Trail Fast Facts

Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls is a 6.5km, grade 3 hike in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.

Length: 6.7km

Duration: 2-3 hrs

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

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Hike Overview

The Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls hike, also known as the Three Falls Circuit, is a 6.5-kilometre, grade 3 hike located in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania. Typically taking 2-3 hours to complete, this trail offers a rich experience of the park's natural beauty.

The hike begins at the Mount Field National Park Visitor Centre, with the trailhead located just behind the centre. The path initially splits, offering two routes that converge at Russell Falls, Tasmania's most renowned waterfall. The grandeur of Russell Falls, set against the backdrop of towering tree ferns, provides an impressive start to the circuit.

From Russell Falls, the trail ascends to Horseshoe Falls. Although smaller in scale, Horseshoe Falls is a picturesque detour worth taking. After returning to the main trail, the path leads through the Tall Trees Walk, where you can admire the towering swamp gums (Eucalyptus regnans), the world's tallest flowering plants. This section of the hike offers an opportunity to experience the majestic scale of these ancient trees.

Continuing along the trail, you will encounter a junction after approximately one kilometre. Taking the right fork leads to Lady Barron Falls, a cascading waterfall that is particularly scenic after rainfall. The geology of this area is notable, with all three falls—Russell, Horseshoe, and Lady Barron—composed of marine Permian siltstone, which is exposed beneath layers of sandstone. This geological feature provides a glimpse into the park's ancient history, otherwise hidden beneath the dense forest.

The loop concludes with a descent via a long flight of wooden steps, bringing you back to the Visitor Centre. While Russell Falls is the most famous of the three, the complete circuit offers a more comprehensive exploration of Mount Field National Park’s diverse landscapes. Walking the circuit anticlockwise allows for a gradual climb to Horseshoe Falls, followed by the towering giants of the Tall Trees Walk, and the serene beauty of Lady Barron Falls.

The lower section of Mount Field National Park, often associated primarily with Russell Falls, has much more to offer. The Three Falls Circuit not only highlights the park’s renowned waterfalls but also showcases its unique flora and underlying geology, making it a rewarding walk for those who seek to explore Tasmania’s natural heritage.

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

Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls Hike (6.5km)

Total distance: 6295 m
Max elevation: 278 m
Min elevation: 175 m
Total climbing: 295 m
Total descent: -295 m

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Trailhead

Getting there

Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls Hike (6.5km)

The Three Falls Circuit 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 Three Falls Circuit 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.

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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.

Reviews

Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls Hike (6.5km)

1 Review on “Russell, Horseshoe & Lady Barron Falls Hike (6.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

Visited the iconic Russell Falls, then detoured to see the charming Horseshoe Falls. The towering giants of the Tall Trees Walk were awe-inspiring, and Lady Barron Falls was worth the extra walk, especially lush after some recent rain. An epic loop showcasing the park’s diversity – highly recommend.

10/05/2024, 16:27

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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.