National Parks and Reserves

Lake Osborne is a walk in Hartz Mountains National Park.

45 minutes return, 2 km. Grade 2.

The Lake Osborne walk is a wonderful introduction to the variety of alpine and subalpine vegetation that can be found in Hartz Mountain National Park.

Starting at the main car park, a gentle uphill climb through a grove of rainforest, containing myrtle, sassafras and pandani, will lead you across the Hartz Plateau. Interpretive signs help with plant identification and describe many of the features in the landscape. Beyond the forest, see if you can spot the Devil’s Backbone ridge which forms a spectacular backdrop.

A section of woodland and open moorland follows, before you reach the beautiful glacial lake surrounded by ancient King Billy pines. There’s a seat at the lakeside, so take as long as you like to relax and enjoy the delightful views before you return by the same route.

Please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for up-to-date information about this walk, alerts, closures, safe walking guidelines, leave no trace principles and National Park entry fees where applicable.