Claude Road: Hiking, Nature and Market

Around Claude Road, nature experiences range from a short walk at O’Neill’s Creek to several-hour mountain hikes on Mount Claude and Mount Roland. In the village, the Claude Road Market and Memorial Hall offer their own highlights. You can shape your stay around both outdoor activity and a glimpse of local community life.

Hikes around Claude Road

There are two return hikes on Mount Claude for experienced hikers: one takes about two hours from Olivers Road, and the other takes four to six hours from O’Neills Road. The different time estimates can help you fit shorter and longer hikes into your day. One Mount Claude trail leads from Olivers Road along a gravel track for about 40 minutes to transmission towers near the summit. From there, a marked trail leads into a steep ravine. The longer routes are not just a matter of time: when planning, also bear in mind that the Mount Claude hikes described are for experienced hikers.

Mount Roland via Kings Road, also known as the “Face Track”, is another hiking option in the area. The return hike takes three to five hours. The trailhead is one kilometre along Kings Road; the turn-off is 200 metres east of Claude Road Village Hall. The route is intended for experienced hikers, is very steep in places and includes sections where you climb over boulders. Check trail conditions before setting out.

A short trail at O’Neill’s Creek

For a shorter nature walk, try the O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail: the easy trail takes about 15 minutes, or is around 700 metres long, to O’Neill’s Road. From there, it leads to the start of the walking trails in Mt Roland Regional Reserve. Iridescent dragonflies, frogs, yabbies, freshwater crayfish and platypuses can be found at O’Neill’s Creek. These animals are part of the creek’s natural environment; this does not guarantee that you will see them on your walk.

Another nearby walk leads to a special destination: from the car park on Claude Road opposite Staverton Road, a walk along the old Lorinna Road takes you to a spot on Machinery Creek where a bridge was washed away. The trail crosses the creek to the old Round Hill Mine. Take particular care around old mines and check local conditions before setting out.

Market and memorial hall

The Claude Road Market is held at Claude Road Hall in Claude Road on the third Saturday of March, June, September and December. Dates may change due to public holidays, so check the date before visiting. The market offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, cakes and savoury snacks, as well as homemade spreads and preserves. This makes for a very different outing from the hikes: the focus here is on market stalls and local produce.

Claude Road Memorial Hall was built by local volunteers to honour people who served in various conflicts involving Australia. This commemorative purpose gives the hall its own cultural significance. Together with the market, it adds a place of remembrance and a regular opportunity to discover local produce and arts and crafts to the picture of Claude Road.

Find the right holiday rental for your day’s plans

When looking for a holiday rental, your planned outings can be a helpful starting point. A short nature walk and a several-hour mountain hike call for different amounts of time and different hiking-day requirements. Consider whether your stay will focus on the easy creek trail, the more challenging hikes on Mount Claude or the Face Track. The hikes start from different roads; the stated starting points and walking times provide a practical guide for planning your own outings. For trails whose conditions may vary, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bothwell, South Bruny, Sisters Beach, Huonville, Chudleigh, Kayena, Westbury, Strathgordon

For the broader travel guide: Tasmania.