Visitors rushing to see Disappearing Tarn create traffic chaos

Tasmania Police says officers responded to two separate parking incidents on kunanyi/Mt Wellington today as visitors rushed to the mountain to see a rare natural spectacle.

VISITORS rushing to kunanyi/Mt Wellington to see a rare natural spectacle created traffic chaos on Saturday.

Since news spread that the mountain’s Disappearing Tarn had filled to significant levels, Tasmanians have this week turned out in droves to catch a glimpse of the natural pool of water.

Tasmania Police said officers responded to two separate parking incidents on the mountain as motorists scrambled to find a car park.

Grace Holligan and friends going for a swim in the Disappearing Tarn on Mt Wellington/kunanyi. Picture: MATT HOLLIGAN

The natural attraction was a hot topic on social media, with many users commenting on the high foot traffic on mountain tracks, and lack of parking.

Others pointed out the lack of traffic control.

“[It]was packed up there again today. [I] must have passed 300 people at least along the track,” one person wrote.

“The track is badly chewed up from all the people so it’s a slip and slide in the mud. By the time we hiked out, the gate was open and parking at the springs was full. Lots of cars getting fined for parking illegally too,” another said.

Hobar Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said visitors not obeying signage and road rules had caused a major headache for the council.

Anna Reynolds. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“We now have to put traffic control staff above and below the Springs and hold traffic to a one-way flow alternating up and down the hill,” she said.

“It is a temporary event — but people parking cars illegally on both sides of the road that then restricts road access is a problem.

“We just ask people to try to share rides, respect road rules, and consider others.”

Cr Reynolds said unfortunately the bus services that might have been able to provide shuttle bus services were restricted by the passenger numbers they could take.

“Having a shuttle bus service to the Springs might have helped reduce the chaos,” she said.

“Our bushland staff are monitoring and the tracks are muddy but OK.”

National Parks Association president Nick Sawyer said large crowds at a normally sparse part of the mountain could adversely impact walking tracks and flora.