Hartz Mountains National Park
Hartz Mountains National Park
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5.0
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Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,674 contributions
Jan 2022
This fantastic national park is located just over an hours drive from Hobart and can be visited as a day trip from same. There are numerous short walks on offer but the big ticket item is Hartz Peak, the summit of which features on the Hartz drinks range.
The last 10km of the drive is along a dirt road so be prepared for this.
You need a parks pass to visit here - there are numerous options depending if you are going to visit Freycinet and/or Cradle mountain. You can get these online or even at the Geeveston visitors centre which is on the way.
We did the hike to Hartz peak and it was fantastic. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife put such effort into their hiking trails and it shows - with boardwalks and elevated passages throughout. The scenery for the hike changes as you go and there are a couple of lakes on the way. The views across the Southwestern mountain ranges are extensive the entire way.
According to my all trails its 7.2km, 375m elevation. We did it in 3 hours 15 minutes.
We had the traditional unpredictable weather while doing this - with sideways rain and heavy wind at the summit but sunny skies less than 20 minutes later. Definitely bring layers as it can get cold.
Overall a sensational hike and definitely worth visiting.
The last 10km of the drive is along a dirt road so be prepared for this.
You need a parks pass to visit here - there are numerous options depending if you are going to visit Freycinet and/or Cradle mountain. You can get these online or even at the Geeveston visitors centre which is on the way.
We did the hike to Hartz peak and it was fantastic. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife put such effort into their hiking trails and it shows - with boardwalks and elevated passages throughout. The scenery for the hike changes as you go and there are a couple of lakes on the way. The views across the Southwestern mountain ranges are extensive the entire way.
According to my all trails its 7.2km, 375m elevation. We did it in 3 hours 15 minutes.
We had the traditional unpredictable weather while doing this - with sideways rain and heavy wind at the summit but sunny skies less than 20 minutes later. Definitely bring layers as it can get cold.
Overall a sensational hike and definitely worth visiting.
Written 8 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaveP71
Brisbane, Australia15 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
My wife and I decided to do a walk in the Hartz Mountains National Park, Huon Valley and chose to do the Lake Osborne Track once we arrived. It was sunny and fine at Geeveston but drizzling and freezing at the top. Like most other reviews advise, make sure you take enough gear to cater for freezing conditions.
The graded road up was ok for a 2wd vehicle but is potholed in sections so take your time to avoid them and animals. We had a quoll run across in front of us near the top.
The walk to the lake was easy but so beautiful. It was very windy and cold with low cloud but loved it. We had another quoll (assuming it was a different one) climb onto the duck board and trot along it. A real highlight.
We stopped at Arve Falls Track on the way back being about 1 km from the main car park. It was a great short walk and well worth doing.
The graded road up was ok for a 2wd vehicle but is potholed in sections so take your time to avoid them and animals. We had a quoll run across in front of us near the top.
The walk to the lake was easy but so beautiful. It was very windy and cold with low cloud but loved it. We had another quoll (assuming it was a different one) climb onto the duck board and trot along it. A real highlight.
We stopped at Arve Falls Track on the way back being about 1 km from the main car park. It was a great short walk and well worth doing.
Written 25 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gill808
Tasmania, Australia476 contributions
Oct 2020
Hartz is a great option for those who aren't looking for total wilderness but who are finding other popular walks such as Cradle Mountain and Freycinet becoming too popular and 'commercial.' The track to Hartz Peak is well established with boardwalks for much of the way and excellent 'rest' facilities (not toilets) at spots such as Lake Esperance nestled beneath the Devils Backbone. Warnings about weather preparedness should be well heeded. On our last visit we ventured only as far as Ladies Tarn due to weather before the track kicks up to the saddle and peak. There should also be a warning about the gravel road up to Hartz as from the time we left the bitumen which heads to Tarhune Airwalk we found suspension breaking pot-holes were appalling. Its a great walk to enjoy semi-alpine nature though with beautiful tarns, mosses, cushion plants, etc.
Written 17 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SabineBogeCro
Egham, UK581 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
A must do for hikers and those looking for stunning alpine scenery in the far south of Tasmania!
As you wind your way uphill through the forests outside Geevston you'll soon arrive at the Waratah Lookout, only a few steps from the picnic/ bbq area (& toilets), offering sweeping views over the Arve Look Forest Reserve.
Further on the Devil's Backbone comes into view and you reach the Arve Falls Track (& parking), a short walk along the river of the same name to the delightful falls.
We continued on to the main car park at the Hartz Mountain Day Visitor Centre from where we set off on a hike to Lake Esperance. Simply stunning!
