Pinnacle Road: Mount Wellington

Pinnacle Road, Pillinger Drive, C616 · Fern Tree → Pinnacle Road

Twisty7 mi20 min2,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,100 ftOne way

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The drive

Pinnacle Road climbs from Fern Tree on the edge of Hobart to the summit area of kunanyi / Mount Wellington. It is 11.3 km (7 mi) and takes about 20 minutes, with climbing of about 2,900 feet to a high point near 4,100 feet. The City of Hobart calls it the highest and busiest sealed alpine road in Tasmania, narrow with steep embankments.

The bends are tight, particularly in the first stretch out of Fern Tree, and the road passes through The Springs before climbing into alpine country. The drive ends below the summit car park, where cars stop, and it is a dead end, so the way back is the same road down.

The City of Hobart closes the road when it is unsafe or congested, most often for snow or ice.

Along the way

Fern Tree (Pinnacle Road)
Pinnacle Road (below the summit car park)

Elevation

2,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,100 ft

Fern TreePinnacle Road

Curves

Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches

mi 0–3mi 5–6mi 5–7

Fern TreePinnacle Road

GentleHairpins

Good to know

The City of Hobart can close Pinnacle Road at any time for snow, ice, traffic or unsafe conditions, and cars are not allowed when it is closed for snow or ice.
When snow is being cleared, 4WDs and snow chains are not permitted to drive up, so the road can reopen to everyone sooner.
The road may close at Bracken Lane or at The Springs, and it can reopen in stages.
The Kunanyi / Mt Wellington Explorer Bus runs during closures if conditions allow, and the road can still be walked when it is closed.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check City of Hobart: Pinnacle Road status.

Questions about this drive

How long does Pinnacle Road to the top of Mount Wellington take?

Pinnacle Road from Fern Tree to the summit area is 7 miles (11.3 km) and takes about 20 minutes.

Is Pinnacle Road open in winter?

Pinnacle Road is open year-round when conditions allow, but the City of Hobart closes it for snow, ice and congestion. Check its Pinnacle Road status page before you go.

Can I drive to the top of kunanyi / Mount Wellington?

Yes, cars can drive Pinnacle Road to the summit car park, except when the City of Hobart has closed it for snow, ice, traffic or unsafe conditions.

Are snow chains allowed on Pinnacle Road?

Not while snow is being cleared: 4WDs and snow chains are not permitted to drive up during snow clearing, so the road can reopen to everyone sooner.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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