Location: Hartz Mountains National Park
Length: 1 kilometre
Grade: 2 (suitable for most on a flat, easy-to-follow track)
Distance from: Hobart - 85 km, Launceston - 285 km, Devonport - 367 km
Hartz Mountains National Park may have been the first natural attraction in Tasmania well before it was declared a national park. The Geeves family, who founded Geeveston below, cut a dirt trail up to its majestic beauty and visitors began to flock. The family was so committed to the land that they even lost a few of their men on the mountains during a storm. You may find a monument to them during your visit.
While this isn't the tallest falls in Tasmania, it sure is a sight to see such running water at elevation. The falls are a broad drop in a creek after a short walk on a well-defined, compact and flat path. It would be wheelchair accessible if it weren't for the stairs at the very end that take you down to the viewing platform. The creek flows through the alpine highlands with crisp, cool and clear water that's refreshing even to look at.
Hartz Mountains National Park is accessed by Arve and Hartz Roads from the southerly town of Geeveston. It's an 1.5 hour drive from Hobart over 85 kilometres. Launceston is 285 kilometres and approximately 4 hours away. Devonport is a 4 hour and 40-minute drive over the course of 367 kilometres.
An added bonus to the drive down to the park is that you'll travel through the lush Huon River Valley and its abundance of apple orchards, farms and cider makers. Be sure to set some time aside to pick your own fruit, explore the town of Geeveston and pick up some dry ciders.
You'll find the trailhead to this popular and short walk at the main carpark for the national park. You'll find emergency shelters, toilet facilities and barbeque pits near the carpark
The walk takes you over alpine highland button grass plains to the stairs that take you down to the viewing platform. You can get a bit adventurous and climb your way over to the other side of the falls to get a great pic of your friends on the platform.
The drive up to the national park takes you up a bumpy gravel road. Make sure your car is in good working order.
Weather can change rapidly at elevation in Hartz Mountains National Park. You won't be very far from the carpark at the falls, but make sure to prepare with some food, water and something warm to wear.
