The relief has been modified over time by several ice ages, forming cirques, horn peaks, aretes and glacial troughs.

The rainforest communities are dominated by myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii), sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum), leatherwood (Eucryphia lucida) and native laurel (Anopterus glandulosus).

[3] Most mammals in the park are nocturnal, and include Bennett's wallabies, Tasmanian pademelons, brushtail possums, echidnas and platypus.

In the 1840s early settlers including the Geeves family founded the township of Geeveston, and laid the first track to the Hartz Mountains.

In all seasons there can be snow, chilling rains, low temperatures, strong winds, upslope fog and sudden weather changes.