Mount Field National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Mount Field National Park
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Mount Field National Park, Australia, Tasmania, pairs Russell Falls, cool temperate rainforest and alpine tarns with bushwalks and wildlife near Hobart.

From Rainforest to the High Country

Mount Field National Park lies around 64 kilometres north-west of Hobart in Tasmania, extending from the tall, wet forests of the Tyenna Valley into a rugged alpine landscape. The park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and its compact lower section makes it one of the island's most accessible places to encounter ancient vegetation, cascading waterfalls and cool mountain air. Russell Falls is the best-known sight: a broad, elegant cascade reached by a short walk through fern-filled forest. Nearby tracks lead towards Horseshoe Falls, while the wetter upland forests around Boyer and Lady Barron Falls reveal a different side of the park.
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Forest, Water and Wildlife

Eucalypt woodland, myrtle rainforest, pandani, buttongrass moorland and alpine vegetation occur across the park's changing elevations. The vegetation supports Tasmanian wildlife including wallabies, pademelons, wombats and a wide range of forest birds, although sightings are never guaranteed. The National Park village and the popular Russell Falls area provide the principal lower-elevation access, while the road towards Lake Dobson opens the way to longer walks and snow-dusted scenery in winter. Weather can change quickly in the higher country, and some routes are substantially more demanding than the falls walk.

Walking Through a Layered Landscape

Short walks around Russell Falls suit visitors seeking an introduction to the park, while longer routes such as the Tarn Shelf track climb into open alpine terrain, passing glacial landforms, mountain lakes and distinctive highland vegetation. The park's appeal lies in the contrast between enclosed rainforest and exposed plateau: within a relatively small journey from Hobart, visitors can move from dripping tree ferns to windswept ridges. Facilities are limited beyond the principal visitor areas, so food, fuel and detailed preparation are best arranged before entering the park.

When is the best time to visit Mount Field National Park?

Best: December–February · 20–21°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2164
February (best)2161
March1863
April1573
May1281
June983
July887
August984
September1177
October1670
November1966
December (best)2064

Getting to and around Mount Field National Park

How to get there

Mount Field National Park is reached by road from Hobart via the Brooker Highway and the Lyell Highway, continuing through the Derwent Valley towards National Park village. The principal entrance and Russell Falls are close to the road, while access to Lake Dobson continues farther into the park on a mountain road. There is no railway or airport inside the national park. Hobart is the main transport hub, and nearby New Norfolk is the closest substantial service centre. Public transport access is limited compared with urban destinations, so a car or organised excursion is usually the most practical way to combine the park's lower and upper sections.

Transportation

A private or hired car provides the greatest flexibility, particularly for combining Russell Falls with Lake Dobson and longer walks. Roads are sealed to the lower visitor areas, while the route towards the lake is narrower and subject to winter conditions, closures or other seasonal limitations; check current advice before driving. Short walks around Russell Falls begin near the main visitor facilities, but high-country routes require self-reliant walking and careful navigation. There is no comprehensive internal shuttle network, and mobile coverage may be inconsistent in remote sections. Do not leave valuables in vehicles, and allow time for slow driving on winding rural and mountain roads.

Best attractions in Mount Field National Park

Russell Falls is Mount Field National Park's signature attraction, reached by an accessible forest walk through tree ferns and tall wet eucalypts, with Horseshoe Falls continuing the watery theme nearby. Lady Barron Falls offers another forested cascade and can be included on longer walking routes. Beyond the lower rainforest, the road to Lake Dobson climbs into a cooler landscape of subalpine woodland, pandani and open mountain terrain. The Tarn Shelf is the park's celebrated high-country walk, linking alpine tarns and glacially shaped scenery beneath Mount Field's elevated ridges. Shorter walks around Lake Fenton and Lake Dobson provide alternative ways to experience the uplands, subject to road conditions and seasonal access. Wildlife is part of the experience rather than a guaranteed attraction, with wallabies, pademelons, wombats and forest birds living among the park's varied habitats. National Park village serves as the principal access point, while New Norfolk lies outside the park and provides broader regional services.

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Best landmarks in Mount Field National Park

Russell Falls is the park's defining natural landmark, its layered cascade framed by rainforest, mosses and tree ferns near the main entrance. Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls extend the sequence of water-shaped landmarks through the lower forest. In the upper country, Lake Dobson acts as a prominent alpine reference point, while the Tarn Shelf is significant for its glacially influenced landforms, scattered tarns and high-elevation vegetation. Mount Field's broader landmark value lies in the sharp contrast between wet lowland forest and exposed alpine plateau within one protected area. Pandani and other subalpine plants give the higher landscape a distinctly Tasmanian character, while the surrounding forests form part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. National Park village and the historic access route are associated with the park's long development as a scenic reserve and protected recreation landscape.

