Your Guide to Mount Field Tasmania

Picture this: a place where giant ferns tower over your head and waterfalls carve their way through ancient forests. Now imagine all of this is just a short, scenic drive from a capital city. That's the magic of Mount Field National Park, one of Tasmania's most cherished and accessible natural escapes. It’s a park that truly changes its colours with the seasons, offering a completely different adventure every time you visit.

Welcome to a Park for All Seasons

Mount Field isn't just another spot on the map; it's like stepping into several different worlds all within a single park. Think of it as nature's elevator. You start at the bottom in a lush, green temperate rainforest, and before you know it, a short drive can lift you to a rugged, windswept alpine wonderland at the top. This incredible variety is what keeps people coming back, year after year, always finding something new to discover.

Declared a national park way back on 29 August 1916, it's one of Tasmania's oldest, a testament to a long history of conservation. The park covers about 162.65 square kilometres and is an easy 64-kilometre drive northwest of Hobart. Its landscape is astonishingly diverse, rising from gentle, fern-filled gullies to the 1,434-metre summit of Mount Field West. You can learn more about its history as a protected area for over a century.

From Rainforests to Alpine Peaks

One of the best things about Mount Field is how easy it is to experience its dramatic contrasts. One moment you can be walking beneath the colossal swamp gums on the Tall Trees Walk, some of the tallest flowering plants on Earth. Then, after a beautiful drive up the mountain road, you can find yourself surrounded by glacial lakes and thousand-year-old pines.

This park has something for everyone, no matter what kind of day out you're looking for.

• A gentle family stroll? The world-famous Russell Falls circuit is an easy, magical walk that's perfect for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
• A challenging alpine hike? For those who want to stretch their legs, the Tarn Shelf Circuit offers rugged trails and absolutely breathtaking views.
• A winter wonderland? The Mount Mawson ski field delivers a classic snow-play experience when the winter chill sets in.

What really sets Mount Field apart is its seasonal transformation. It’s a living landscape that offers cool, green walks in summer, a spectacular burst of gold and red during the 'Turning of the Fagus' in autumn, and a serene, snow-dusted escape in winter.

Mount Field Highlights at a Glance

To give you a quick snapshot of what's on offer, here’s a look at the key attractions that make Mount Field so special.

Each of these spots offers a unique slice of the park's character, making it easy to tailor your visit to exactly what you feel like doing.

Exploring the Famous Waterfalls and Forest Walks

Your journey into Mount Field National Park will almost certainly begin at its base. Down here, the air feels cool and damp, thick with the scent of wet earth and the constant sound of rushing water. This is where you’ll find some of Tasmania’s most famous and easily accessible walks, all centred around a stunning trio of waterfalls. It’s the perfect welcome to the park's lush, green soul.

The absolute star of the show is the Russell Falls Nature Walk. This trail has been drawing visitors for over a century, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a wonderfully gentle, 20-minute return stroll on a sealed path that’s almost completely flat. This makes it perfect for everyone, from families with prams to visitors in wheelchairs. The path itself winds through a breathtaking fern glade, where enormous man ferns arch overhead, creating a primeval, almost prehistoric, atmosphere.

As you wander deeper, the roar of the falls gets louder, building the excitement until you arrive at the viewing platform. And there it is. Russell Falls is a magnificent, two-tiered cascade that tumbles down the rocks—a truly iconic Tassie sight and a photographer's delight. The constant mist keeps the surrounding moss and ferns a brilliant, glowing green.

The Three Falls Circuit

If you're keen to explore a bit further, the track continues from Russell Falls, looping into the Three Falls Circuit. It adds a little more distance to your walk but is still very manageable.

• Horseshoe Falls: A short, gentle climb from Russell Falls brings you to the lovely Horseshoe Falls. It’s a smaller, more intimate cascade that flows in a graceful curve, offering a completely different but equally charming view.
• Lady Barron Falls: The circuit then guides you deeper into the bush to Lady Barron Falls. This section of the track is fascinating, as you can see the forest change around you, with towering eucalypts beginning to dominate the skyline.

The entire circuit takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours if you take your time and soak it all in. It’s a brilliant way to fully immerse yourself in the temperate rainforest that makes this lower section of Mount Field so special. For those who prefer a guided trip, many Tasmania adventure tours make a point of stopping here.

Walking Among Giants

Beyond the waterfalls, there's another walk near the entrance that you simply can't miss: the Tall Trees Walk. This is an easy, 30-minute loop that offers a whole new experience. Instead of looking down at ferns and fungi, you'll find yourself looking up. Way up.

This trail gives you the chance to stand in the presence of true giants. You'll be walking among Swamp Gums (Eucalyptus regnans), the tallest flowering plants on Earth. Some of these ancient sentinels are absolutely colossal, soaring over 90 metres into the sky.

