Near Claude Road, a short walking track and several longer hikes sit side by side; the Claude Road Market is also held in the town. The differences in duration and difficulty can help you decide whether a short walk or a several-hour hike suits your stay. The Claude Road Memorial Hall adds a place of remembrance as another local point of interest.
Walks by duration and difficulty
Two hikes on Mount Claude are described for experienced walkers: the return walk from Olivers Road takes two hours, while the one from O’Neills Road takes four to six hours. Check current conditions before setting out. The Mount Claude walking track from Olivers Road follows a gravel track for about 40 minutes to transmission towers near the summit. From there, a marked track leads into a steep gorge.
The O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail is rated as an easy walk: it is about 15 minutes or around 700 metres to O’Neill’s Road. The track leads to the start of the walking tracks in Mt Roland Regional Reserve. This provides a short, easy option alongside the hikes that take several hours.
The return walk on the Mount Roland Face Track via Kings Road is listed as taking three to five hours. The turn-off for Kings Road is 200 metres east of Claude Road Village Hall; the trailhead is one kilometre along Kings Road. The hike is intended for experienced walkers, is very steep in places and includes sections where you climb over boulders. Its duration overlaps with the longer Mount Claude hike, but the Face Track also has these particular terrain features.
Market and place of remembrance
The Claude Road Market is held at Claude Road Hall on the third Saturday in March, June, September and December. Dates may change because of public holidays, so check the specific market day before planning your trip. Stalls offer fresh produce, crafts and handmade goods. There are also cakes and savoury snacks, as well as homemade spreads and preserves.
The Claude Road Memorial Hall was built by local volunteers to honour people who served in various conflicts in which Australia was involved. Its purpose places remembrance at the centre. For travellers interested in local history, the hall offers a different focus from the market and walking tracks.
Nature at O’Neill’s Creek and a route to the old mine
Iridescent dragonflies, frogs, yabbies, freshwater crayfish and platypuses can be found at O’Neill’s Creek. This wildlife adds a distinct natural highlight alongside the walks on Mount Claude and Mount Roland.
Another walking route leads from the car park on Claude Road, opposite Staverton Road, along the old Lorinna Road to a spot on Machinery Creek where a bridge was washed away. From there, the track crosses the creek to the old Round Hill Mine. Check local conditions before setting out; take particular care at the old mines.
Discover more destinations: Ross, West Kentish, Moonah, Howth, Rossarden, Cradle Mountain, Deviot, Port Arthur.
For the main travel overview: Tasmania.
