Mount Field

Mount Field National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness in Tasmania's southwest, is a land of dramatic contrasts—from towering waterfalls and ancient rainforests to alpine moors and the island's highest peak. This compact yet diverse park offers a microcosm of Tasmania's wild beauty, making it an essential stop for nature lovers and hikers exploring the island's interior.

Highlights & What to See

• Russell Falls: A stunning three-tiered waterfall cascading through lush fern glades, easily accessible via a short, wheelchair-friendly walk. It's one of Tasmania's most photographed waterfalls.
• Horseshoe Falls & Lady Barron Falls: Continue along the same track to these additional cascades, each with its own character, set amid towering swamp gums and mossy boulders.
• Mount Field East & West: For experienced hikers, the summit tracks offer panoramic views over the park and beyond. The alpine plateau is dotted with tarns and cushion plants, a stark contrast to the rainforest below.
• Tarn Shelf Walk: A moderate circuit through subalpine scenery, passing glacial lakes and snow gums. In autumn, the deciduous beech (fagus) turns the landscape gold and red—a unique Tasmanian spectacle.
• Tall Trees Walk: A short boardwalk loop through a grove of magnificent swamp gums, some over 80 metres tall, offering a humbling encounter with ancient giants.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day to experience Mount Field properly. Begin with the waterfall walks in the morning (1–2 hours), then tackle the Tall Trees Walk (30 minutes). After lunch, head up to the Tarn Shelf for a half-day hike (3–4 hours). If you're an avid hiker, consider an overnight trek to summit Mount Field West. The park is easily visited as a day trip from Hobart (1.5 hours' drive) or as part of a longer Tasmanian itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lake St Clair: Australia's deepest lake, the southern end of the Overland Track, with walking trails and water activities just 45 minutes away.
• Derwent Valley: Charming historic towns like New Norfolk and Hamilton, known for hop fields, antique shops, and the Derwent River.
• Mount Field to Lake Pedder: A scenic drive through the Southwest National Park, leading to Lake Pedder and the Gordon Dam.
• Hobart: Tasmania's capital, with its markets, MONA, and Mount Wellington, is a logical base for exploring the region.

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