While there are many well known Mt Wellington hikes on the Hobart side of the mountain, the Devils Throne via Thark Ridge is less well known and the trail less maintained. The trail to Thark Ridge has been refreshed and now leaves from the huge car park on the road to the Pinnacle, just past the Big Bend and Fire Trail road.

Mt Wellington hikes: Collins Bonnet from Thark Ridge, Mt Wellington

After an hour or so you reach Thark Ridge and there is an unmarked (but obvious) trail that continues to the west. The view above is gained shortly after. After descending through the dolerite boulders and light woodland you reach an old trail, and it is from here the path to the Devils Throne is found.

Collins Bonnet from the Devils Throne, Mt Wellington

This trail is not maintained, but there are a few cairns, and very intermittent pink tape. In good weather it is easy to find your way but in misty conditions it would be easy to lose the trail… and given you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the views anyway, this is definitely a trail to save for a sunny day.

The view south towards the Huon Valley from the Devils Throne, Mt Wellington

After round 2.5 hours we arrived at the dramatic dolerite outcrop with Collins Bonnet right in front of us, the Huon Valley spread out to the south, and many of the mountains of the South West wilderness area visible on the horizon.

Collins Bonnet from the Devils Throne, Mt Wellington

A great day walk, very close to Hobart but not recommended for those uncomfortable “off the beaten track”.