Starting from the carpark at the end of Hartz Road, Hartz Mountains National Park, this walk leads to Hartz Pass and back via the Hartz Peak Track. The walk begins with few hundred metres of gradual climbing through scrubby bushland over rocky steps before opening up into the heathland. From here you have views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Mount Wellington, and Hartz Peak. The track at this section is well-constructed boardwalk, supporting you above the trickle of water running below. Roughly at the mid-point, there will be a sidetrack to your right directing you to Lake Esperance. This track takes you to the glacier-formed lake’s edge where seats are available. The main track continues over some easy ground until reaching Ladies Tarn, before climbing steeply through thick scrub towards Hartz Pass. The walk ends further along near Hartz Lake, where you can find a quiet spot to rest and appreciate the peaceful surroundings before returning by the same route. The ground around the lake shores can be damp and slippery underfoot, so exercise caution on this section. The sections of raised boardwalk on this trail can also become extremely slippery when covered in ice or snow. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn left onto Arve Road, C632 and drive for another 6.2 km
Turn left onto Hartz Road, C632 and drive for another 13.3 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of Hartz Road, follow the “Day Use Shelter and Toilets” and “Walker Registration” signs towards the shelter along the wooden path with metal railings directly away from the road. Veer right as the wooden path turns into a dirt track into the woodland, keeping the shelter to your left. Follow the track into the forest to continue along the Hart Pass walk.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Hartz Road & Hartz Peak Track Start heading along Hartz Peak Track (a walking track).
Then pass the toilet (30 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible., equipped with a hand-washing basin.
After 20 m to find the shelter.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Lake Esperance. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.5 km (at the intersection of Hartz Peak Track & Lake Esperance walk) continue straight, to head along Hartz Peak Track.
The starting point of an alternate route. An alternate route skipping Ladies Tarn Lake. To take the alternate route veer left here. Details below.
After another 940 m (at the intersection of Ladies Tarn Track & Hartz Peak Track) continue straight, to head along Ladies Tarn Track (a footpath).
The alternate route finishes here. Continue straight to rejoin the main route at the 2.5 km waypoint. Details below.
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Hartz Peak Track & Ladies Tarn Track) turn right, to head along Hartz Peak Track (a walking track).
After another 300 m (at the intersection of Lake Hartz Track & Hartz Peak) veer right, to head along Lake Hartz Track.
After another 390 m come to a viewpoint.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.2 km to get back to the start.
An alternate route skipping Ladies Tarn Lake.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Hartz Peak Track & Ladies Tarn Track Start heading along Hartz Peak Track (a walking track).
After another 65 m come to the end.
At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.
An optional side trip to Lake Esperance.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Hartz Peak Track & Lake Esperance walk Start heading along Lake Esperance walk (a footpath).
After another 160 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 160 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Hartz Pass
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
6.4 km
Time
3 h to 4 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Bushwalk
3 h to 4 h
Shelter: There is one 15 m from the start.
Toilet: There is one -2 m back from the start.
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After another 390 m come to a viewpoint.
