Hartz Mountains

Rising abruptly from the Huon Valley, Hartz Mountains National Park is a wild, windswept realm of dolerite peaks, ancient pencil pines, and cushion moorlands. This Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area feels remote and untamed, yet its alpine plateau is surprisingly accessible for day-trippers from Hobart or the Huon Valley. The air is crisp, the silence profound, and the views over the Southern Ocean and south-west wilderness are simply staggering.

Highlights & What to See

• Hartz Peak – A challenging but rewarding 3-hour return hike that delivers panoramic vistas from the summit. On a clear day, you can see from the Tasman Peninsula to Federation Peak.
• Lake Osborne & Lake Esperance – A short, family-friendly walk leads to these two stunning tarns. The water is mirror-calm, reflecting nearby peaks and the twisted forms of endemic pines.
• Waratah Lookout – A brief detour from the main road offers sweeping views over the Huon River valley and the jagged Hartz Range.
• Snow in Winter – The park receives regular snowfalls from June to September, transforming the landscape into a crisp white wonderland. Bring warm layers and microspikes.
• Alpine Flora – In spring and summer, the plateau bursts into colour with cushion plants, baeckea, and the delicate Hartz Mountain eyebright – a species found only here.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least half a day (4–5 hours) to explore the park properly. This gives you time for the Hartz Peak hike plus a wander around the lakes. If you're short on time, the Lake Osborne loop (1 hour) and Waratah Lookout (15 minutes) still deliver a satisfying taste of this alpine environment. The drive from Hobart takes about 1.5 hours, so many visitors combine it with a stop in the Huon Valley for lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Huonville & Cygnet – The gateway towns to the Huon Valley, with excellent cideries, farmers' markets, and the famous Huon River.
• Cataract Gorge – A stunning natural gorge with walking trails, a chairlift, and swimming areas, located in Launceston (about 2.5 hours north).
• Bruny Island – A short ferry ride from Kettering, Bruny offers dramatic sea cliffs, gourmet produce, and abundant wildlife.
• Mount Field National Park – Home to Russell Falls and the alpine walk to the Tarn Shelf, this park is a 45-minute drive from Hartz Mountains and makes a great combination.
• Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs – Explore dolomite caves and soak in a natural thermal spring, about an hour south-east of Hartz Mountains.

Please check official sources for current details.