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…
The Waratah Lookout Walk is one of the easiest ways to experience the scenery of Hartz Mountains National Park. From the roadside picnic area, a short gravel track leads through alpine vegetation to a viewing platform overlooking the Huon Valley and surrounding forests. At just 300 metres return, it is an ideal first stop when entering the park, particularly for families, less experienced walkers or anyone wanting a quick scenic break before continuing farther up Hartz Road. In December and January, the walk is especially attractive when Tasmanian waratahs burst into flower along the track.
| Location | Hartz Mountains National Park, Huon Valley, Tasmania |
| Distance | 300 metres return |
| Time | Approximately 5 minutes return |
| Difficulty | Easy – Grade 2 |
| Track Type | Short return walk to a lookout platform |
| Track Surface | Hardened gravel track with gentle gradients and occasional steps |
| Children | Yes – suitable for most ages with supervision |
| Dogs | No – dogs are not permitted in Hartz Mountains National Park |
| Park Pass | Yes – a valid Tasmanian Parks Pass is required |
| Best Time | December–January for flowering Tasmanian waratah; clear days for valley views |
The track begins across the road from the Waratah Picnic Area, near the interpretive display, and follows a short gravel path toward the viewing platform. The surface is hardened and generally easy underfoot, with only a gentle slope and occasional steps. This makes Waratah Lookout one of the most accessible walks in Hartz Mountains National Park and an excellent option for visitors who do not want to tackle the longer alpine tracks.
Waratah Lookout is rated Grade 2. It is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The walk is very short and the track is well formed, although children should still be supervised around the lookout platform.
The lookout provides a wonderful elevated view across the dense forests of the Huon Valley. On a clear day, the outlook extends toward the Wellington Range, giving visitors an excellent sense of the scale of the landscape they have just driven through to reach Hartz Mountains National Park.
The walk is named for one of Tasmania’s most striking native plants — the Tasmanian waratah. During December and January, bright red waratah flowers can provide spectacular colour beside the track. Even outside flowering season, the surrounding alpine vegetation makes the walk worthwhile.
Directly below the lookout is beautiful old myrtle forest. The contrast between the dense forest below and the more open alpine vegetation higher in the park provides a good introduction to the changing environments of Hartz Mountains National Park.
⚠️ Although this is a very short walk, Hartz Mountains weather can change quickly.
Yes. Waratah Lookout is one of the best short family walks in Hartz Mountains National Park. The distance is tiny, the track is well formed and the lookout gives children a worthwhile destination without requiring a long climb. Parks Tasmania recommends that children are supervised.
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in Hartz Mountains National Park.
Hartz Mountains National Park is approximately 1.5 hours south-west of Hobart via Geeveston. From Geeveston, follow Arve Road (C632) for around 13 km to the clearly signposted Hartz Mountains turn-off. The final section of road is unsealed and continues for approximately 10.5 km to the Waratah Picnic Area. The walk begins across the road from the picnic shelter and interpretive display.
The Waratah Picnic Area provides useful basic facilities including:
Parks Tasmania identifies the Waratah area as one of the main day-use facility locations within Hartz Mountains National Park.
Because Waratah Lookout takes only a few minutes, it pairs perfectly with the nearby Arve Falls Walk. Arve Falls is approximately 1.5 km farther along Hartz Road and is itself only around a 20-minute return walk. Together, the two walks provide an excellent introduction to the park before continuing toward Lake Osborne, Lake Esperance or Hartz Peak.
Waratah Lookout is proof that a walk doesn’t need to be long to be worthwhile. In just five minutes, you can leave the car behind, walk through attractive alpine vegetation and reach a lookout over old myrtle forest and the Huon Valley. Visit during the summer flowering season and the brilliant red Tasmanian waratah adds another reason to stop.
For first-time visitors to Hartz Mountains National Park, Waratah Lookout is an ideal place to begin.
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