The Skyline Track
One of Hobart’s selling points is its proximity to the natural
environment.
This Girl hasn’t been on a bushwalk in ages. Last Sunday I took to the
Skyline track.
The Skyline track takes you from Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay to Mount
Nelson Signal Station.
I’ve walked the Skyline track a lot because it is right in town and it
is relatively quick. You get a decent walk and it hasn’t taken a huge chunk out
of a busy day when you might have other things to do.
It’s around a 40-45 minute walk one direction. Think of it in two parts.
From Churchill Avenue just south of the University you start the walk.
You'll see signage for Bicentennial Park. Follow the track up along the Lambert
Rivulet. It will begin by creeping gradually upwards and then zigzag reasonably steeply up hill
through shady bush on the suburban fringe. It can be a bit damp, watch your
step, and it’s a wee bit steep for around the first 20 minutes or so. There’s a
seat to rest your weary self on and take in the view though.
The second part is more open bush with views out across the Derwent.
You’ll walk through beautiful Casuarina trees and there’s a second spot to rest. You come out at the Signal Station where you can
spend some time enjoying a beautiful view of Hobart. You can make more of day
of it by having something to eat or drink at the Signal Station.
On this occasion I kept going and walked down Nelson Road to
surprise some friends, stayed for lunch of pumpkin soup and caught up on the
events of the week.
I’d like to say I walked back down the hill, which was the original plan
but when I went to leave it was raining so I had the luxury of a lift to my
car.
Unless you have friends in Mount Nelson, the moral of this story is take
a raincoat!
It’s a well-used track. I came across a jogger. Hmmmm. And an elderly
man out for a walk.
Follow the sign posts to the Signal Station. On the way back, you can
take the loop track for some variety, it will take you a slightly different way
back to Churchill Avenue.
It’s a lovely walk. So if you don’t know it, make some time and walk up the
Skyline track to the Signal Station. Enjoy!
For more information on the walk, try here and here.
