Hartz Mountains National Park

Introducing Hartz Mountains National Park

If you prefer your wilderness a little less pre-packaged than what you’ll find at the Tahune Forest Reserve, head for the Hartz Mountains. Part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Area, the park is only 84km from Hobart – within striking distance for weekend walkers and day-trippers. The park is renowned for its jagged peaks, glacial tarns, gorges, alpine moorlands and dense rainforest. Rapid weather changes bluster through – even day-walkers should bring waterproofs and warm clothing.

There are some great hikes and isolated, sit-and-ponder-your-existence viewpoints in the park. Waratah Lookout, 24km from Geeveston, is an easy five-minute shuffle from the road. Other well-surfaced short walks include Arve Falls (20 minutes return) and Lake Osborne (40 minutes return). The steeper Lake Esperance walk (two hours return) takes you through high country even agnostics would proclaim as ‘God’s own’.

There’s no camping within the park, just basic day facilities (toilets, shelters, picnic tables, barbecues). Collect a Hartz Mountains National Park brochure from the Geeveston or Huonville visitor information centres.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009