The most impressive thing about Hartz Peak has nothing to do with Hartz Mountains National Park. While the panoramic views of Hartz Mountains National Park from the summit are amazing, it's the views of Southwest National Park beyond that are truly jaw-dropping. And that's because Hartz Mountains National Park is diminutive in size to Southwest National Park bordering just to the west. The Hartz National Park is roughly 72 km² while Southwest National Park is an astonishing 6,182 km².
From Hartz Peak, you'll be able to see thundering mountain peaks spanning all the way to the southern coast of Tasmania. And you'll marvel at all the land that Southwest National Park consumes to the south and west of the summit. There are no roads that go beyond Hartz Peak. All the land you see has been untouched by human activity and is a testament to Tasmania's commitment to preservation.
The trailhead to Hartz Peak is in Hartz Mountains National Park which sits 84 kilometres southwest of Hobart. The drive to the park only takes a little more than an hour, but you might want to set aside more time to enjoy the drive. The Huon Highway weaves through the Huon River Valley where you'll find rolling green hills, orchards and quaint waterside towns. Stock up on provisions in the town of Geeveston before heading out onto the unpaved Arve Road up to Hartz Mountains National Park.While the dirt road to the park is well-maintained, it can be a difficult drive during harsh weather. And you'll be sharing the road with wildlife if you choose to drive at dusk. The entrance of the park has a carpark and a visitor's shelter. Here you'll find the well posted Hartz Peak Track trailhead.
The Mellukerdee Aboriginal people first inhabited the area of Hartz Mountains National Park before the first Europeans came looking for the elusive Huon Pine. Then the Geeves family moved to the base of this national park in the 1840's. They named the town of Geeveston after themselves and worked tirelessly to cut a track up to the thundering natural beauty of the park. Their hard work paid off and Hartz Mountains National Park became a big hit in early Australia. It was declared a scenic reserve in 1939, became a national park in 1951 and was included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1989. The beginning of the Hartz Peak Trail is easy with plenty of wooden boardwalks through scrubby bushland. But it's right at the beginning of the walk where you'll find a monument to two fallen members of the founding Geeves Family. A black polished rock is engraved with their names right at the outset.In 1897, the patriarch of the Geeves family, his three sons and their cousin could not overcome a blizzard while they traversed Hartz Pass. One of the sons and the cousin were overcome by snow. They had poor vision, were faltering and suffering. The two weakened men were dragged to a hut, where they both died of hypothermia. One of the son's last words were, "Don't leave me, father."
This monument serves as a reminder of the unpredictable weather in the area. The track up to Hartz Peak features plenty of mud and loose rock, and the weather can change dramatically in a short period of time. Always pack accordingly.
The trail is 8 kilometers long and you'll only have to ascend about 400 metres. Much of the first half of the hike is on easy wooden boardwalks which makes Hartz Peak a less than intimidating hike. The medium difficulty of this walk may be a reason for its incredible popularity.After walking over the boardwalks taking you through the scrubby bushlands, the trail will open up to alpine heathlands. The clearing of trees will allow you to see back toward the gorgeous D"Entrecasteaux Channel and the Huon River Valley below. Here you'll be able to make out the peak of Mount Wellington to the north while Hartz Peak and Snowy Mountain can be seen to your south.
You'll come across Lake Esperance only 1.5 kilometres into the hike. A 100-metre detour track takes you to the shores of the lake where you'll find benches and a beautifully reflective view. Another kilometer up the main track takes you to Ladies Tarn, a small pond cut into the heathland by glaciers. It's here where the track becomes a little more difficult.
There is a short quick ascent to a saddle just below Hartz Peak. From the saddle you'll be able to see Hartz Lake below. Follow the cairns over a slight climb for 500 metres before a steeper climb to the summit over rocky scree. You'll be rewarded at the top with panoramic views of Hartz Mountains National Park, Southwest National Park and Federation Peak (when not blanketed in fog).
Remember the tale of the Geeves Family. Always check the weather when heading up to higher elevations in this national park and prepare for high wind, rain or snow. And be sure to wear rain boots as the trail can be quite mucky in some areas.
