Trail Fast Facts

Russell Falls Track is a 1.6km, grade 1 hike in the Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 45 mins to complete.

Length: 1.6km

Duration: 45 mins

Grade 1 (All Abilities)

Style: Circuit

Start: Mount Field Visitor Centre

End: Mount Field Visitor Centre

Location: Mount Field National Park

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: Westerway

From state capital: 73km

Latitude: -42.68205484906892

Longitude: 146.7165541648865

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

Russell Falls Track is a 1.6 km, grade 1 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, typically taking around 45 minutes to complete. This short, picturesque walk leads to Tasmania’s most beloved waterfall, Russell Falls. Formed by the erosion of softer rock layers beneath more resistant strata, the falls cascade gracefully over multiple levels, creating a serene and awe-inspiring sight within the lush, moss-covered forest. As you stand in this deep green sanctuary, the geological history may fade into the background, leaving you to simply appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

The trail takes you through a mixed forest, featuring towering swamp gums, the tallest flowering plants on Earth, alongside species characteristic of wet forests and cool temperate rainforests, such as dogwood, musk, and myrtle. On your return, you can either retrace your steps or take the loop track on the opposite side of the fern-lined creek, where you might even spot a platypus.

For those visiting after dark, the track offers another layer of enchantment, with glow worms illuminating the vegetation near the falls. If exploring at night, be sure to turn off your torches to fully experience this natural light show, and use the handrail provided to navigate the path safely in the dark.

Track Grade

Grade 1 (All-abilities) - Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.

Tips

No bushwalking experience is necessary for this trail, as it features a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections.
The track is also suitable for wheelchair users, provided they have assistance.
Ensure children are closely supervised, particularly near flowing water.
Be aware that tracks may be closed during strong winds or stormy weather due to the risk of falling trees and branches.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to all of Tasmania's national parks.
The Russell Falls track begins at the visitor centre in Mount Field National Park.

Map and GPX file

Russell Falls Track (1.6Kmm)

Total distance: 1560 m
Max elevation: 216 m
Min elevation: 175 m
Total climbing: 54 m
Total descent: -54 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Russell Falls Track (1.6Kmm)

Mount Field National Park is easily accessible from Hobart, with just over an hour's drive via New Norfolk and Westerway along the A10 or B62. After passing through Westerway, continue on the winding road to the small township of National Park, where you’ll find the entrance to Mount Field National Park. Once inside, the Russell Falls Track begins directly from the visitor centre, offering a convenient starting point for your walk. When travelling, especially at night, exercise caution and drive slowly, as the roads are shared with native wildlife.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Main image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

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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Looking for things to do in Mount Field National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Russell Falls Track (1.6Kmm)

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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.