie Vale is a must. It doesn’t get any more local than this with ridiculously nice pies, pastries, and people

Want more cliff action? Dolerite Done Right

 

Whatever you do – don’t forget your camera!

FAQs Cathedral Rock

Where is Cathedral Rock located?

Cathedral Rock is found inside Wellington Park, around 30 minutes out of Hobart CBD.

How do you get to Cathedral Rock?

Heading south out of Hobart, jump on the Southern Outlet to Kingston. Once you hit the big roundabout at the entrance to Kingston, take a right onto the Huon Highway. Stay on the highway for around ten minutes before taking another right onto Leslie Road to Leslievale. At the end of Leslie Road, it’s a quick right then left onto Betts Road which will take you to the trailhead just across the bridge.

You’ll need a car for this one as there are no public transport options.

When is Cathedral Rock open?

Wellington Park, where Cathedral Rock is located, is open all year round. However the park is sometimes closed due to fire danger, snow and ice or community events. To check the current open status, visit the Wellington Park website.

Do I need to book my visit to Cathedral Rock?

Nope! No need to book, just show up! But best to double check the open status before you do.

How many days should I spend at Cathedral Rock?

Half a day is fine.

Is Cathedral Rock good for beginners?

Cathedral Rock isn’t great for beginners, as there are some steep switchbacks and rock scrambling involved. However if you visit with someone who’s been before and has hiking experience it should be manageable.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Cathedral Rock?

No, a 4WD isn’t necessary.

Is Cathedral Rock free?

Yes! Like the whole of Wellington Park, visiting Cathedral Rock is free.

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.