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Explore Mount Field National Park on the map

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Best restaurants in Mount Field National Park

Dining within Mount Field National Park is limited, so visitors generally bring a picnic or prepare provisions before leaving Hobart or New Norfolk. The lower visitor areas are suited to a packed meal rather than an extensive restaurant stop, and food should not be expected at remote trailheads or around Lake Dobson. In the wider Derwent Valley, New Norfolk provides cafés, pubs, bakeries and everyday food shopping, while smaller settlements along the approach may offer more limited choices. Regional produce reflects Tasmania's cool climate and farming traditions, with seasonal fruit, vegetables, dairy products, bread and locally made goods commonly encountered in the valley. Travellers staying in nearby accommodation may also find kitchens, breakfast provisions or simple meals, but should check arrangements in advance rather than assuming late dining or takeaway services near the park.

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Best bars in Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park has no nightlife district, nightclub scene or concentration of late-opening bars; evenings are generally quiet and shaped by the forest, rural roads and accommodation rather than entertainment venues. Visitors staying nearby may find a traditional pub or hotel bar in New Norfolk or another Derwent Valley settlement, where the atmosphere is local and unhurried. Some country accommodation provides a lounge, licensed dining or a communal setting, although facilities differ between properties. Evening cultural activity is more likely to be found in Hobart, outside the destination, than in National Park village or at the park itself. Anyone driving after dark should allow for winding roads, limited lighting and wildlife on the carriageway, and should avoid treating the mountain approach as a town-centre transfer.

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Best nightclubs in Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park has no nightlife district, nightclub scene or concentration of late-opening bars; evenings are generally quiet and shaped by the forest, rural roads and accommodation rather than entertainment venues. Visitors staying nearby may find a traditional pub or hotel bar in New Norfolk or another Derwent Valley settlement, where the atmosphere is local and unhurried. Some country accommodation provides a lounge, licensed dining or a communal setting, although facilities differ between properties. Evening cultural activity is more likely to be found in Hobart, outside the destination, than in National Park village or at the park itself. Anyone driving after dark should allow for winding roads, limited lighting and wildlife on the carriageway, and should avoid treating the mountain approach as a town-centre transfer.

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Best shops in Mount Field National Park

Shopping inside Mount Field National Park is minimal and focused on visitor essentials rather than retail browsing, so food, fuel, walking equipment and personal supplies should be obtained before arrival. New Norfolk, outside the park, is the nearest larger service centre and offers supermarkets, bakeries, general shops and practical provisions for a day in the mountains. In the wider Derwent Valley, visitors may encounter Tasmanian produce, preserves, cider, wine, honey and handmade goods through farm shops, local producers and seasonal outlets, although individual availability varies. Hobart provides the broadest choice of regional food, outdoor equipment, art and craft products before or after a park visit. The most appropriate souvenirs are locally made foods, Tasmanian craft or nature-related books purchased through established businesses, rather than natural objects collected from the protected landscape.

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Mount Field National Park essentials

