The frost has set in.
It’s a cool morning, the air is crisp, the ground frosty and the sun shining. And of course a walk in Hobart is on the cards. So Wayne and I head off to Cascade Gardens for what I consider a relaxing and enjoyable walk , one which everyone can enjoy. It is also a walk that you can begin in the city or up at Cascade Gardens (or from the Brewery if that is on your agenda as well. And why wouldn’t it be!) Also if you’re hankering for a bit of Hobart history the Female Factory is yet another attraction to see while you are in the area. You can see now why I would say it is for everyone, you can take just the walk or pack it in with some sight-seeing, a beer and some lunch (refer to my review Casacade Brewery Eats) and make a day of it.
Cascade Brewery
What I love about this walk and so many of the walks in and around Hobart is how the landscape, colour and scenery changes depending on what time of year it is. This is a relaxing walk and is very peaceful. But there is also the history of the rivulet and plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
The Rivulet was somewhat the lifeblood to Hobart in the early days as it was used for drinking and washing until the 1860’s. It had many other uses including the driving of millwheels and sawblades, was used in factories and tanneries and as a drain and sewer. Housing was built along the rivulet too and as you walk you will see how much the area has been built up over the years.
The Cascade Rivulet mini falls
We normally start the walk at Cascade Gardens as there is plenty of parking and amenities there. From there walk through the car park to McRobies Road following the road past the Female Factory (of course you can take this in before or after your walk). Once you have found the gravel pathway you can start to see the beauty of the area with its Sandstone rock face, various trees and the trickling water of the rivulet.
A wall of stone along the rivulet
After you have walked a while you come across a large group of buildings known as Vaucluse Gardens which is currently a retirement village but once belonged to Hobart businessman Thomas Hewitt. Along the way you will see signage with some of the history of the area, steel structures used to catch logs and ‘Milton’ a fine example of Georgian style housing in Hobart. Make sure you have a look as you can see Mount Wellington looming larger than life through the trees and from the higher points of the walk.
Mt Wellington from the rivulet
Continue your journey enjoying the peace, quiet and beauty of the rivulet until you reach a small park which houses a tall brick chimney stack. This is the end of your walk but make sure you walk out to Mole Street turning right (into Mole Street) where you will find the waterway flowing under the streets and buildings as it makes its way out to the Derwent River. This gives you a since of how Hobart was built around the water in the area.
Autum leaves on the Cascade walk
The water from the rivulet comes from Mount Wellington and this mountain water is what has been used to brew the famous Cascade Beer since it was founded in 1824. So make sure you stop in and try one of Tasmania’s great brews while you are in the area. It would be silly of you not to!
The Rivulet walk is about 2.2 km each way (4.4kms return) and for the most part is fairly flat and easy to navigate. There is one small section which rises above the rivulet and into bushland before descending back down so you can enjoy the water, the trees and nature at its best. Take your time, take photos and enjoy. It should take you about 90 minutes to do the round trip journey depending on how often you stop.
A view of the rivulet through the trees
For more information on The Female Factory and Cascade Brewery refer to the websites listed below.
So be off with you, get out there and enjoy the fresh air, a little bit of history and the lovely scenery Hobart has to offer.
A very frosty leaf Cascade Rivulet
A Roaming Appetite 