A couple of weekends back I went out with my family on a pretty exhilarating journey up our 1200+m backyard mountain - the beautiful kunanyi/Mt. Wellington Night. We did a Night Tour which began as the sun descended and darkness fell over the landscape. The tour offers a unique perspective of the mountain and its surrounding wilderness (and if you’re extremely lucky - a chance of spotting the southern lights!)
Kunanyi Mount Wellington by night (Credit: Giovana Vitola)
Ascending the winding Pinnacle Road up to The Springs (halfway up the mountain), anticipation builds as the city lights below gradually dim, and the rugged landscape of kunanyi/Mount Wellington emerges in the fading light. At The Springs, we were treated with a warm welcome by the fire, candles and a hot cup of tea and biscuits, before being whisked away on a guided tour by a knowledgeable local guide who shares insights into the area's history, geology, and ecology.
We had the option to borrow some headlights or torches. However, if you’re like me I just followed the moonlight which gave me a sense of tranquillity taking in the mountain's nocturnal wilderness. We learned about the iconic native animals on this tour and also had the chance to spot them all in action: pademelons, wallabies, sugar gliders, possums, owls and bats. We learned how to see them and how to follow their trails before heading to a breathtaking panoramic viewing area of Hobart and the distant islands that stretch across the horizon.
Dwarfing us all, the night sky above kunanyi / Mount Wellington came alive with a dazzling display of stars. Whilst it was great to get up the mountain after dark, I believe it was the informative commentary from our guides that enriched the experience with fascinating insights into astronomy and the Tasmanian aboriginal cultural and story sharing.
For many visitors, the kunanyi / Mt Wellington Night Tour is not only a journey into the heart of Tasmania's natural beauty but also a chance to reconnect with yourself, your family, nature and the cosmos - at least that’s what the mountain means to me. Whether marvelling at the glittering stars above or simply revelling in the serenity of the mountain and its inhabitants at night, this unforgettable nocturnal adventure left a lasting impression on me.
Giovana Vitola - Travel Advisor
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre
