UPDATE: The Bumpy Track is no longer bumpy! Resurfacing was completed in July 2025.
Residents are campaigning to improve this important connection in South Hobart.
The ‘Bumpy Track’ (lower Marlyn Rd) is used by children, walkers, commuters, cargo-bikers and cyclists. It has lacked maintenance for too long. The erosion and rutting has become dangerous.
The land is owned by Cascade, but the City of Hobart can maintain it, like other nearby tracks.
Cycling / Walking Access
The bumpy track provides access to the Hobart Rivulet Track, 5 schools/childcares along the Rivulet and access to the CBD. It’s used by people living on Marlyn Rd, Avon Rd, Jubilee Rd, Saunders Cr. It’s also used by people living on Strickland Av. (as Strickland has a high traffic volume and no footpaths).
It is so rough that it destroys bikes, is a tripping hazard and un-ridable for many.
Bushfire Access
There is only one route out of Marlyn Rd / Strickland. People living on Marlyn Rd, Saunders Cr, Avon Rd and Jubilee Rd need to drive uphill to Strickland Av. to escape a bushfire. Many residents expect that Strickland Av. will then be too congested.
It is unclear how the ‘bumpy track’ can be used during a bushfire. The bumpy track should be opened to cars during a bushfire emergency to allow people to escape.
Where’s it up to?
The Bumpy Track was resurfaced in July 2025!
The sign reads:
Re-surfacing on this Fire Trail has recently been completed. We have smoothed all the little bumps on bumpy track, but note there are now 10 big bumps (aka rollovers) to divert water off the trail and prevent erosion.
Go slow over these.
Surface conditions have changed and may be soft in some localised sections until it settles and hardens over time. Please stay out of the flagged areas, Just a few tyre tracks or footprints in fresh trail work can damage the surface.
Previously
June 2024 — A gravel surface refurbishment akin to a fire trail was included in City of Hobart’s “Priority 1” capital works list for the 2024-25 financial year.
30 October 2023 — A motion to receive the petition and ask for a report to be returned to Council was passed unaminously at the City of Hobart council meeting.
September-October 2023 — A petition received 216 signatories within a few weeks. It asked that the City of Hobart:
- Improve and re-grade the bumpy track so it is safe for all users
- Consider opening the bumpy track during a bushfire emergency
More info
City of Hobart’s Facebook announcement of the completion of the upgrade
City of Hobart project page
Agenda of the City of Hobart council meeting 24 June 2024
Minutes of the City of Hobart council meeting 30 October 2023
The closed change.org petition