The walk is designed to make you feel small in the best possible way. There are signs along the path that share incredible facts about these trees and the unique ecosystem they create. It’s a genuinely humbling and awe-inspiring experience that really drives home the sheer scale and diversity of life in Mount Field National Park.

Discovering the Alpine Wonderland of Lake Dobson

After soaking in the fern-filled valleys, get ready for a completely different side of the park. A winding 16-kilometre drive up the mountain road will transport you to another world entirely: the Lake Dobson area, the alpine heart of Mount Field Tasmania.

Up here, the air feels crisp and thin. The lush forest gives way to a rugged, windswept landscape dotted with ancient pines and stunning glacial lakes. The drive itself is an adventure, a steady climb on an unsealed road that acts as a transition between two distinct ecosystems. Once you pull into the Lake Dobson car park, you've arrived at the gateway to some of the park's most spectacular alpine walks. It’s a place that feels wild and remote, yet is surprisingly easy to get to.

Gentle Walks and Unique Flora

You don't need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the beauty of Lake Dobson. The Pandani Grove Nature Walk is an absolute must-do for everyone. It’s a gentle, 30-minute loop that winds around the lake's edge, leading you through an incredible grove of Pandani trees.

These remarkable plants, with their spiky, pineapple-like crowns, are found only in Tasmania and give the landscape an almost prehistoric feel. It’s the perfect introduction to the alpine environment and a brilliant spot for photos, especially when the water is still and perfectly reflects the surrounding mountains.

Prepare for four seasons in one day. The alpine weather at Mount Field can change in an instant. Always pack warm layers, waterproof gear, and a hat, even if the day starts sunny and clear.

The Epic Tarn Shelf Circuit

If you're up for a real challenge, Lake Dobson is the starting point for the famous Tarn Shelf Circuit. This is, without a doubt, one of Tasmania’s best day hikes—a demanding but unforgettable 16.5-kilometre loop that generally takes between 4.5 to 6.5 hours.

The trail leads you high above the treeline, past a series of breathtaking glacial lakes (tarns) that sit perched on an alpine shelf. The views are just immense, stretching out across the vast wilderness. You’ll also get a peek into the park's past by visiting historic ski huts like Twilight Tarn Hut, built way back in 1927.

• Lake Seal and Lake Newdegate: These are just two of the beautiful tarns you’ll pass, each with its own unique character and charm.
• Rodway Hut: This hut provides a welcome spot to rest and offers a fantastic viewpoint looking back over the landscape you’ve just conquered.
• Autumn Colours: Visit in late April and early May for the "Turning of the Fagus," when the deciduous beech trees erupt in spectacular shades of gold, orange, and red.

Winter Fun at Mount Mawson

When winter arrives and covers the high country in a thick blanket of snow, the Lake Dobson area becomes a winter wonderland. This is home to the Mount Mawson ski field, a charming, club-run operation that offers a classic and affordable Aussie snow experience.

Run entirely by passionate volunteers, the ski field has a wonderfully relaxed and friendly vibe, making it perfect for families or anyone just starting out. Even if you aren't skiing, the area is simply magical under a layer of snow and is great for tobogganing or just enjoying the scenery. It’s just another example of the incredible diversity that makes Mount Field Tasmania a fantastic destination any time of year.

How to Plan Your Mount Field Visit

A little bit of forward planning makes all the difference when visiting Mount Field National Park, ensuring your day is as smooth as it is spectacular. Thankfully, getting there and finding your way around is incredibly straightforward, so you can spend less time on logistics and more time soaking in the scenery.

Getting to the park is a breeze. It’s a beautiful 64-kilometre drive from Hobart, which usually takes about 90 minutes. You'll follow the picturesque Derwent River, passing through lovely little country towns along the way. Honestly, the drive itself is part of the adventure, and the roads are well-paved and easy for any type of car to handle.

Park Entry and Facilities

First things first, you'll need a Parks Pass to get in. This is standard for all national parks in Tasmania, so it’s a good idea to sort it out before you arrive.

• Daily Pass: This is perfect if Mount Field is your only park stop. It covers one vehicle for a full 24 hours.
• Holiday Pass: If you're exploring more of Tassie's wild places, like Cradle Mountain or Freycinet, this is the way to go. It offers much better value, giving you access to all of Tasmania's national parks for up to two months.

You can grab your pass online ahead of time or just buy one at the Mount Field Visitor Centre when you get there. The visitor centre is your go-to spot for everything – maps, tips from the friendly staff, and fascinating displays about the park's unique ecosystems. It also has clean toilets and a nice little gift shop.

The Mount Field Visitor Centre is generally open from 9 am to 5 pm in summer, but the hours can be a bit shorter in winter. It’s always smart to double-check the current times on the official Parks Tasmania website before you head out.

Food, Drink, and Accommodation

Even though you’ll feel like you’re a world away from everything, you won’t have to worry about going hungry. The Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery is conveniently located right near the visitor centre. They serve up a great range of light meals, coffee, and snacks—the perfect pick-me-up after a walk to the falls.

