Trail Fast Facts

Mount Field East via Lake Nicholls is a 10.5km, grade 4 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 4-5 hours to complete.

Length: 10.5km

Duration: 4-5 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Mount Field East Carpark

End: Mount Field East Carpark

Location: Mount Field National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: National Park

From state capital: 85km

Latitude: -42.67784498997105

Longitude: 146.62617444992068

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike Overview

Mount Field East via Lake Nicholls is a 10.5 kilometre, grade 4 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, typically taking 4 to 5 hours to complete. Starting from the Mount Field East carpark on Lake Dobson Road, the trail involves a gradual uphill climb through sub-alpine forest, passing Lake Nicholls before reaching open moorland. Lake Nicholls offers some protection in adverse weather conditions, making it a good option if conditions are less favourable.

Children should be closely supervised on the final, steep section where you will navigate over large boulders to reach the summit of Mount Field East. On a clear day, the summit provides excellent views of the Derwent Valley to the east and the Rodway Range to the west.

You have the option to return via the same route or extend your hike by taking the circuit past Lake Fenton. This alternative route crosses Windy Moor, traverses snow gum forests, and descends boulder fields to Lake Fenton. A short side trip from near Lake Fenton leads to Seagers Lookout, offering views to the southeast.

If you choose to complete the full circuit, be aware that you will need to walk back down the road to reach your vehicle.

Track Grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Tips

Bushwalking experience is recommended for this track, as it may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage can be limited, so preparedness is essential.
Before starting your hike to Mount Field East, please register your walk at the Mount Field Visitor Centre and sign back in upon your return.
Supervise children closely, as the track can be challenging and is subject to rapidly changing weather conditions.
Snow can make the path difficult to navigate and potentially impassable.
Note that mobile phone coverage is unreliable along this track.
A valid parks pass is required for entry into Tasmania's national parks.
Access the walk from Lake Dobson Road within Mount Field National Park. This section of the road is unsealed and may be closed due to snow.

Map and GPX file

Mount Field East via Lake Nicholls (10.5km)

Total distance: 10756 m
Max elevation: 1261 m
Min elevation: 883 m
Total climbing: 566 m
Total descent: -567 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Mount Field East via Lake Nicholls (10.5km)

Mount Field National Park is situated a little over an hour’s drive from Hobart. To reach the park, take the A10 or B62 through New Norfolk and Westerway. From Westerway, follow the short and winding road to the small township of National Park, where you will find the park entrance. The Mount Field East car park is located on Lake Dobson Road, which is the starting point for the hike. For safety, avoid driving in the park after dark, as wildlife can be active on the roads. Drive slowly and remain vigilant for animals.

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Photo gallery

Main image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

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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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

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.

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Mount Field East via Lake Nicholls (10.5km)

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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.