East Risdon Reserve

Monday 10th February 2014

Geilston Bay Marina

Today was only going to be a short walk and so it turned out, taking just over 3 hours.
I parked in De Bonfords Lane at Geilston Bay and walked back to the main road and then into Geilston Bay Road and walked to the end where there was a small car park and the start of the track. I noted that there was a new bridge linking the two roads and I could have saved about 1 km. of walking - oh well, I logged it into my brain for the return.
The track followed the north side of Geilston Bay and then around the point and down to Shag Bay. After this the track climbed and I took to the scrub to meet up with an old track which climbed steeply uphill. The bush in this area was easy to walk through with no scrub bashing required.

Shag Bay

The track was now an old road which climbed steadily up to almost the top of Government Hills. The bush in this area was very pleasant and the only sound of civilization was the drone of the zinc works across the river. After peaking, the track descended to finally meet up with Risdon Street and then down to the river bank where the return track began. There was plenty of activity out on the water from all types of water craft, including, jet skis, fishing boats, pleasure boats, rowers and tinnies. It seemed that heaps of people were out enjoying the great weather.
I stopped for a while and watched a ship being unloaded with, I presume, ore for the smelter and then continued on what is called the Bedlam Walls Track. The water views were great and it was quite relaxing, just dawdling along the river bank.

Ore Ship

The track went around Porter Bay and to Tommys Bight and then headed uphill to join up with the outward leg. This was followed for a very short distance before walking down towards the river bank again to Shag Bay Point and on to Shag Bay.
I then walked back to the car omitting the extra leg that I had walked earlier in the day.
I found that I enjoyed this walk more than I had expected and if anyone wants a shortish walk close to the city with not too much ascent, then I would recommend it. There are roads and tracks everywhere in the Government Hills area, so there are plenty of opportunities to vary the walk.

Distance: 11.3 kms.
Time: 3'10"
Ascent: 387 metres
Click here to download GPX track.

Shag Bay

Old Boiler in Shag Bay

Track through Government Hills

Tasman Bridge

White-faced Heron

Rowers on the Derwent

Zinc Works

Knocklofty to Junction Cabin

Sunday 7th July 2013

It was 3 degrees at home this morning and the drive up to Hobart was treacherous as the roads were extremely icy. I made it to the start of the walk in one piece, after having seen the evidence of some cars sliding of the road, and set off about 8.20 am.
The track went across the reserve and then I deviated to the top of the quarry to get some photos of Mount Wellington covered in snow. I then walked back to the track and then downhill, through a gate and met up with the Newtown Trail. This was followed for a couple of kilometres to the Main Fire Trail via Noahs Saddle. This trail looked quite steep from a distance and it proved to be so as I huffed and puffed up to the top. I wanted to see if there were any views of Hobart from the top of Brushy Hill so I turned right at this stage and walked to the top of the hill, but alas no views. It was then back to the Main Fire Trail and then steeply up the Old Farm Fire Trail to Junction Cabin. As I reached about 500 metres the snow started to appear and by the time I reached the cabin it was quite thick and crunchy underfoot. It was 5 degrees here at the cabin.
I took some photos , then headed down the Old Farm Fire Trail on the southern side to the Main Fire Trail again. It was then a matter of walking down the trail to Mc Robies Gully and up the other side to the Newtown Trail, thus forming a loop. I then walked back along this trail, with a few deviations, to the car, which I reached about 1 pm. I saw more people than I was expecting, but I think this was because the road up the mountain was closed and everyone was walking or cycling up to check out the snow.
This was a good walk with great views of Mount Wellington and it was a pleasure to tramp through some snow again.
Distance: 13.4 kms.
Time: 4'40"
Ascent: 870 metres
There is a map and gpx file at Everytrail.
Click here to download GPX track.

Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington

Old Farm Fire Trail to Junction Cabin

Junction Cabin

Junction Cabin

At Junction Cabin

Junction Cabin

Junction Cabin

Knights Creek Circuit

Sunday 19th May 2013

Today I drove up to Hobart and found Tolosa Park which is a very popular place for picnics and BBQs etc. I did not intend to park in the park grounds as the gates are closed at 4.30pm, but I couldn't anyway as the gates were still locked at 8.00 am. I end up parking down at the western end just before the road heads up to the mountain bike park.
It was 8.10am when I set off. The aim was to head up to the reservoir on Knights Creek and check that out, so I needed to enter the park through a gap in the fence and cross the park to pick up the Knights Creek Trail. I did this but when I was approaching the reservoir I came across a "No Public Access" sign which necessitated a change of plans. A quick scramble up a hill brought me to the Quarry Fire Trail which went around the reservoir. This track had just been worked on and was very slippery after the recent rain and my soles of my boots were clogged with mud. After this it was on to the Knights Creek Trail and a climb of about 700 metres to the Big Bend Trail. The track was easily followed and just before reaching the summit it crossed Knights Creek which was flowing quite well.
From here it was basically all downhill back to the car via Big Bend Trail, East West Trail, Montrose Trail, Goat Trail and Chapel Trail. I arrived at the car at 1.30pm
There were not very many views on this walk but never the less it was quite enjoyable. Then again I reckon any day in the bush is great.
Distance: 14.9 kms.
Time: 5'30"
Ascent: 900 metres
There is a map and down loadable gpx file at Everytrail
Click here to download GPX track.

Knights Creek

Knights Creek

Knights Creek