Trail Fast Facts

Horseshoe Falls is a 2.5km, grade 3 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Length: 2.5km

Duration: 1 hr

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Circuit

Start: Mount Field Visitor Centre

End: Mount Field Visitor Centre

Location: Mount Field National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: National Park

From state capital: 74km

Latitude: -42.68195626077997

Longitude: 146.71607940758628

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

Mount Field National Park is home to three striking waterfalls, each offering a unique experience for visitors.

Horseshoe Falls, a tiered cascade waterfall, is located within the park and is accessible via a 2.5-kilometre, grade 3 hike through some of Tasmania's finest rainforests. The falls descend over horizontal marine Permian siltstone benches, while the vertical faces are composed of resistant sandstone layers. Informative signs along the well-maintained track provide insights into the region's distinctive flora and fauna. The walk to Horseshoe Falls typically takes about an hour. Although often overshadowed by the more famous Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, situated within a natural amphitheatre, is considered a hidden gem of the park. It is a short 10-minute walk from Russell Falls and approximately a 50-minute walk from Lady Barron Falls.

From Horseshoe Falls, you can continue along the Tall Trees Circuit, which takes about an hour to reach Lady Barron Falls. This trail showcases the area's tall trees and provides information about the local ecology.

Russell Falls, one of Tasmania's most beloved landmarks, is easily accessible via a 600-metre, wheelchair-friendly path. The walk, which takes approximately 20 minutes, offers stunning views and a chance to see glow worms at night (remember to turn off your torches). The impressive waterfall, which features on a 1999 postage stamp, cascades down 20 metres.

For a different adventure, the Lady Barron Falls hike takes about two hours. Clear signage directs you from the park’s main car park onto a well-maintained track. As you walk, you will be surrounded by towering swamp gums, myrtles, and dogwoods, adding to the natural beauty of the experience.

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Tips

Some bushwalking experience is recommended, as the tracks may include short, steep hill sections, rough surfaces, and numerous steps.
Always supervise children, especially as tracks may be closed during strong winds or stormy weather due to the risk of falling trees or branches.
Ensure you have a valid Parks Pass for entry into Tasmania's national parks, and display it prominently in your vehicle.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning waterfalls and lush rainforest scenery.
Consider using hiking poles for added stability on uneven terrain.
Be aware that tracks may be closed in adverse weather conditions, so check the forecast and park alerts before setting out.

Map and GPX file

Horseshoe Falls Walk (1.6km)

Total distance: 2215 m
Max elevation: 260 m
Min elevation: 181 m
Total climbing: 133 m
Total descent: -133 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Horseshoe Falls Walk (1.6km)

The trailhead is located within Mount Field National Park, approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Hobart. To reach the trailhead, start by taking the Brooker Highway (A10) north-west from Hobart, passing through the town of New Norfolk. Continue along the scenic route via Westerway on the B61/B62, enjoying the winding roads that lead to the small township of National Park, where the entrance to Mount Field National Park is situated. The drive from Hobart typically takes just over an hour. Once inside the park, the trailhead for the hike can be found directly behind the Mount Field National Park Visitor Centre. When travelling in the area, especially during twilight or night, exercise caution as native wildlife frequently shares the roads.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Main Photo: Craig Doumouras
Photos: Adrian Blackwell

About the region

Mount Field National Park, often referred to as "the park for all seasons," showcases a remarkable array of natural landscapes. Located in southern Tasmania, approximately 64 kilometers northwest of Hobart, this park is a convenient day trip from the state capital, offering a diverse range of walks, bushwalks, and hikes suitable for all visitors.

The journey through Mount Field begins with a short, leisurely walk to Russell Falls, one of Tasmania's most iconic waterfalls. The path leads you through towering tree ferns and giant eucalypts, providing a tranquil introduction to the park's natural beauty. As you venture further into the park, the landscape changes dramatically. The road to Lake Dobson offers access to longer day walks and, during winter, the snow-dusted slopes of the Mount Mawson ski field. The Tarn Shelf, particularly stunning in autumn, comes alive with the vibrant colours of the deciduous beech, or fagus, which turns the hillsides gold, orange, and red.

Mount Field National Park covers nearly 163 square kilometers and is renowned for its ecological diversity. The park features towering eucalypt forests, some of the tallest in the world, which give way to unique alpine vegetation at higher altitudes. Glaciated landscapes and alpine tarns provide a dramatic backdrop for bushwalks, while the lower elevations offer easily accessible walking tracks past magnificent waterfalls, including Russell Falls, which is perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania.

For those interested in more challenging hikes, Lake Dobson serves as the starting point for several longer trails. The Pandani Grove walk, which skirts the edge of Lake Dobson, offers a closer look at the unique flora of the region. The park also provides well-equipped picnic spots, a playground for children, and a visitor centre with a café, making it an ideal destination for family trips.

Whether you're in the mood for a casual walk, an adventurous hike, or simply a day spent exploring Tasmania's diverse landscapes, Mount Field National Park has something to offer. The park’s changing altitudes and weather conditions provide a dynamic experience, showcasing the distinct ecological zones that make Tasmania so unique. During winter, the park even offers opportunities for cross-country skiing on Mount Mawson's slopes.

Want to find the best trails in Mount Field National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.

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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Horseshoe Falls Walk (1.6km)

1 Review on “Horseshoe Falls Walk (1.6km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

The track was easy to follow and informative signs pointed out cool plants and animals. The falls itself tucked in a hidden amphitheater – stunning and totally worth the short detour from Russell Falls.

10/05/2024, 16:25

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.