A cosmic ray observatory was established at the Springs in 1956. At the time this was the highest point on the mountain with good road access and electrical power. The Observatory formed a crucial link in a network of observatories stretching from PNG to Antarctica. It was rebuilt after the 1967 fires but decomissioned in 2001.

Physicist McCracken writes: "This was what I did for my PhD in Tasmania: cosmic ray research. I was extremely fortunate in that the University of Tasmania is one of the leading laboratories in the world in the study of these sub-atomic strangers that wander into the solar system from outer space. I built lots of equipment. I installed some of it in New Guinea, some went to Antarctica, and I had my own cosmic ray laboratory half way up Mt. Wellington."

HERITAGE ASSESSMENT

In 2018 the Park’s Trust made the observatory (WPHH0417) a priority place for nomination to the Tasmanian Heritage Register.