Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park, Tasmania's oldest national park, is a lush wonderland of towering swamp gums, cascading waterfalls, and alpine moorlands. Just over an hour's drive from Hobart, this park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from temperate rainforest to subalpine plateaus, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.

Highlights & What to See

• Russell Falls: A stunning, tiered waterfall accessible via a short, wheelchair-friendly walk through ancient fern glades. It's one of Tasmania's most photographed falls.
• Tall Trees Walk: Wander among the world's tallest flowering trees, the swamp gums (Eucalyptus regnans), which can reach over 80 metres. The boardwalk loop is easy and immersive.
• Lake Dobson & the Tarn Shelf: A scenic drive up to Lake Dobson leads to the alpine Tarn Shelf walk, where you'll find crystal-clear tarns and striking dolerite peaks. In autumn, the snow gums turn gold.
• Horseshoe Falls & Lady Barron Falls: Combine these with Russell Falls on the well-maintained 1-hour walk. Each waterfall offers a different character — Horseshoe is wide and gentle, while Lady Barron plunges dramatically.
• Mount Field East Summit: For experienced hikers, this 6-hour return walk rewards with panoramic views over the park and out to Bruny Island.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for pademelons, wallabies, and echidnas, especially around dusk at the visitor centre area.

Suggested Time to Spend

A full day is ideal to experience the park's highlights. Arrive early to tackle the short waterfall walks in the morning (Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Tall Trees Walk take about 1.5 hours combined). Then drive up to Lake Dobson (allow 20 minutes for the winding road) and spend the afternoon exploring the Tarn Shelf or a longer hike. If you only have a half-day, focus on the lower falls and the Tall Trees Walk — they are the park's showstoppers. In winter, the road to Lake Dobson may be closed due to snow, so check conditions.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Derwent Valley & New Norfolk: A charming historic town along the Derwent River, with antique shops, the Salmon Ponds, and a scenic drive through hop fields.
• Mount Wellington: On the way to or from Hobart, a detour to the summit offers incredible views over Hobart and the south.
• Huon Valley: South of Hobart, this region is famous for apple orchards, cider houses, and the Tahune AirWalk — a treetop walk above the Huon River.
• Bruny Island: A short drive and ferry ride away, this island boasts rugged coastlines, gourmet produce, and the Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
• Lake Pedder & Southwest National Park: Further west, explore Tasmania's vast wilderness, with walks at the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail and views of Lake Pedder.

Please check official sources for current details.