Exploring Mount Field National Park: A Tasmanian Bushwalking Paradise
Located just over an hour’s drive northwest of Hobart, near the small township of National Park, Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s most diverse and historically significant parks. As part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park showcases a remarkable variety of landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to rugged alpine regions. Visitors will find a range of bushwalks and hikes that offer both casual walks and more challenging trails, all within a pristine natural environment.
As you journey through the park, the changing altitudes reveal a stunning array of natural flora, including some of the world’s tallest eucalypt forests and unique alpine vegetation. Known as “the park for all seasons,” Mount Field is home to the magnificent Russell Falls, one of Tasmania’s most impressive waterfalls. A short, wheelchair-accessible walk from the visitor centre leads to this three-tiered cascade, set against a backdrop of towering tree ferns and giant eucalypts. For those seeking a longer hike, the park offers an extensive network of walking tracks that venture deeper into its scenic wonders.
Further into the park, Lake Dobson serves as a gateway to the higher-altitude regions, where dramatic mountain scenery and glacial lakes await. During winter, the area around Lake Dobson transforms into a hub for cross-country skiing, with opportunities for downhill skiing accessible via the Urquhart Track. In warmer months, the high country bursts into colour with blooming waratahs, boronias, and heath. Autumn brings a vibrant display as the deciduous beech, or fagus, turns the hillsides of the Tarn Shelf into a spectacular mosaic of gold, orange, and red.
Mount Field National Park also holds significant cultural value, with archaeological surveys uncovering Aboriginal heritage sites that reflect over 35,000 years of history. The park likely falls within the traditional lands of the Big River people, who have an enduring connection to this culturally rich landscape.
Visitors to the park can explore two main sections. The first, near the entrance, includes the visitor centre, picnic facilities, and easy access to Russell Falls and the Tall Trees Walk. The second section, centred around Lake Dobson, offers longer day hikes and access to the snow-dusted slopes of Mount Mawson during winter.
For those with mobility challenges, the park provides a TrailRider—a specialised all-terrain wheelchair available for hire. The 30-minute drive to Lake Dobson passes through various landscapes, from rainforest to alpine moorlands, offering a continuous display of Tasmania’s natural beauty.
In addition to its natural splendour, the park is rich in historical sites, including early access tracks, ski huts, and remnants of the region’s logging and water management history. Established as a reserve in 1885, Mount Field, along with Freycinet, is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks and a cornerstone of the state’s conservation efforts.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk, a challenging hike, or a day out with the family, Mount Field National Park offers a wide array of trails and experiences. 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.
