Truganini Reserve

Much of Tasmania’s spectacular scenery is located beyond Hobart and requires a car to get there but that doesn’t mean there aren’t scenic walks and trails right on your doorstep should be in the capital. One such trail can be found on Mount Nelson or near Taroona, depending on where you start from. The Truganini Reserve track is a relatively short and simple walking trail on the South Eastern flank of Mount Nelson.

I chose to make my way down to the bottom from Mount Nelson Signal Station and began in the not too dense Eucalyptus woodlands near the summit of Mount Nelson. There had been a controlled burning of the area in recent weeks and as a result one side of the trail wasn’t the most picturesque with a charred landscape on display instead of the more vivid and flora filled view on the right hand side. It was still interesting to see the effect of the burning and how it clears the way for fresh growth to come through and for the forest to renew itself once more.

As the path descended the undergrowth grew thicker and at times it became difficult to see the path but that’s what adventuring is all about. The trail continued downwards into the Cartwright Reserve and joined up with the Cartwright Creek, a small trickle at this time of year that brings water to the vegetation on the slopes. The dampness brought about by the creek changes the scenery considerably as you descend, with the dryer Eucalyptus trees giving way to ferns and damp moss covered logs. The air turns a bright green as the plant matter overtakes everything and leaves every surface damp with moisture. There had been a small shower just before I began my hike and so the trail was somewhat slippy in places so you will need to have your wits about you and wear suitable footwear.

I began my hike down shortly after lunch and didn’t need to refuel when I reached the end of the trail. I would definitely recommend starting at the bottom though and working your way to the top, as the view from the Signal Station is out of this world and there’s a lovely restaurant where Sinead and myself enjoyed a delicious scone and coffee a few days earlier. I’ll have another post up soon from the Signal Station and surrounds.

The recent burning comes right up to the edge of the path at the top of the trail.

New life can be seen sprouting up from an older burn site.

Fluffy moss clings to the rocks in the shadier spots.

A splash of colour amongst the blackened scenery beyond.

A fallen tree will become home to numerous creatures as life returns to the forest.

The hollowed out trunk of a tree becomes a gathering point for fallen leaves and seeds.

There’s a myriad of plant species you can see along the trail.

A young shoot climbs its way upwards.

The lichen covered rocks along the trail are a good spot to rest and take it all in.

You’re never too far from civilisation which may or may not be your preference.

A climber twists its way around its neighbour as the struggle for dominance continues apace.

Another gnarled entanglement of foliage.

Biggest ant I’ve ever seen, easily an inch long and with menacing mandibles to boot. Didn’t stick around this area for long.

A patch of vegetation scarred black by the fire.

Nature quickly undos the work of man, smoothing out the lines cut by saws.

The trail gets ever damper and greener as you descend towards the bottom.

This bright green plant carpeted almost every tree trunk near the lower end of Truganini trail.

In places the man-made parts of the path are clearly evident, although again nature is doing its best to blend them in.

The jungle like environment surrounding Cartwright Creek is a far cry from the dryer Eucalyptus trees higher up.

The path widens in parts and becomes a little less claustrophobic.

Loved the patterning on this tree from successive layers of bark peeling off. The downside is the ground below is often turned into a nightmarish scene of snakelike pieces of bark.

Once grey rocks become chunks of green in the damp conditions.

It’s really quite serene in parts.

Seed pods on the underside of a fern.

These may look cool but I can’t help but hurry through them each time as there’s always a large hole or two concealing God knows what.

A mushroom slightly damaged by a hiker or perhaps partly nibbled by a nervous creature.

The roots of the trees act as natural steps in conjunction with their artificial counterparts above.

There’s so many tiny little worlds along the trail.

A feather snagged on some bark.

The trail floor is littered with layer upon layer of detritus.

You’ll need to watch your footing when its damp as the path can be fairly slippery in parts.

Aaaaand we are walking away from the large hole.

Some of the ferns are quite large, albeit not quite as impressive as those on Mount Wellington.