New mountain bike tracks approved for Mount Wellington

Three new tracks have been approved for construction on the lower slopes of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and a fourth existing track will be upgraded. SEE THE PLANS >>

THREE new tracks have been approved for construction on the lower slopes of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and a fourth existing track will be upgraded.

The tracks will provide connections between existing trails within the mountain bike trail network in the mountain’s foothills.

Two of the new tracks will be shared use and dual direction for walkers and runners, but uphill only for mountain bikers.

The four tracks are part of the Mountain Bike Network plan with consultation undertaken with mountain biking, running, walking and conservation groups.

Hobart City Council bushland manager John Fisher said 596 survey responses were received, 429 from mountain bike riders, more than 60 from runners and 104 from walkers, majority in favour of the proposal.

He said of the responses from walkers 51.5 per cent were happy with the proposal and 13.3 per cent were neutral, while 71.6 per cent of the runners were in favour of the plan.

SNOWBART

“The two tracks we refer to as ‘Rocky Wheel’n’ and ‘Free Wheel’n’ both refer to the naming of a cave on Mount Wellington which was occupied by John Rocky Whelen who was a notorious and blood thirsty bushranger in Hobart in 1850s,” Mr Fisher said.

The other tracks are the Upper Luge track and also Skid Road which was named in relation to timber harvest activity in the area.

Councillors voted unanimously in support of the proposal.

Council has said the construction of the tracks will not require removal of significant trees or vegetation, and the tracks will use the natural surface and features wherever possible.