- Duration
- a short day, ~6 km between the stops (≈ 1 h 45 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- drive
- Start
- Mount Nelson Signal Station
- Finish
- Waterworks Reserve
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- a clear morning at the lookout
- Budget per adult
- free, with a cafe at the stationPrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
A bus from the city reaches the signal station, and it is free until 30 June 2027. Waterworks Reserve needs a car.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Mount Nelson Signal Station~40 min at the stop
The lookout over Hobart in the old station. The city, the harbour and the river, without the climb up kunanyi.
Worth knowing: Built in 1811 on Governor Macquarie's orders, it was Tasmania's first signal station. From 1836 semaphores linked Hobart to the Port Arthur penal colony: a 20-word message took about 15 minutes.
Tip: The cafe is in the signalman's house, the Signal Station Cafe. If you only want the view, a bus from the city comes up. Waterworks needs the car, and it has no kitchen.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 15 min · 6 km
2. Waterworks Reserve~50 min at the stop
Two reservoirs above South Hobart. A picnic, short paths and quiet after the lookout.
Worth knowing: The reservoirs were built in the 1860s to supply Hobart's drinking water. The playground and covered huts now sit around them.
Tip: The reservoir water is not for swimming. The tables are on the lawn by the lower lake.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.