South Cape Bay Walk
- August 20, 2026
One of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, crossing duckboarded forest, marshland and heath from Cockle Creek to dramatic cliffs at…
A little farther along Hartz Road from Waratah Lookout, the Arve Falls Walk follows the young Arve River through alpine herbfield and snow gum woodland to a small but attractive waterfall lookout. It’s flat, well graded and quick, making it an ideal stretch-the-legs stop whether you’re heading up to the Day Visitor Centre or making your way back down the mountain. In spring, keep an eye out for wildflowers along the track, and near the falls look off to the right to catch the water continuing down into the forest below.
| Location | Hartz Mountains National Park, Huon Valley, Tasmania |
| Distance | Approximately 1 km return |
| Time | Approximately 20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Track Type | Return via a small footbridge to the falls lookout |
| Track Surface | Gravel and boardwalk |
| Children | Yes – suitable for families with supervision |
| Dogs | No – dogs are not permitted in Hartz Mountains National Park |
| Best Time | Spring for wildflowers; worthwhile year-round |
The track begins from a small roadside car park on Hartz Road and follows a well-formed path through open alpine herbfield and low vegetation. Gravel sections alternate with boardwalk as the track approaches the young Arve River. A small footbridge crosses the river before the path continues through snow gum woodland toward the waterfall lookout. There is very little climbing involved, making this one of the easiest walks in Hartz Mountains National Park.
Arve Falls is rated Easy.
The short distance, gentle terrain and well-formed track make it suitable for most fitness levels. The main thing to watch for is slippery boardwalk or wet surfaces after rain, frost or snow.
The main attraction is Arve Falls, a modest but attractive cascade where the young Arve River tumbles over rock before continuing down through the forest. The falls are framed by snow gums and alpine vegetation, creating a lovely mountain setting that feels surprisingly remote considering how short the walk is. Near the main viewing area, look off to the right for an additional view of the water continuing farther downhill through the trees.
One of the pleasures of the walk is the changing vegetation. The track begins in open alpine herbfield before moving into denser snow gum woodland closer to the falls. During spring and early summer, wildflowers can add splashes of colour along the route.
The track follows the upper reaches of the Arve River, providing a good opportunity to see one of the waterways that begins high in the Hartz Mountains before flowing down into the forests below.
⚠️ Although this is an easy walk, Hartz Mountains is still alpine country.
Yes. Arve Falls is one of the better family-friendly walks in Hartz Mountains National Park. The distance is short, there is very little climbing and the waterfall provides a good reward for younger walkers. Children should still be supervised around the river, bridge and lookout, and care is required on slippery boardwalk after rain or during icy conditions.
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in Hartz Mountains National Park.
Arve Falls is reached via Hartz Road in Hartz Mountains National Park. From Hobart, allow approximately 90 minutes. Travel south through the Huon Valley toward Geeveston, then follow Arve Road (C632) for approximately 13 km to the Hartz Road turn-off. Continue along Hartz Road for approximately 11.5 km. The small Arve Falls car park is beside the road shortly before reaching the Hartz Mountains Day Visitor Centre. The final section of Hartz Road is unsealed, so drive according to current road and weather conditions.
There are no facilities at the Arve Falls car park itself.
Facilities available a short drive farther along Hartz Road at the Day Visitor Centre include:
Arve Falls is one of those walks where the effort-to-reward ratio is excellent. In around 20 minutes, you can stroll through genuine alpine vegetation, cross the upper Arve River and reach a pretty waterfall hidden among snow gums. It’s particularly good for visitors who don’t have time for one of the longer mountain walks, as well as families looking for a short and manageable outing.
Even if Hartz Peak isn’t on your agenda, Arve Falls is well worth pulling over for on the drive into Hartz Mountains National Park.
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