Kaoota - 17 February 2026

With the temperature for Hobart forecast to be in the 30s todays scheduled walk was changed to something more suitable. Accordingly it was decided to do the Kaoota Tramway walk. 

In bright sunny conditions we prepare for the walk - at this stage the temperature was perfect for walking at around 20 degrees.

 Signs detailing todays route

 

 

 

Chris is amused by this unusual gate

 

 

We have done this walk a number of times and today the track and surrounds  were the driest that we have ever seen.

 

The track follows the Kaoota Tramway, also known as the Sandfly Colliery Tramway.  The tramway dates back to 1905/6 when it was built to  serve the coal mine.  After the mine went out of business, the train carried timber, vegetables, fruit and passengers.  It couldn't last though and finally closed down.  The tracks were removed and the way was left until it was turned into a walking / horse riding / bike track.

 For a detailed history CLICK here

 

 

 

 

 There are 2 bridges on the track .. this is the first

 

 Wellington Ranges in the distance

 

 Is this property a dream supermarket for wallabys with its selection of greens to eat?

 

 

Soon we come to a very important part of the day .. Morning Tea

 

 Morning tea over we continue along the track

 

 And some fungi

 

 

 

Posing at the second bridge 

 

We are now in the shady side of the hill and things are  greener, there are more ferns and its wetter.

 

On our return journey back to the cars

 

Today our 9 walkers had a pleasant walk of about 12kms along a well maintained trail.

Thanks to Mendelt sand Chris for their photos. 

 

 

Click here to download GPS file 

Waterworks Reserve to Chimney Pot Hill - 10 Feb 2026.

The walk today takes us from the Waterworks Reserve up to Ferntree and then following the Pipeline track and climbing Chimney Pot Hill before returning to the Waterworks Reserve.

 Starting off across the Lower Dam wall.

Entering the forest on the western side of the dams.

One of the old fallen moss covered  logs alongside the track.

Not a lot of water in the storage system at the moment.

Heading up the hill away from the dams.

A bit of a rest on the climb.

We then followed the new track that takes you to above Gentle Annie Falls. Very impressive track.

Leaving morning tea at the top of Gentle Annie Falls.

After crossing Huon Road we followed a MTB trail up the hill to Bracken Lane.

After leaving Bracken Lane we re-entered the forest and was surprised to see this large Leatherwood in full flower at the entry of the track.

An amazing site.

Heading towards Fern Tree.

After crossing back over Huon Road we passed the early constructed Water Supply structures.

A proper bushwalk with a bit of mud.

Heading down the Pipe Track.

The beginning of the last climb towards Chimney Pot Hill.

Mount Wellington covered in cloud.

Starting the descent heading down off Chimney Pot Hill.

A bee collecting pollen from a TeaTree.

New life bursting from what looks like a damaged Eucalypt tree.

 We had 17 walkers who covered 11.8 kms and climbed and descended 450 meters over 5.5 hour.

 An enjoyable walk although a bit steep in places. 

Thanks to Mendelt for his photos.