There are a variety of walk / hikes from here and a picnic shelter and toilets. Access to the Hartz Mountain NP requires a Tasmania National Park Pass, you can purchase one online that best suits your needs.
Not far from here is the Tahune Air Walk, which I'd recommend as a visit for another day when in the Huon Valley / Far South.
As you wind your way uphill through the forests outside Geevston you'll soon arrive at the Waratah Lookout, only a few steps from the picnic/ bbq area (& toilets), offering sweeping views over the Arve Look Forest Reserve.
Further on the Devil's Backbone comes into view and you reach the Arve Falls Track (& parking), a short walk along the river of the same name to the delightful falls.
We continued on to the main car park at the Hartz Mountain Day Visitor Centre from where we set off on a hike to Lake Esperance. Simply stunning!
There are a variety of walk / hikes from here and a picnic shelter and toilets. Access to the Hartz Mountain NP requires a Tasmania National Park Pass, you can purchase one online that best suits your needs.
Not far from here is the Tahune Air Walk, which I'd recommend as a visit for another day when in the Huon Valley / Far South.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyman L
Perth, Australia1,728 contributions
Jul 2021
Located about 75min by car south west of Hobart, this beautiful National Park has plenty of parking with entry via Tasmania Park Pass(es).
This park has several hikes/walks with various duration and difficulty. Hikes were not extremely hard, take your time and it can be done. I've attached a photo of the park's hike map to give an idea. There are basic toilet facilities at the car park but none past the start point. The hike trail starts off with boardwalks before gradually turning into rock trails as the hike ascends to the peak. There are no shelters along the way so do come prepared for any weather. During our visit, the forecast was sunny hence our planned visit however 1.5 hours into the hike when we were almost at the peak, rain and snow started to fall. There were ice/snow near the peak during winter.
Despite getting wet, this was still a memorable and enjoyable hike in a picturesque park with views of southern Tasmania.
This park has several hikes/walks with various duration and difficulty. Hikes were not extremely hard, take your time and it can be done. I've attached a photo of the park's hike map to give an idea. There are basic toilet facilities at the car park but none past the start point. The hike trail starts off with boardwalks before gradually turning into rock trails as the hike ascends to the peak. There are no shelters along the way so do come prepared for any weather. During our visit, the forecast was sunny hence our planned visit however 1.5 hours into the hike when we were almost at the peak, rain and snow started to fall. There were ice/snow near the peak during winter.
Despite getting wet, this was still a memorable and enjoyable hike in a picturesque park with views of southern Tasmania.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,696 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
As per my last review, please fix the potholes! The road urgently needs grading.
We did the walk from main car park to Ladies Tarn and back. And then the short Arve Falls walk lower down. Love this place.
Tourists please note - no drones in national parks….
Locals - buy a 2 year park pass
We did the walk from main car park to Ladies Tarn and back. And then the short Arve Falls walk lower down. Love this place.
Tourists please note - no drones in national parks….
Locals - buy a 2 year park pass
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,696 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We headed up to do the Arve Falls walk and the lake Osbourne track. These are both shorter easy walks and very enjoyable. But I keep giving the same feedback… potholes! The forestry road is fine. As soon as you hit the park, the holes appear. It is all public money so why can’t forestry do the parks road as well. It is all our tax dollars after all.
Written 19 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John P
Melbourne, Australia1,162 contributions
Mar 2021
There are so many experiences to enjoy in the Hartz Mountains. We only scratched the surface with short walks from our car but whether it was the fabulous views or the walk to the waterfall with great plants and lichen clad rocks, there was beauty to explore all around. Next time we will be more serious and do longer walks.
Written 12 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lachie M
12 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
My wife and I are reasonably experienced hikers who decided to do Hartz Mountain Peak on our weekend off. It was not at all difficult to find our way there from Hobart with 1.5 hours just the right amount of time to be blasting Disney classics on the radio. We had checked the weather forecast which indicated there could be rain, so we packed appropriately - sturdy shoes, water proof jacket, thermals - just in case.
The hike itself was really pretty, with some small and worthwhile detours along the way throughout the boardwalk section. The track becomes a little harder (especially when wet) as you begin the ascent to the plateau, it is achievable, however you would want to be relatively fit to do it comfortably - certainly not rock scramble, but steep and rocky nonetheless.