Thinking of staying the night? You've got some great choices. The park has its own campground right beside the Tyenna River, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer a solid roof over your head, you'll find plenty of charming cottages and wilderness retreats just outside the park gates, putting you right on nature's doorstep. Timing your trip with the seasons can also make a huge difference; learn more in our guide on the best time to visit Tasmania.

The Park's Rich History of Recreation and Conservation

Long before it became the protected national park we know today, Mount Field was a beloved playground for early Tasmanians. Its story is a fascinating one, charting a course from a hub of lively activity and pioneering spirit to a site of global conservation importance.

This blend of recreation and preservation has always been at the heart of the park. From the very beginning, activities like scenic walks and trout fishing drew people in. In fact, to encourage anglers, trout were officially introduced into the park's pristine lakes way back in 1898.

From Skis to Scenery

The 1920s ushered in a whole new chapter for Mount Field. It quickly became Tasmania’s first real centre for skiing and ice-skating, buzzing with winter enthusiasts. This passion led the Ski Club of Tasmania to build its first rustic ski hut at Twilight Tarn in 1926—a sturdy little structure that you can still see today, a real testament to those early adventurers.

A major turning point for the park came in 1937. A mountain road to Lake Dobson was finished by local unemployed workers, a project that finally opened up the magnificent alpine areas for everyone to enjoy, not just the hardiest of hikers.

This timeline really puts into perspective the park's long journey to becoming the protected World Heritage site it is today.

You can see a deep-rooted commitment here, starting from its early reservation to achieving global recognition almost a century later.

Knowing this history really adds another layer to any visit. Every trail you walk, every hut you see, is part of a bigger story about balancing our love for the outdoors with the crucial need to protect these wild places. The park's legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of Tasmania's past. To get a broader sense of this, have a look at our guide on the amazing local history of Tasmania.

Answering Your Questions About Visiting Mount Field

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. You've got the big picture, but now it's time for those practical questions that can make or break a trip. Think of this as a friendly chat to iron out the final details for your Mount Field adventure.

We'll cover everything from the best time to see those famous autumn colours to your odds of spotting a platypus. By the end, you'll have all the info you need to pack your bags with confidence.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Mount Field?

This is the question I get asked most often, and honestly, there's no single "best" time. It really comes down to what you're hoping to see and do, because the park completely transforms with each season.

• Summer (December–February): If you're a hiker, this is your season. The days are long and warm, perfect for tackling the alpine trails like the Tarn Shelf Circuit. Down below, the forest walks provide a welcome, shady escape from the sun.
• Autumn (Late April–May): Pure magic. This is when the famous 'Turning of the Fagus' happens. The deciduous beech trees set the alpine landscapes ablaze with gold, orange, and deep red. It’s a photographer's paradise and a truly special Tasmanian experience.
• Winter (June–August): The high country gets a thick blanket of snow, turning the Lake Dobson area into a proper winter wonderland. It's a fantastic, low-key spot for a bit of skiing or just enjoying the crisp, snowy scenery.
• Spring (September–November): As the snow melts, the waterfalls are at their absolute peak, thundering with meltwater. It's also when wildflowers start carpeting the ground, bringing pops of fresh colour back to the landscape.

Do I Need a Parks Pass for Mount Field?

Yes, you definitely do. A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required to enter Mount Field National Park, just like all other national parks in the state.

You've got a couple of options. You can grab a daily pass for a single vehicle, which is valid for 24 hours. But, if you're planning on visiting other Tassie icons like Cradle Mountain or Freycinet, the Holiday Pass is much better value. It gives you unlimited access to all national parks for up to two months.

You can buy your pass online before you arrive or simply get one at the Mount Field Visitor Centre when you get there. Easy as.

Remember that your park fees are put to good use! They go directly towards conservation efforts and maintaining the excellent tracks and facilities you'll be using. It’s a small investment in protecting this incredible place for years to come.

Can You See Wildlife in the Park?

Absolutely! Mount Field is a fantastic place for spotting wildlife, and you often don't have to venture far. The area around the Visitor Centre and the main Russell Falls track is a hotspot for some of Tasmania's most iconic creatures.

Keep your eyes peeled for pademelons—they look like small, very cute wallabies. You’ll often see them grazing on the lawns near the picnic areas, especially around dawn and dusk. Wombats and echidnas are also frequently seen ambling along the trails.

The ultimate prize for many visitors, though, is the platypus. These incredibly shy animals can sometimes be spotted in the streams around the Russell Falls and Lady Barron Falls walks. The trick is to be quiet and patient. Look for subtle ripples on the water's surface, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.

Ready to see the waterfalls, hike the alpine trails, or spot the unique wildlife of Mount Field Tasmania for yourself? Let Tasmania Tours take care of the planning. We run a variety of guided tours that showcase the very best of this spectacular park, ensuring your trip is as seamless as it is memorable. Explore our tours today.