Arve Road to Hartz Mountains — Huon Valley Forestry Road via Arve Loop Track

Southern Tasmania grows some of the tallest hardwoods on earth, and the Arve Road puts you right underneath them. Starting at Geeveston — the self-proclaimed gateway to the Hartz Mountains — the route follows the Arve River upstream through temperate rainforest and towering swamp gum country before transitioning onto the forestry network that climbs toward the Hartz Plateau. The Arve Loop itself is a well-known short detour to a stand of giant eucalypts including the Big Tree Reserve, but the real run continues past that onto the upper forestry spurs that gain the exposed alpine heath below Hartz Peak. Hartz Pass Road delivers you to the national park boundary at around 900 metres, with sweeping views south toward the Southwest Wilderness.

Moderate difficulty — the main Arve Road is sealed to a point, then transitions to manageable gravel, but the upper spurs are rougher and can be badly rutted after rain. A high-clearance 4WD handles it comfortably in dry conditions; in winter this country gets snow and ice above 700 metres. National Park entry fees apply at Hartz Mountains. Fuel in Geeveston. No cell service on the upper plateau. Camp at Waratah Campsite within the national park or find dispersed spots on Sustainable Timber Tasmania land below the park boundary. This one rewards slower drivers — the forest canopy alone is worth every kilometre.