Bushwalks at Hartz Mountains National Park

​Hartz Mountains National Park is a perfect short walk destination. With 4 different tracks from 5 minutes to 3 hours return, there is something for everyone. The landscape has been shaped by glaciers and this story is told on interpretive panels along the tracks. Alpine streams and tarns (small glacial lakes) dot the plateau. Waterfalls drop from the eastern edge of the plateau and to the west, the dolerite columns form a ridgeline, protecting the plateau from the worst of the westerly winds.
This is a wilderness park with basic facilities including toilets, water and picnic shelters. The shelter at Waratah Lookout has an open fireplace, free gas barbecue, and tables. The shelter at the end of the road has walker registration toilets, water and picnic shelters. There is no campground. You can camp nearby at Huon Bush Retreats or Cockle Creek.
Higher areas of Hartz Mountains are exposed to the wild weather of south-west Tasmania. Rain or snow falls on more than half the days each year so be sure to carry warm waterproof clothing. Beware of sudden weather changes that can happen any time of year.

Very Short Walks to Lake Osbourne and Arve Falls 

Lake Osborne (40 minutes return)
This glacial lake surrounded by ancient King Billy pines is accessed by gentle climb through a small alpine  rainforest, of myrtle, sassafras and pandani. Huge boulders have been dumped along the way by glaciers. Interpretive signs tell the story of fire and ice shaping this spectacular landscape.

The streams are home to many crustaceans and frog species including the moss froglet. Listen for a sound similar to dropping a ping pong ball onto a hard surface. This species was first discovered in 1992.
Arve Falls (around 20 minute return) 
A well made track follows the Arve River through an open alpine woodland to the cliffs on the eastern edge of the plateau. Here, Arve Falls drops into the valley below. Interpretive signs explain the landscape creation processes and the alpine adapted plants.

A few hours walk
​to Ladies Tarn
​and Hartz Peak 

  • Lake Esperance (2 hrs return)
  • Hartz Pass (3 - 4 hours return)
  • Hartz Peak (4 - 5 hours return)
These 3 destinations are all accessed by a single track. Beginning at the end of the road, it follows the plateau, to Ladies Tarn and Lake Esperance, requiring just a little gentle climbing on a reasonably made track. People of average fitness should enjoy this section. There is total of 400m climb over the 8km to Hartz Peak which is 1255m above sea level.

Past Lake Esperance, this is a walk only for experienced walkers, equipped with good boots. as it is a steep uphill climb to Hartz Pass where the first view of the southwest becomes visible. The towering peak of Federation Peak can be seen 20km westward. To the east, you can see Bruny Island.
​
From there the route continues through a boulder field to the summit. In clear weather you will get the best views of the south-west wilderness.
Aboriginal Tasmanians lived in this area for at least 40,000 years. The local group, the Mellukerdee people had semi-permanent homes along the coast of Southern Tasmania, travelling inland to the mountains for hunting and cultural reasons. The South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC) is based at Cygnet and continues Aboriginal traditions and community.

YouTube Videos of Hartz Mountains National Park: 

Challenging 3 hour winter trip to Hartz Peak
Easy 40 minutes return to Lake Esperance
Easy 1.5 hours return to Ladies Tarn

Where to stay overnight near Hartz Mountains National Park

One bedroom self contained cottage at Franklin, Tasmania

The Little Seed BnB at Franklin Tasmania
Franklin
Feel the stress wash away at
The Little Seed, an elegant, self contained cottage, in the hills above the Huon River at Franklin.

Genuine hosted bed and breakfast at Huonville

​Just south from Huonville, is a genuine bed and breakfast where you are hosted in a modern private home. You have your own private bedroom and bathroom, shared living areas with your host, Rossy.

Self contained
​2 bedroom holiday home an hour south from Hartz Mountains

In the Far South of Tasmania, the forest parts to reveal a spectacular open buttongrass plain. Your modern two bedroom self-contained cabin is a comfortable eco-experience with 12 volt solar electricity and hot water, wood heating and is free from distractions like TV and in-room phones.

Family friendly waterfront restaurant on way to or from Hartz Mountains National Park

Family restaurant in a classic country pub with waterfront views. Mid Price.

No longer operating

Picture
Castle Forbes Bay
Overlooking the Huon River, just off the highway from Huonvile to Geeveston, this classic farm cottage can be your base to explore the Huon Valley. Hun Rive Country Cottage has three bedrooms to suit couples, families or small groups.

Ask a local expert
about Hobart, Huon Valley, Bruny Island,
remote ​wilderness and Far South Tasmania

9am to 7pm phone 0427 648465
[email protected]
Current time in Huon Valley:

How to get to
​Hartz Mountains
National Park