Pipeline Track - Fern Tree to Waterworks Reserve
Getting There
Ride, take a bus or drive your car to the start of the track in Fern Tree.
A well graded downhill track, with historic features highlighted by interpretation panels along the way. Dogs on lead are welcome between Fern Tree and Gentle Annie Falls, but not beyond Gentle Annie Falls.
From Fern Tree the track heads downhill with historic stonework apparent underfoot and two beautifully constructed stone aqueducts on the right. Below Chimney Pot Hill Road the forest becomes drier and more open. The track then emerges into a cleared area that was once McDermotts Farm; in spring daffodils bloom where the homestead once stood. Keep going a short way until you get to the Gentle Annie Falls look out. From here you may chose to descend down the steps cut into the rock to Gentle Annie Falls (a dry waterfall!) there are handrails but please be mindful that this is a very steep part of the track and not accessible for bikes and prams.
In 2025 a new gentle gradient, shared use track was constructed from the top of Gentle Annie Falls that zig zags down through the bush, with views of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington peaking through, following the historic Mountain Water Supply System features such as the base of Gentle Annie Falls, the Pipe Head Well until you reach the Receiving House and the reservoirs of Waterworks Reserve. This new track is accessible for a wider range of users.
| Activity | Suggested Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 hours | ||
| Under 2 hours | 🟢 | |
| Under 2 hours |
Track Features
Dogs allowed on lead until you reach Waterworks Reserve
Restrictions
Due to the drinking water catchment area in the Waterworks Reserve, dogs are allowed on lead only on the section of this track between Fern Tree and the lookout above Gentle Annie Falls.
Safety Precautions
Plan your visit
Leave No Trace is an internationally accepted way of minimising impacts on the places we visit. Respect wildlife, be considerate with others, dispose your waste properly.
Be prepared for the walk. Plan your trip ahead, bring enough water, check the alerts, and make sure you are comfortable with the difficulty rating.
Track contacts
If you have any questions, feedback or updates regarding this track please contact the track manager at the Hobart City Council by phone on 03 6238 2886 or by email to parks@hobartcity.com.au. For urgent communications please contact us by phone.