Here is where things became interesting. As we reached the plateau, so too did a significant wind storm. This coupled with the rain was exceedingly cold, and soon the wind was strong enough to knock us over as we hiked across a rocky path - no exaggeration, it literally caused us to fall over with its force. This became quite dangerous and it happened within minutes. Visibility quickly reduced to a few meters with the low hanging cloud, and excessive wind made communicating difficult - let alone walking. The track is marked though not well-established, and it was an extra effort in orienteering to remain on the appropriate route. We completed the hike with great care and exceeding difficulty. In hindsight it would probably have been better to abort the hike rather than continue.
In dry weather, this would be a wonderful hike, and not at all scary. But ensure you have appropriate clothing and fitness level.
The hike itself was really pretty, with some small and worthwhile detours along the way throughout the boardwalk section. The track becomes a little harder (especially when wet) as you begin the ascent to the plateau, it is achievable, however you would want to be relatively fit to do it comfortably - certainly not rock scramble, but steep and rocky nonetheless.
Here is where things became interesting. As we reached the plateau, so too did a significant wind storm. This coupled with the rain was exceedingly cold, and soon the wind was strong enough to knock us over as we hiked across a rocky path - no exaggeration, it literally caused us to fall over with its force. This became quite dangerous and it happened within minutes. Visibility quickly reduced to a few meters with the low hanging cloud, and excessive wind made communicating difficult - let alone walking. The track is marked though not well-established, and it was an extra effort in orienteering to remain on the appropriate route. We completed the hike with great care and exceeding difficulty. In hindsight it would probably have been better to abort the hike rather than continue.
In dry weather, this would be a wonderful hike, and not at all scary. But ensure you have appropriate clothing and fitness level.
Written 18 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate O
Noosaville, Australia126 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
For lovely rainforest and a birds eye view of rivers and forest, the Sky Walk is a must visit. We also enjoyed the Swinging Bridges walk, which follows a very beautiful winding track upstream alongside the river, and then crosses the two Rivers just beyond the spot where they join. The bridges have a nice bit of bounce and offer the sounds and views of rushing waters. I'd recommend that when you have crossed the second bridge, you return the way you came. That way you get four bridge crossings (to please your inner child) and you get to see the the beautiful first half of the walk from the opposite direction (i.e. stay on the Air Walk side of the river). Don't bother about completing the circuit on the opposite side of the river, as it is a wide access track and comparatively charm free.
There's a good development at the car park with outdoor areas in which to picnic or have coffees and stacks purchasable from the tourist centre. However, a black mark goes to the women in the centre who would not give us a coffee twenty five minutes before closing time, and who were ferociously mopping floors and putting chairs on tables! When we queried this we were told that 'we will never get home if we don't start cleaning up now'. Here's a suggestion to the staff: If the place is advertised to close at five, you should serve right up until five, because people organise themselves to be there when it is supposedly open. Clean up at closing time or afterwards. If you need to start cleaning up at 4.30, then advertise that the kiosk closes at 4.30. Tasmanian Summer evenings are long and there is is still plenty of walking time after 5, so it was disappointing not to be able to get refreshments as we had planned.
There's a good development at the car park with outdoor areas in which to picnic or have coffees and stacks purchasable from the tourist centre. However, a black mark goes to the women in the centre who would not give us a coffee twenty five minutes before closing time, and who were ferociously mopping floors and putting chairs on tables! When we queried this we were told that 'we will never get home if we don't start cleaning up now'. Here's a suggestion to the staff: If the place is advertised to close at five, you should serve right up until five, because people organise themselves to be there when it is supposedly open. Clean up at closing time or afterwards. If you need to start cleaning up at 4.30, then advertise that the kiosk closes at 4.30. Tasmanian Summer evenings are long and there is is still plenty of walking time after 5, so it was disappointing not to be able to get refreshments as we had planned.
Written 21 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MBeezy
Perth, Australia
Hello,
Hoping anyone who has recently hiked the peak could give me an indication on how bad the road quality was?
I have been reading that there are potholes everywhere. Just don’t want to get my hire car into too much trouble!
Written 3 May 2021
We drove up a couple of months ago and it was rough but OK in our standard SUV... bear in mind I think most car hire companies in TAS do not cover you on dirt roads. So you may have no insurance cover... We were just on the mainland and took our hire car on some dodgy roads to get to see things we wanted to. But at your risk! Hartz is awesome.
Written 5 May 2021
Can I get the Hartz Mountain National Park pass at the Huonville office?
Written 20 November 2017
Yes you can (sorry very late answer)
Written 5 May 2021
Hi, Is it possible to get to Hartz Mountain via public transport? Thank you.
Written 27 April 2015
Not easily. Try the official park page, they give info on buses etc. At least you can get close, then try a long hike?
Good luck!
parks tas gov then Hartz then a link to public trans access
Written 19 June 2015
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