Currency and Payment
Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD). Cards and contactless payments are widely used in Hobart, New Norfolk and larger visitor businesses, but facilities within or near a national park may be limited and should not be assumed to accept every payment method. Carry some cash as a reserve, particularly when travelling beyond the main settlements, and obtain money before leaving Hobart or New Norfolk. There are no normal shopping or banking facilities at remote walking destinations such as the higher Lake Dobson area, so bring food, water and other essentials with you.
Safety
Conditions can change rapidly between the sheltered Russell Falls forest and the exposed alpine country. Higher tracks may involve snow, ice, strong wind, low cloud, wet surfaces and limited visibility, while paths around waterfalls can be slippery. Check weather, road and track information before departure, carry suitable clothing, water and navigation equipment, and allow enough daylight for the return journey. Stay on formed tracks where requested, keep away from cliff edges and fast-flowing water, and avoid approaching wildlife. Bushfires can affect access during hot, dry periods, so follow park alerts and do not rely on mobile reception in remote areas.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency in Australia, call 000 for police, fire or ambulance assistance. Give the operator the national park name, track or landmark, vehicle location, number of people involved and any medical or environmental details, then remain available for further instructions. In areas with weak reception, move only if it is safe and do not separate from an injured companion unnecessarily. For non-urgent park information, consult current Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania advice before travel. Carry a charged phone and, for longer or isolated walks, consider an appropriate emergency communication device because reception cannot be guaranteed.
Do's and Don'ts
Do remain on designated tracks, take all rubbish away, protect plants and respect signs, closures and conservation rules. Do slow down for wildlife on approach roads, keep dogs and other animals out of areas where they are not permitted, and leave natural objects where you find them. Do not feed or handle wildlife, enter closed areas, light fires where prohibited or swim in unsuitable waterfall pools and streams. Treat the park as a protected landscape and remember that tracks cross habitat rather than a managed urban recreation area. Respect other walkers and the quiet character of the forest and alpine country.
Local Tips
National Park village is a useful base for understanding the park's access points, while New Norfolk is the nearest larger town for supplies and services. Visit the Russell Falls area early or later in the day for a quieter forest atmosphere, but plan high-country walks around weather rather than the clock. The lower forest can be wet even when Hobart is dry, and the plateau may be far colder. If time is limited, combine the accessible falls walk with a careful view of the road and weather conditions before deciding whether to continue towards Lake Dobson.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloG'day[g'day]
GoodbyeSee ya[see ya]
YesYeah[yeah]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo worries[no worries]
Thank youCheers[cheers]
Excuse me/SorrySorry mate[sorry mate]
How are you?How ya going?[how ya going]
Fine. And you?Good thanks. You?[good thanks. you]
Do you speak English?You speak English?[you speak English]
I don't understandI'm lost mate[I'm lost mate]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu please[menu please]
I don't eat meatNo meat for me[no meat for me]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseBill please[bill please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Bugger off![bugger off]
Call the Police!Get the cops![get the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doc![get a doc]
I'm lostLost mate[lost mate]
I'm illNot feeling well[not feeling well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'll take that[I'll take that]
I'm just lookingJust looking[just looking]
How much is it?How much?[how much]
That's too expensiveToo dear mate[too dear mate]
Can you lower the price?Can you do a deal?[can you do a deal]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the time?[what's the time]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonArvo[arvo]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yesterday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's the]
What's the address?What's the address?[what's the address]
Can you show me (on the map)?Show me on the map[show me on the map]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's the next bus]
A ticket (to ....)Ticket to ...[ticket to]

History of Mount Field National Park

A Landscape Shaped by Ice and Water

Mount Field's upper country reflects long geological and climatic processes rather than a single historical event. Glacial activity helped shape the plateau, tarns and valleys around Lake Dobson and the Tarn Shelf, while persistent rainfall feeds the streams and waterfalls of the lower forest. The transition from wet eucalypt woodland and temperate rainforest to alpine vegetation is one of the park's defining physical characteristics. These environments developed over geological timescales, long before human settlement, and remain closely linked to elevation, drainage and Tasmania's cool, maritime climate.

Palawa Country and Early Exploration

Mount Field is part of the traditional country of Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples, known collectively today as palawa. Aboriginal communities maintained deep connections with Tasmania's forests, waterways and uplands for thousands of years before British colonisation. European exploration and surveying in the wider region expanded during the nineteenth century as colonial settlements developed around the Derwent and its tributaries. Names associated with the area, including the Tyenna River and Mount Field, reflect the subsequent colonial mapping of a landscape already known and used by Aboriginal people.

Scenic Reserve to National Park

The waterfalls and forests near present-day National Park village attracted growing interest from settlers and excursionists during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Russell Falls became an important scenic attraction, supported by improving access from the Derwent Valley. Mount Field was proclaimed a national park in 1916, placing it among Tasmania's early protected landscapes. The designation helped preserve the lower forests and waterfalls while also establishing a framework for recreation, road building and later management across the higher country.

Conservation and World Heritage

Protection at Mount Field broadened as appreciation grew for Tasmania's remaining cool temperate forests, alpine ecosystems and wilderness landscapes. The park became part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, recognising its relationship with a much larger network of protected mountains, forests and waterways across western Tasmania. Modern management balances walking access and visitor facilities with protection of fragile alpine vegetation, rainforest habitats and waterways. Seasonal road conditions, track maintenance and restrictions during periods of fire danger or severe weather remain part of visiting a protected mountain environment.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Mount Field National Park

Discover Mount Field National Park with Evendo – Your 100% Free Travel Guide App Covering Attractions, Landmarks, Restaurants, Hotels, Tours, and More.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Explore Mount Field National Park like never before with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Gain access to detailed information, local tips, and seamless booking options for attractions, hotels, tours, and experiences.

  • History of Mount Field National Park
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Imagine having the ultimate travel companion for your trip to Mount Field National Park right in your pocket. With Evendo, you can navigate the stunning landscapes of Mount Field National Park effortlessly. Discover iconic landmarks like Russell Falls, the Tall Trees Walk, and Lake Dobson. Dive into the rich history and natural beauty of the park, all while having access to curated local tips and travel essentials.

Evendo provides detailed information on the park's best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location comes with vivid images, comprehensive descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy to plan and organize your trip. Whether you want to marvel at the scenic beauty of Horseshoe Falls or enjoy a meal at one of the park's charming restaurants, Evendo has you covered.

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