Knocklofty Summit Loop

Knocklofty Summit Loop is a 4 km bushland circuit in West Hobart, climbing through eucalypt forest to lookouts over kunanyi/Mt Wellington and the Derwent Estuary, with the city skyline thrown in. It is one of the less steep hikes near the city centre, though rocky underfoot in places, and it takes most walkers 75 to 90 minutes. The track is a rocky 4WD fire trail with steep patches mixed among gentler stretches, and it shares its width with cyclists.

Leash status

The City of Hobart manages Knocklofty Reserve and runs a two-tier rule. Most of the reserve, including the summit loop proper, is on-lead at all times. The exception is the designated zone between the Forest Road car park, Poets Road and Fielding Drive, which is off-lead during set daylight hours: 6am to 8pm in daylight saving and 7am to 5pm otherwise, with on-lead applying outside those windows. Even in the off-lead zone the dog must stay under effective voice control and on the managed tracks, because wallabies, pademelons and bandicoots live here and dogs must not chase wildlife. Note from the lower Forest Road entrance that the first stretch stays on-lead until you pass the car park and reach the off-lead signage. Bags and bins are provided at the main entrances.

Max: Wallabies move through at dawn and dusk especially. Even in the off-lead zone, keep your dog in sight and call them back early if wildlife appears ahead.

The walk and its hazards

The route detours past the Frog Ponds wetland habitat, a shaded rest stop partway round, before the climb to the summit lookouts. Underfoot the fire trail has steep, rocky patches that are uneven for paws and ankles alike, so this suits dogs comfortable on rough ground rather than very young pups. Stick to marked roads and tracks to protect the reserve's biodiversity, and keep alert on the wider sections where mountain bikers come through.

Getting there and parking

Drive to the end of Forest Road in West Hobart for the main parking and picnic area, free but limited, so arrive early on weekends. Metro bus route 540 from Hobart towards Mt Stuart stops on Forest Road within walking distance of the entrance. Three picnic tables sit near the main car park and the map signage is thorough, but there are no public toilets on site.

Close by with the dogs

Afterwards, Smolt Kitchen in West Hobart refuels both ends of the lead, and if you are staying over, Peck's on Pine is a dog-friendly stay in the same suburb. Our guide to dog friendly trails in TAS has more, and other dog-friendly spots around West Hobart are in the destinations guide.

When to go

Cooler mornings suit the climb best and make the off-lead hours worthwhile if your dog is reliable around wildlife. Wildflowers show through the forest in spring, and the summit views are sharpest on clear early mornings before the heat haze builds off the estuary.