Hartz Peak Hike (7.7km)

Hartz Mountains National Park rises above the southern Huon Valley and features a rugged mix of mountains, lakes and waterfalls shaped by ancient glaciers. From the higher ridges, layered peaks roll away towards Tasmania’s southern coast, creating a strong sense of scale and isolation. The park lies near Geeveston in southern Tasmania, about 55 kilometres south-west of Hobart, making it a straightforward day trip from the capital.

Glacial ice once covered the dolerite backbone of the range, leaving behind cirques, small lakes and steep escarpments where waterfalls now cascade. These landforms give the park its character across the seasons, with winter snow and ice giving way to alpine plants and spring wildflowers, including the striking Tasmanian waratah.

A wide range of walks makes the park popular with walkers of all abilities. Well-formed tracks pass through forest before climbing into subalpine and alpine terrain. Short bushwalks to Waratah Lookout, Arve Falls and Lake Osborne take less than an hour return and still deliver impressive scenery. Longer hikes to Lake Esperance and Hartz Peak, both part of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, take two to five hours return and reward prepared walkers with broad mountain views.

Wildlife is common, with echidnas, platypus, wallabies and pademelons often seen, along with frogs and birds such as honeyeaters, eastern spinebills and green rosellas. Facilities include picnic shelters, water and accessible toilets near Waratah Lookout and at the Hartz visitor shelter. A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks.