Trail Fast Facts

Rodway Range-Tarn Shelf Circuit is a 15km, grade 4 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 6-7 hours to complete.

Length: 15km

Duration: 6-7 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Lake Dobson Carpark

End: Lake Dobson Carpark

Location: Mount Field National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: National Park

From state capital: 88km

Latitude: -42.68520367663362

Longitude: 146.59388065338138

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Weather

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Warning

Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March.

Hike Overview

The Rodway Range-Tarn Shelf circuit walk provides an extensive exploration of Mount Field National Park, showcasing a variety of terrains and remarkable scenery. This 15-kilometre circuit, which typically takes 6-7 hours to complete, begins from the Lake Dobson carpark. The route starts with a gentle stroll around the picturesque lake via the Pandani Grove Nature Walk, lined with vibrant snow gums and pencil pines.

As the trail diverges to the left, it ascends via Urquhart Track through lush subalpine forest populated by towering Pandanis. After merging with Lake Dobson Road, the path continues steeply past the Mount Mawson and Oldina Ski Clubs. The trail then climbs through the Snow Gum Track, with twisted snow gums creating a dramatic backdrop and views over Lake Seal emerging.

At the junction near Lake Seal Lookout, the landscape opens up, revealing the expansive Rodway Range and Tarn Shelf. After taking a moment to enjoy the views, follow the boardwalk Tarn Shelf Track towards the Mount Field West Track. The route turns left, bypassing the Rodway Tow ski area, and begins a steep climb through the boulder fields of the Lion’s Den, marked by red-painted trail indicators. The climb continues to the summit of the Rodway Range (1377 metres), offering panoramic views of Mount Field and the southwest peaks.

Descending from the Rodway Range to K Col presents the most technically challenging section of the hike, with large boulders requiring careful navigation. Once the trail flattens out, it passes the Peterson Memorial Hut, a picturesque spot for a rest amidst meadows of mountain rocket, pineapple grass, and cushion plants.

Continuing along the K Col track, the trail heads towards The Watcher, with views of Mount Field West to the west. The path traverses the expansive plateau towards Newdegate Pass, crossing raised boardwalks and stone steps across the tarn-filled terrain. Descend through the boulder field of Newdegate Pass to the Tarn Shelf, starting with Lake Newdegate. Follow the track junction to the right along the Tarn Shelf Track, which offers a more scenic experience compared to the longer Lake Newdegate Track.

The final stretch meanders gently through the numerous glacial tarns and lakes on the shelf, providing a serene and scenic contrast to the earlier climbs. Snow gums, pandani, and ancient pencil pines frame the trail, while deciduous fagus adds vibrant autumn colours in April and May. The walk concludes by retracing the path back to the Rodway Tow ski area and day-use hut, then following the Snow Gum Track, Urquhart Track, and Pandani Grove Nature Walk to the trailhead.

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

For experienced bushwalkers: These tracks are suited for those with advanced skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Expect extremely rough, steep, and unmarked terrain.
This track demands strong navigation skills and the use of a detailed map, as mobile phone reception is unreliable. The alpine route is highly exposed, requires a full day to complete, and is not advisable for day trips during short winter days.
Park entry requirement: A valid parks pass is mandatory for access to all national parks in Tasmania.

Map and GPX file

Rodway Range-Tarn Shelf Circuit Hike (15km)

Total distance: 14907 m
Max elevation: 1368 m
Min elevation: 1036 m
Total climbing: 703 m
Total descent: -704 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Rodway Range-Tarn Shelf Circuit Hike (15km)

To reach the trailhead at Mount Field National Park, start your journey from Hobart, which is just over an hour’s drive away. Follow the A10 or B62 through New Norfolk and Westerway. From Westerway, it's a short, winding drive to the small township of National Park and the entrance to Mount Field National Park. Once inside the park, continue along Lake Dobson Road for 16 kilometres to reach the Lake Dobson carpark, where the walk begins. This section of the road is unsealed and may be closed during snow conditions, so check ahead if you're visiting in winter. Please be mindful of wildlife, especially if driving at night, and take it slow to ensure their safety as well as your own.

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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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Rodway Range-Tarn Shelf Circuit Hike (15km)

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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.