Mount Nelson Signal Station
Iconic lookout offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart, a peaceful escape with nature trails and potential wallaby sightings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Mount Nelson Signal Station
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lookout offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart, a peaceful escape with nature trails and potential wallaby sightings.
"Beautiful view over Hobart and surrounding city, the free binoculars are a bonus where you can lookout at the bay."
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunset offers spectacular views, but ensure you leave before the 6 PM gate closure!
🦘 Wildlife Spotting
You might spot wallabies! They're often seen around the benches and trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Main lookout point
Breathtaking vistas of Hobart, the Derwent River, and Bruny Island on clear days. A truly iconic Cape Town panorama.

Wallaby Encounters
Surrounding trails and grassy areas
Keep an eye out for local wallabies, adding a touch of wildlife to your visit. A delightful surprise for many visitors.

Peaceful Nature Walks
Various walking trails
Explore gentle walking trails offering a tranquil escape with beautiful natural scenery. Less crowded than Mount Wellington.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunset offers spectacular views, but ensure you leave before the 6 PM gate closure!
🦘 Wildlife Spotting
You might spot wallabies! They're often seen around the benches and trails.
🚶♀️ Easy Nature Trails
Enjoy peaceful walks; the trails are easy and less crowded than Mount Wellington.
🔭 Free Binoculars
Utilize the free binoculars for a closer look at the bay and distant islands.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunset offers spectacular views, but ensure you leave before the 6 PM gate closure!
🦘 Wildlife Spotting
You might spot wallabies! They're often seen around the benches and trails.
🚶♀️ Easy Nature Trails
Enjoy peaceful walks; the trails are easy and less crowded than Mount Wellington.
🔭 Free Binoculars
Utilize the free binoculars for a closer look at the bay and distant islands.
🚗 Self-Drive Option
It's a free self-drive destination with ample parking, offering great city views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, unobstructed panoramic views of Hobart and its surroundings, often calling it a peaceful and relaxing alternative to Mount Wellington. The chance to see wallabies and the convenience of free binoculars are frequently highlighted positives. Some note the 6 PM gate closure as a crucial detail to remember.
"Nice drive up. Pretty chill place to sit and admire the city view down below. If you're lucky like us you might catch a few wallabies around. There's couple of benches to sit and chill and a walking trail if you're up for it. Plenty of carpark space and there's a decent public toilet nearby.
Will be a great place to catch either sunrise or sunset."
Sadiq Aslam
"Beautiful view over Hobart and surrounding city, the free binoculars are a bonus where you can lookout at the bay and on a clear day see as far as bruney island.
Very relaxing and peaceful, not very crowded compared to mt Wellington. Lots of nice nature walks also."
Sonia Cheezel
"Very close to the city, good place to watch Hobart from above with no crowds. Nice easy tracking nearby. Gate is closed 6pm, makes sure car left before hand"
Thomas Pamudji
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Nelson Signal Station is conveniently located just an 11-minute drive from Hobart. You can easily self-drive there, and there's plenty of parking available.
While direct public transport options might be limited, many visitors opt for a self-drive or taxi/rideshare service due to its proximity to the city.
Yes, there are walking trails that lead to the station. Some groups organize hikes, which can take around 2 hours, offering a scenic approach.
The best way is by car for easy access and flexibility. You can stop at various points along the drive for different perspectives.
The drive up is generally considered easy, making it accessible for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mount Nelson Signal Station is a free public lookout. You can self-drive and enjoy the views without any admission cost.
The gate to the station closes at 6 PM, so ensure you plan your visit and departure accordingly.
As it's a free public lookout, no advance booking or tickets are required to visit Mount Nelson Signal Station.
The main restriction is the gate closure at 6 PM. Otherwise, it's a public space for enjoying the views and nature.
The main lookout area is generally accessible, and the drive up is easy. However, some walking trails might be more challenging.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset provides beautiful warm tones.
You can capture stunning panoramic shots of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding landscape. Wildlife photography of wallabies is also popular.
The main lookout point offers the most expansive views. Exploring the nearby walking trails can also lead to unique photographic opportunities.
No special permit is required for personal photography at this public lookout.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can admire the panoramic views of Hobart, enjoy peaceful nature walks, spot wallabies, and relax on the benches.
Yes, there are decent public toilets located nearby for visitors.
It's a lovely spot for a picnic with a view. Just remember to take all your rubbish with you.
It's generally less crowded than Mount Wellington, especially on weekday mornings. Weekends and sunset can see more visitors.
Yes, it's a dog-friendly location, perfect for morning walks with your furry friend.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring a picnic to enjoy with the stunning backdrop, and explore the easy walking trails for a bit of light activity. It's a great place to let kids burn off some energy in a safe and beautiful environment, offering a more relaxed experience than the often-crowded Mount Wellington. Just be mindful of the 6 PM gate closure when planning your departure.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
While the main lookout is excellent, don't hesitate to explore the surrounding trails for unique compositions. The free binoculars can also help you frame interesting details in the distance. Just remember to check the closing time (6 PM) to ensure you can exit the premises after capturing those breathtaking sunset shots.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Peace Seekers
The gentle walking paths are suitable for most fitness levels, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking solitude or a couple looking for a scenic spot, the station provides a calming environment to enjoy the Tasmanian landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the View
Many visitors find the atmosphere here to be incredibly relaxing and peaceful, a welcome contrast to the busier Mount Wellington. The ever-changing clouds and vistas provide a dynamic backdrop, making it a place you can enjoy for extended periods. It's an ideal spot for quiet contemplation or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
This viewpoint is particularly popular for sunrise and sunset photography, as the light casts a magical glow over the landscape. The station itself has historical significance, though its main appeal today is undoubtedly the stunning natural scenery it overlooks.
Exploring the Trails and Wildlife
A delightful surprise for many visitors is the chance to spot local wildlife, particularly wallabies. These charming marsupials are often seen grazing in the grassy areas or near the benches, adding an element of wild charm to the experience. Remember to observe them from a respectful distance and avoid feeding them.
These trails make it a dog-friendly destination, ideal for morning walks with your canine companions. The combination of scenic views, accessible trails, and potential wildlife encounters makes Mount Nelson Signal Station a well-rounded outdoor destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit