Tolmans Hill - 11 Aug 2026

Our walk today is a circuit of Tolmans Hill and the Waterworks starting at Woodbridge Place.

 The weather forecast is for a cool sunny day without rain so the perfect day for a walk.

The group discussing the walk. 

 

 

After climbing the track from Woodbridge we walked to the first dip in  between the hills and then started the descent following the bike track to the Waterworks Reserve.

The track included a number of switchbacks on the steeper sections.

The mountain starting to disperse its cloud cover.

Coming down one of the steeper sections of the track.

And another steeper section.

 

 

Finally arriving into the Waterworks. 

 

 

Where we had a pleasant morning tea in the sunshine.

The view towards Mount Wellington across the Upper Reservoir which is under going some works and is at the present empty.

Then we started our leaders 200 meter shortcut to the fire trail leading to McDermotts Saddle.

Then it just got a bit steeper.

 

 

Much relief from the group when we arrived at the fire trail. 

 

  

We are still smiling so enjoying the walk. 

On leaving McDermotts Saddle we then followed McDerotts Fire trail.

Looking at this view it is difficult to imagine that the city of Hobart is down in the valley bellow.

Now following the Ridgetop Firetrail then a side track that leads to the Ridgeway Reservoir.

Lunch near the Reservoir.

We then followed the trail that leads towards Old Proctors Road with our leader suggesting there was a couple of small dips in the terrain on this route.

Some of the group decided that the description small dips was probably understated.

An unusual formed large rock with a bowl shaped depression. Was it man made or a natural bowl.

The track heading back to Tolmans Hill fire trail.

Mount Wellington cleared at last.

Heading downhill back to the cars.

The view across the roofs of the Tolmans Hill houses towards the River Derwent and Hobart College.

We had 11 walkers who covered the 8.7 kms in 4.25 hours climbing and descending a total of 350 meters.

An enjoyable walk with some interesting climbs.

Thanks to Ron for his photos. 

Pirates Bay and Surrounds - 4 August 2026

 Due to rain overnight and a heavy downpour starting  at about 8:30am it was decided for safety reasons to change today's walk (from Macgregor Peak) to start at the Blowhole at Pirates Bay and on toward Waterfall Bay.

Six intrepid walkers set off and were pleasantly surprised as there was no sign of rain when we arrived .

Getting Ready

 

Just a few steps away Chris and Marilyn find an abandoned fire hose which they use to fill their water bottles

The first part of our route will be along the cliff tops to Tasmans Arch

You can't have a decent walk without an obstacle

 We soon come to an inlet which we haven't seen before and spend a short time exploring

 Making our way along the cliff tops

The view looking north

 

Back on the track

Animal print on the track which we think was made by a deer

Someone said the magic words .. "morning tea"  and whats better than sitting in the sun with an excellent view

 

Shortly after we reach Tasmans Arch and to our dismay the whole area was a fenced off construction site with no walkers allowed in the area. As the construction area went all the way to Waterfall Bay it was decided to return to Pirates Bay and walk along the beach to Eaglehawk Neck.

Making our way along the beach

 

Interesting rock formations

 

Chris has his own island

 And it's lunch in the sun

 

View of Pirates Bay and the Blowhole in the distance

Pied Oystercatchers 

 

From a distance this feature looked like a rusty pipe sticking out of the rocks .. on closer inspection it was a circle of rock .. no idea what created it

 

A river crossing on the way back to Pirates Bay

 

We spend some time exploring the Blowhole and surrounds

 Chris and Sally in the distance

 

Lyn at the lookout with the Hippolyte Rocks in the distance

 

Today 6 walkers covered 7kms in the area around Pirates Bay / Blow Hole and Egg Beach.  The weather was great as most of the walk was in bright sunshine.  Despite having to change our route a couple of times it turned out to be a very relaxing day.

 Thanks Chris for the photos