Dedication to Mount Wellington

How often to do you look up at Mount Wellington and simply get blown away?

A friend once told me that Mount Wellington's imposing presence over Hobart made her depressed.  She felt claustrophobic, caught between the river and the mountain.  Like the proximity and enormity of the environment around her meant she couldn't breathe.

I've never forgotten that conversation and have never really been able to understand it.

There is rarely a day that goes by when I don't look up at Mount Wellington, even if it's briefly, and am totally in awe.

On and off, over a number of years, I've been in jobs that have come with a car. The travel route of choice from Moonah to the city has been along the Brooker Highway and up Burnett Street. My most favourite moment: just shy of the Argyle Street intersection and looking directly up to Mount Wellington's Organ Pipes. My most favourite time: the mountain covered in snow, like a fancy cake heavily sprinkled with icing sugar.

The first downfall of snow is a shared Hobart pleasure.  A running commentary on the distance and depth of subsequent snowfalls is a staple winter discussion topic.  A weekend family event involves making the track up the mountain for snow fights: to return with snow on the car bonnet is iconic Hobart.

And whilst I love love love the mountain covered in snow, I will take it anyway I get it.  Early morning pinks and oranges change during the course of the day to dusk blues and mauves.

Looking up at the mountain outlined by a crystal clear blue day is just as stunning. And our mountain is just as alluring hidden by low cloud cover on days where even West Hobart is no longer visible.

Mount Wellington is a major part of Hobart's identity.  So many locals and tourists enjoy walking, mountain bike riding and picnicking in the Wellington Ranges.

The awe experienced by the mountain isn't limited to its beauty. It's also this powerful environment where the climate can change at any given moment and which needs to be respected....usually by packing gortex, thermals, food and water for any sojourn.

Hobart is one of the most beautiful cities in Australia and it’s largely because it sits nestled between the Derwent River and the magnificent Mount Wellington. I love enjoying our beautiful mountain in our beautiful city.

Skye xxxx