Discover Claude Road

Claude Road offers two distinct reasons to stay: the regular market in town and walks in the surrounding area. The Claude Road Memorial Hall adds a commemorative aspect. For planning your trip, the range of outings is especially appealing: it extends from a short walking trail described as easy to several-hour hikes for experienced walkers.

Markets and commemorative history

The Claude Road Market is held on the third Saturday in March, June, September and December at the Claude Road Hall in Claude Road. Stalls offer fresh produce, arts and crafts, and goods by artisans, along with cakes, savoury snacks, and homemade spreads and preserves. This mix of produce, handmade goods and food gives the market a different focus from the local trails. As public holidays can lead to changes in dates, check the specific date before making a special trip.

The Claude Road Memorial Hall was built by local volunteers to honour people who served in the various conflicts in which Australia was involved. This commemorative purpose adds a distinct cultural note alongside the market offerings and outdoor outings.

Walks and wildlife in the surrounding area

The O'Neill's Creek Nature Trail is an easy walk of about 700 metres, or around 15 minutes, to O'Neill's Road. It leads to the start of the walking trails in the Mt Roland Regional Reserve. This provides a short walking option in the area alongside the longer hikes. O'Neill's Creek is home to iridescent dragonflies, frogs, yabbies, freshwater crayfish and platypuses. For nature enthusiasts, the wildlife along the creek adds another dimension to the area's walking trails.

Hikes on Mount Claude and Mount Roland

Experienced walkers can choose from two return hikes on Mount Claude: a two-hour walk starting at Olivers Road and a four-to-six-hour hike starting at O’Neills Road. The different timeframes help with planning a day of hiking. 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 hike up Mount Roland via Kings Road, also known as the “Face Track”, takes three to five hours return. The trailhead is 1 km along Kings Road; the turn-off is 200 m east of the Claude Road Village Hall. The hike is intended for experienced walkers and includes very steep sections and places where you have to climb over boulders. Compared with the easy O'Neill's Creek Nature Trail, this route differs not only in walking time but also in the demands described.

The trail to the old Round Hill Mine

A walk starts at a car park on Claude Road opposite Staverton Road and follows the old Lorinna Road to a spot on Machinery Creek where a bridge was washed away. From there, the trail crosses the creek to the old Round Hill Mine. Take particular care at the old mines. Check local conditions before setting out.

Choosing Claude Road as your base

When looking for a hotel in Claude Road, the mix of market visits and outdoor activity you want may influence your choice of location. The market is held in town, while the hikes mentioned are in the surrounding area and vary in duration and difficulty. Consider whether a market day, a short walk or a longer hike is important to your trip. This can help you choose accommodation based on the activities you actually plan to do.

Discover more destinations: Buckland, Bridgewater, Huonville, Cygnet, Weegena, Smithton, Port Latta, Bothwell.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.