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Hiking guide to Hartz Peak, Tasmania
A detailed hiking guide to the summit of Hartz Peak in the Hartz Mountains National Park, Tasmania. How to get to the trailhead, what to expect and photos from our sunrise walk to Hartz Peak. At 1253 meters, Hartz Peak is the highest point in the Hartz mountain range in southern Tasmania. However, an easy access road combined with a well-maintained trail make this summit hike a very doable mission for many. In this blog post I hope to equip you with everything you need to know to hike the Hartz Peak Walk to the summit. I also have some photos from our winter sunrise hike...
Hiking guide to Hartz Peak, Tasmania
A detailed hiking guide to the summit of Hartz Peak in the Hartz Mountains National Park, Tasmania. How to get to the trailhead, what to expect and photos from our sunrise walk to Hartz Peak.
At 1253 meters, Hartz Peak is the highest point in the Hartz mountain range in southern Tasmania. However, an easy access road combined with a well-maintained trail make this summit hike a very doable mission for many.
In this blog post I hope to equip you with everything you need to know to hike the Hartz Peak Walk to the summit. I've also included some photos from our winter sunrise hike that I hope will inspire you to visit this incredible Tasmanian national park.
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Where is the Hartzspitze?
Hartz Peak is located in the Hartz Mountains National Park in southern Tasmania, approximately 86 kilometers from Hobart. The trailhead to the summit is at the end of Hartz Road, where there is also an unstaffed visitor center and ample parking for up to 20 vehicles.
Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource
I hope you enjoy this blog post. For more Tasmania travel and adventure inspiration, don’t miss my ultimate guides below.
– 62 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania – Where to Stay in Tasmania (Best Places) – 26 Amazing Waterfalls in Tasmania – 35 Must-Do Hikes in Tasmania
Directions to Hartz Mountains National Park
Unfortunately, there are no organized tours or public transport that lead to the Hartz Mountains. Therefore, the only way to reach the trailhead is to drive here yourself or try your luck hitchhiking from Geeveston.
This is because no matter which direction you come from, you have to head towards Geeveston first. Once there, follow the signs for Hartz Mountains and Tahune Adventures until Arve Road, which is paved.
About 12 kilometers up the winding Arvestrasse you will see a turnoff into Hartzstrasse (unpaved). Next, follow this road for approximately 14 kilometers to the end where there is a large turning bay and ample parking.
The road up to the Hartz Mountains is unpaved but well graded. But remember that it is steep and the winter frost can make it very slippery.
We managed to get our large van there without any problems.
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If you want to explore the beautiful region south of Hobart but don't have your own transport, I can recommend this full-day tour from Hobart instead.
It includes some of the best activities in the south, such as the Tahune AirWalk and the Hastings Caves.
Check Price: Southern Tassie Full Day Adventure Tour to Tahune AirWalk and Hastings Caves.
RELATED POST: 26 Awesome Things to Do in Hobart
The Hartz summit hike
The great thing about the Hartz Peak Walk is that Hartz Road winds all the way up the mountain, providing easy access to the summit, which is just 4 kilometers away. In terms of effort and reward, the Hartz Peak hike is one of the best in Tasmania.
From above you have a view of alpine mountain lakes and lakes as you stand at the highest point in the Hartz Range. Behind you, you'll overlook the rugged and unforgiving World Heritage Wilderness Area of Southwest National Park and even catch a glimpse of Federation Peak.
Although this route is quite easy and can easily be completed in about two and a half hours, it is important to mention that it is in an alpine area. This means that dangerous weather can strike at any time. People died from the cold out there. There is also a bit of an uphill climb with sections that are a bit steep and can often be covered in snow in winter.
Therefore, it's best to plan your hikes accordingly and pack alpine essentials like extra water, warm clothing, a waterproof layer, and maybe even a satellite phone (I always carry my InReach mini).
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RELATED POST: Guide to Visiting the Edge of the World
Starting point to Lake Esperance
The Hartz Peak trailhead begins next to the visitor cabin at the end of Hartz Road. There is a blue Tasmanian Parks sign pointing the way.
The first section can get a little muddy, but that doesn't last long. The route has recently been modernized and there is a boardwalk that leads to the start of the climb up Hartz Peak. This makes this hike very pleasant and also protects the sensitive alpine vegetation below.
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After approximately 1.5 km you will reach a fork that leads to Lake Esperance. This is a beautiful alpine lake with a wooden boardwalk that continues to the edge. There are a few benches here where you can sit and enjoy the view. Since we left early for sunrise, we continued past Lake Esperance and stopped off on the way back.
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Ladies Tarn to Hartz Peak
Another kilometer down the scenic boardwalk path (weather permitting) is another detour to Ladies Tarn. A mountain lake is a type of small alpine lake. This particular lake has a very short detour loop, meaning we could bypass it and continue toward Hartz Peak.
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If you continue walking, the gentle wooden walkway ends just a few hundred meters beyond Ladies Tarn. The trail then climbs a narrow, rocky route and reaches the saddle known as Hartz Pass, right next to Hartz Peak. This section had very deep snow when we visited as it is protected by the Hartz Range from the Roaring 40s screaming through Southwest National Park.
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When we reached the Hartz Pass we were immediately hit by these infamous winds. This is also where you get your first glimpses of the wilderness of Southwest National Park. And if you're lucky with the weather, you can see Federation Peak in the distance.
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Views from the summit of Hartz Peak
The climb to Hartz Peak begins to the left (south) of the pass. You'll see stacked cairns marking the path to the summit. The path to the top is actually very well carved, with rocks placed in a way that makes climbing a breeze. However, I could imagine that it could be a bit difficult and slippery in heavy snowfall.
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Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with an excellent view. Immediately to the south is the conical Snowy Peak, a beautiful mountain that wasn't particularly snowy during my winter visit.
Perhaps the most beautiful view is that of Lake Hartz in the northwest. On a clear day you can also see the escarpment in the distance to the south and the distant Arthur Ranges to the west.
More photos of Hartz Peak
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alt=“HARTZ LAKE AND HARTZ PEAK TASMANIA”>
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Return to the trailhead parking lot
After enjoying the view, you can turn around and walk the same way back to the parking lot. Be sure to check out Ladies Tarn and Lake Esperance along the way if you haven't already.
Also, on the return trip I suggest stopping off at Arve Falls, a short 800 meter return trip to a picturesque little alpine waterfall.
alt=“ARVE FALLS TASMANIA”>Arve Falls
Accommodation near the Hartz Mountains
If you want to stay in the Geeveston area for a while after the Hartz Peak hike, I've linked some resources below to help you.
The Tahune Airwalk LodgeYou may be surprised to hear that you can actually stay overnight at Tahune Adventures. There are a variety of rooms to choose from, from dorms with bunk beds to suites suitable for the whole family. Facilities include a restaurant, a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, as well as free WiFi. So if you're in the area why not check out Tahune Adventures and stay at the lodge?
Check price and availability for your travel dates
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Otherwise, there are also a few hotels and motels in the nearest township of Geeveston, which are a great stopover after the Hartz Peak Walk. Below is a map you can use to search for the best deals for your travel dates.
Click here to compare the best deals and room availability in Geeveston
Booking.com
More Tasmanian waterfall guides, hikes and adventures
I hope you found this quick hiking guide to Hartz Peak in Tasmania useful. If you enjoyed Hartz Mountains National Park, be sure to check out some of Tasmania's other wonders.
I've spent several months hiking and exploring some of Tasmania's best areas, many of which are featured in this blog. Check it out!
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