Bushwalks on Kunanyi

Kunanyi is an excellent example of Tasmania’s alpine bushland, with magnificent views over Hobart.

We provide fully guided walks and activities. Ideas include water catchments, geology, native vegetation and fauna, Hobart's history (early settlers, huts, bushrangers and water supply), survival skills, geology or just enjoy bushwalking on the mountain.

There are bushwalks to suit all grades K-12.

Chalet to Springs

2-3 hours – all ages

This walk can focus on native flora and fauna as well as alpine environments and how they differ from lower-level areas. There is some interesting geology (we will walk underneath the Organ Pipes) and fantastic views over Hobart. The path is mostly flat, with some rocky sections, and with a downhill section at the finish. Lunch can be had along the way or at The Springs.

The walk can also include Chalet to Springs via Sphinx Rock. This would be a 3-4 hour walk.

Silver Falls to Waterworks

2-4 hours - all ages.

This walk is suitable for those investigating the water cycle and catchment areas as it follows the water pipeline along and into the Hobart reservoir.

We can also look at changing vegetation from large tree ferns at Silver Falls to wattle scrub and open eucalypt forest on the lower slopes.

The path is easy going, with a steep downhill section at Gentle Annie Falls. The bus drops you off in Fern Tree and meets you at Waterworks.

Springs to Fern Tree (via Rocky Whelan's Cave)

3-4 hours - all ages.

This walk is mostly downhill to Fern Tree. The track is rocky in some parts. We can look at Rocky Whelan's Cave (a bushranger who lived on the mountain in the 1850's) and Fern Glade - a rainforest area with moss covered rocks, waterfalls and tree ferns. This walk is great for younger students.

Springs to Lenah Valley

3-4½ hours - mid primary and up.

This walk passes Sphinx Rock which is a sandstone cliff on the mostly dolerite mountain. There are good views over Hobart, and it is a great spot to stop for morning tea. We pass Rock Cabin and Junction Cabin on the way to New Town Falls. There are historic hut ruins along the way, and we come out at the top of Lenah Valley Road.

Summit to Fern Tree,  Springs to Summit or Chalet to the Summit

4½ hours - mid primary and up.

For those wanting more of a challenge. Students can be dropped off by the bus at the beginning of the walk and then picked up at the other end. Provides students with an opportunity to challenge themselves whilst enjoying a great day out on the mountain. Makes a wonderful end of year activity for grade 6 leavers.

Curriculum Objectives:

The Australian Curriculum places emphasis on Sustainability as a priority for study that connects and relates relevant aspects of content across learning areas and subjects.

Systems
OI.1	The biosphere is a dynamic system providing conditions that sustain life on Earth.
OI.2	All life forms, including human life, are connected through ecosystems on which they depend for their wellbeing and survival.

Futures
OI.7	Actions for a more sustainable future reflect values of care, respect and responsibility, and require us to explore and understand environments.
OI.9	Sustainable futures result from actions designed to preserve and/or restore the quality and uniqueness of environments.

Connections to Learning Areas:

Science

In the Australian Curriculum: Science, the Sustainability priority students explore relationships including cycles and cause and effect and students develop observation and analysis skills to examine these relationships in the world around them. In this learning area, students appreciate that science provides the basis for decision-making in many areas of society and that these decisions can impact on the Earth system. They understand the importance of using science to predict possible effects of human and other activity and to develop management plans or alternative technologies that minimise these effects.

Health and Physical Education

In the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, students explore how they connect and interact with natural, managed and built environments. They consider how these connections and interactions within systems play an important role in promoting, supporting and sustaining the wellbeing of individuals and the environment as a whole, now and into the future.  Through movement experiences, students are provided with opportunities to develop a connection in and with environments and to gain an appreciation of the interdependence of the health of people and that of environments.