Sourdough Focaccia and Rock Scrambling : A Tasmania Hikes and Bites Adventure to Hartz Peak and Harvest and Light

Tasmania is Australia’s most mountainous state with well over 1,000 peaks, 30 of which are over 1,200m/3900ft. Most of the peaks span across the western half of the state and require multi-day treks to get to. Not to mention, they are technically challenging to summit. Luckily, there is an accessible peak that’s just over 1,200m tall that you can summit in under 2 hours: Hartz Peak. The quick summit is made possible because the trail head starts at 850m elevation, and the path is well maintained and easy to follow.

We decided to tackle Hartz Peak for our 5th installment of Tasmania Hikes and Bites. Let’s dive in!

The Park: Hartz Mountains National Park

The Hartz Mountains National Park spans across 71.4 km², and is nestled between the Huon Valley and Southwest National Park. (Check out our hikes and bites from Southwest National Park HERE!) The jewel of the park is the Hartz Mountains range, which sits 1253m above sea level. It holds jagged peaks and glacial lakes, making for dramatic scenery that is well worth the 80 minute (give or take) drive from Hobart.

The park is relatively small, and there aren’t too many trails to choose from. There’s a 2km loop around Lake Osborne, a 1 km return walk to Arve Falls, and a 300m jaunt to Waratah Lookout. But the main reason to go to Hartz Mountains National Park (and why you’ll put yourself though the anxiety of driving along a 16km pot-hole ridden, gravel road) is the hike to Hartz Peak.

On our last long gravel road we got a flat tire… read about it HERE!

The Hike: Hartz Peak

The hike to Hartz Peak is 8km/5mi return with 400m/1312ft of elevation gain. The first chunk of it is along a well-maintained boardwalk. It’s both scenic and serene. But don’t get too relaxed…

A little over a kilometer in, there will be a turn off to Lake Esperance. This is the point where the elevation gain begins. There are steps and various muddy and rocky ascents up, but the trickiest part is right at the end. You’ll need to scramble up loose rocks and boulders to make it to the summit.

The hard work is rewarded with 360 degree views of alpine lakes, mountains, the lush Huon Valley, and the wild Southwest National Park. Each direction you turn is “wow….” worthy, making the scramble up well worth it.

Key Details:

-It took us 70 minutes to get up, 60 minutes to get down.

-Hold out for a clear day.

-Bring water and snacks.

-Part of the trail can be muddy, so maybe don’t wear your favorite white sneakers.

The Bite: Sourdough Focaccia from Harvest and Light

Harvest and Light is a spot in Geeveston that’s a wine bar, small-batch picklery, and art gallery all wrapped up into one cozy shop. Classic small town Tasmania… amiright?! On the weekends, it transforms into a mini farmers market with fruits, vegetables, and a whole rack of fresh bread.

We decided to snag a tomato and feta sourdough focaccia. This was my first time trying sourdough focaccia, and it was a delight. The texture was light and spongey, and the flavor had a subtle tang that complimented the feta and tomatoes. We tore off chunks like savages, but were able to control ourselves enough to save half for later to warm it up in the oven. A triumph of a bread, and one I will try to recreate!

The hike to Hartz Peak with a stop at Harvest and Light made for the perfect adventure.

Stay tuned for more!