Pipeline Track

This bicycle ride begins at Ferntree on the Old Huon Hwy. It is a relatively flat ride on a gravel surface suitable for mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and touring bikes and is an ideal family ride.

The Pipeline Track follows a route around the back of Mt Wellington, along the North west Bay River valley to a weir below Wellington Falls. Scenery along the track is quite spectacular, with views of the Derwent Estuary, Tasman Peninsular, NorthWest Bay, Bruny Island and the Channel. Local views include Cathedral Rock, ravines, waterfalls, springs and plenty of wildlife in the early morning and late evenings. There is also a wide variety of plants and trees, at certain times of the year, particularly early spring, the area can be very colourful with many trees and shrubs in flower.

The history and the reason for the existence of the pipeline track is explained along the first section of the route, on a series of very interesting information signs.

WARNING

The track is above the 400 metre level rising to 700 metres, therefore can be quite cold even during summer. Always be prepared, and have warm clothing with you. During the winter months the last few kilometres of the track will often be covered by snow and ice, special care must be taken as the track runs along the top of a cliff in this area.

0.00km The Start of the ride is directly opposite the FernTree Tavern and there are toilets and a water tap in the immediate area.

0.66 km the track forks and the right fork climbs to Silver Falls. Follow the track to the left and across the bridge.

1.94 km Take care there is a single lane bridge. Take note of the signage along the track, as there are blind corners and single laned bridges.

4.25km Dismount to cross this bridge as there are steps on either side.

4.55km The track becomes a vehicular gravel road, to the left the road ends at the Old Huon Rd, at Nieka. Follow the track to the right, taking in the spectacular views on your left about a kilometre along the road.

9.04km To the right just before the creek crossing there is a hidden path that leads to one of the feeder wells constructed in sandstone. There are large tree ferns and other rainforest flora in this little valley.

10.00km There is a corrugated iron shelter beside the road, opposite a path climbs up the hill to St Crispins Well. The well is constructed of sandstone, and the surrounding area is understorey rainforest. There is a walking track across the creek, which climbs straight up to Disappearing Tarn and the track to Wellington Falls. On the opposite side of the valley you will notice the imposing peak known as Cathedral Rock.

11.45km The gate stopping access at this point, is to protect the users of the track against rock and mud falls in this landslip area. Eventually the problem will be solved and cyclists will be able to continue to the weir.

13.00km Weir and the end of the track.

Please Note that property owners downstream draw untreated drinking water from the North West Bay River. Take care with human waste and take out any rubbish, including fruit waste.

On patrol to find ways of making life better for ALL cyclists.
Send all general enquiries to info@biketas.org.au.
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0.00km	The Start of the ride is directly opposite the FernTree Tavern and there are toilets and a water tap in the immediate area.
0.66 km	the track forks and the right fork climbs to Silver Falls. Follow the track to the left and across the bridge.
1.94 km	Take care there is a single lane bridge. Take note of the signage along the track, as there are blind corners and single laned bridges.
4.25km	Dismount to cross this bridge as there are steps on either side.
4.55km	The track becomes a vehicular gravel road, to the left the road ends at the Old Huon Rd, at Nieka. Follow the track to the right, taking in the spectacular views on your left about a kilometre along the road.
9.04km	To the right just before the creek crossing there is a hidden path that leads to one of the feeder wells constructed in sandstone. There are large tree ferns and other rainforest flora in this little valley.
10.00km	There is a corrugated iron shelter beside the road, opposite a path climbs up the hill to St Crispins Well. The well is constructed of sandstone, and the surrounding area is understorey rainforest. There is a walking track across the creek, which climbs straight up to Disappearing Tarn and the track to Wellington Falls. On the opposite side of the valley you will notice the imposing peak known as Cathedral Rock.
11.45km	The gate stopping access at this point, is to protect the users of the track against rock and mud falls in this landslip area. Eventually the problem will be solved and cyclists will be able to continue to the weir.
13.00km	Weir and the end of the track.