Hobart, Tasmania

• Home
• Park Values
  • Flora
  • Fauna
  • Geodiversity
  • Fire
  • Weather
  • Landscape
  • Water
  • Culture
  • Tourism
  • Mountain cam
• Park Management
  • Current projects
  • Planning
  • Strategies
  • Administration
  • Permits
  • Reports
• Things to do
  • Sightseeing and facilities
  • Bush walking
  • Bike riding
  • Horse riding
  • Dog walking
  • 4WDriving
  • Rock climbing
  • Minimal impact
• Maps & publications
  • Maps
  • Information sheets
  • Library
• Getting involved
  • Community News
  • Wildlife Program
  • Good Neighbour
  • Ranger's wrap
• Gallery
  • Community gallery
  • Landscape gallery
  • Heritage gallery
• FAQ
• Contact us

• Current projects
• Planning
  • Management Plan Review
  • Management Plan
  • The Springs
  • The Pinnacle
  • Myrtle Forest
• Strategies
• Administration
• Permits
• Reports

The Springs

The Springs Site Development Plan

The Springs Site Development Plan (1998, amended 2002) (SDP) explains the management objectives for visitor services and facilities within the Springs Zone. The aim of the SDP is to provide for appropriate development and uses while protecting the values of Wellington Park.

There is an emphasis on:

• maintaining the natural, aesthetic and cultural values of the Springs and the Park;
• providing a location for facilities and amenities for Park visitors and managers;
• appreciating and enhancing the values of Wellington Park, including: natural experiences, views and vistas, and cultural and heritage; and
• developing the Springs as a visitor destination in its own right.

The Springs Zone Masterplan

The Springs Zone Masterplan identifies the key values of the Springs and essential principles for development. Siting of structures, roads and car parks, paths, landscaping and previous conservation and heritage planning is considered.

The key recommendations of the Masterplan include:

• Retention of the low key public open space at the upper Springs or Old Hotel site;
• New interpretation signs and track entry facilities at the upper Springs;
• Improved parking arrangements at the middle and lower Springs sites to provide for visitors to the day-use centre and the broader area;
• Improved picnic facilities at the lower Springs area, including a new public toilet and improved walking tracks; and
• Upgrading of the existing lookout accessed via the former Exhibition Gardens, and reinstatement of a former walking track through the Gardens.

The plan includes the provision to build a day use centre at the Springs incorporating a visitor centre, shop, restaurant, parking areas and public toilets. It has been recommended that the building is positioned at the southern side of the middle Springs, with the main parking area at the lower Springs.

Initial Conservation Policy

The Trust has endorsed the Springs Initial Conservation Policy (ICP) for the Springs Zone. The ICP was released for public review and comment in March 2007, and includes the policies previously prepared for the Former Exhibition Gardens Conservation Management Plan (CMP), located within the Springs Zone. 

The aim of the ICP is to guide conservation and management of the historic heritage values of The Springs area in the short term until a more comprehensive conservation management plan can be prepared. Nine over-arching conservation policies are included and these relate to the broader protection and management of the area's historical, social, archaeological, aesthetic and landscape values and its natural setting. The policies recognise and respect the long historical use of The Springs for outdoor recreation, as a source of drinking water supply and, to a lesser extent, for scientific work and nature appreciation. 

The ICP provides scope for new facilities but suggests limits to the location and nature of developments, ensuring they are appropriate to the historical significance of The Springs.

Contact the Manager for more information on the Springs Zone planning.