Hartz Peak

Hartz Peak is located in the Hartz Mountains National Park, which is an area famous for views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast.

Along with the fabulous landscape, the park offers a variety of features supplied by Mother Nature, including tumbling waterfalls, small glacial lakes, wet eucalypt forest, rainforest and alpine heath.

During fine weather spells the peak at Hartz Mountain is relatively accessible and offers breath-taking views of the South West wilderness including Federation Peak, however walkers need to be aware that blizzard weather conditions can occur with little warning – all year round!

A unique attraction to the park is the great backbone of igneous rock (Dolerite) extending almost the entire length of the park called Dolerite.

Wildlife lovers will be interested in the variety of frog species which can be heard calling during the day, including the Moss Froglet, which was previously unknown until it was discovered in the Hartz Mountains in 1992.

The walk is approximately 7.4km’s return and walkers should allow between 3-5 hours return for this trip.

Graded as a Level 3 walk, this means that walkers should have some bush walking experience and be of a suitable level of fitness. It is a 400m climb from the car park to reach the summit of Hartz Peak. The summit is at 1254m.

Walkers should ensure they have sturdy walking shoes or boots, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses and clothes to suit the weather. Walkers should also ensure they have packed a raincoat, woollen jumper or fibre pile jacket, thermal leggings or shorts should be worn, please also take a warm hat/beanie, gloves, waterproof trousers, gaiters, lunch, drink and a map.

Please note that white-out conditions frequently occur, making navigation by sight impossible, therefore it is important to keep your party together and stay on the marked track at all times. The area is subject to severe weather conditions all year round.

No pets, firearms or bicycles are permitted on this track.

Park entry fees DO apply.

Facilities:

Toilet, tank water, picnic shelter and barbecue can be found 10.5km before the start of the track.

Vehicle Access:

From Geeveston take road C632 for 21km’s to the National Park and then continue 13km’s until the road ends. Please note the road is unsealed for last 21km and can be covered with snow, which is why you should not drive in the snow unless your vehicle is fitted with chains. Please also note that no rangers are based in this park.