National park · Australia
Mount Field National Park
Give Mount Field one full day from Hobart: Russell Falls and the Tall Trees Walk in the morning before the coach crowds (arrive by 9:00), then drive Lake Dobson Road to the alpine tarns if the weather holds; skip it as a day trip if you only have Hobart time for one park and want coast instead.Give Mount Field one full day from Hobart: Russell Falls and the Tall Trees Walk in the morning before the coach crowds (arrive by 9:00 AM), then drive Lake Dobson Road to the alpine tarns if the weather holds; skip it as a day trip if you only have Hobart time for one park and want coast instead.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
165 km² (64 sq mi)64 sq mi (165 km²)
approximate
Established
1916
Best months
Oct–Nov, Jan–Mar
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 165 km² (64 sq mi)64 sq mi (165 km²)
- Park boundary figures vary by source; the gazetted area is roughly 160–170 km² (check).
- Established
- 1916
- Best months
- Oct–Nov, Jan–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
Mount Field National Park sits in the Derwent Valley about 1.5 hours from Hobart and holds two different days in one boundary: a low, wet forest valley with Russell Falls and the Tall Trees Walk, reached on sealed paths from the visitor centre, and a sub-alpine plateau at the top of Lake Dobson Road with glacial tarns, pencil pines and a small ski field at Mount Mawson. Established in 1916, it is one of Tasmania's oldest parks and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Most visitors see the falls and leave; the plateau is the reason to keep a car and a clear forecast in reserve.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1982Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Size and age
165 km² (64 sq mi)64 sq mi (165 km²) · national park since 1916
Park boundary figures vary by source; the gazetted area is roughly 160–170 km² (check).
Why go
- Russell Falls is a three-tier waterfall reached on a sealed, wheelchair-accessible path in about 20 minutes from the visitor centre.
- The Tall Trees Walk passes swamp gums (Eucalyptus regnans), among the tallest flowering trees on earth.
- Lake Dobson Road climbs about 800 m to a sub-alpine plateau of glacial tarns, pencil pines and snow gum, with skiing at Mount Mawson in winter.
- It is the closest of Tasmania's big wilderness parks to Hobart — about 1.5 hours by road.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanWarmest, longest days; waterfalls low but tracks dry
- FebSettled weather; bookable camping fills
- MarCooling, clear; good walking
- AprAutumn colour in the valley; snow possible up top
- MayWet, quiet; carry layers
- JunCold, short days; snow on Lake Dobson Road
- JulSki season; chains often needed
- AugSnow and ice; road may close
- SepWaterfalls at their best after winter rain
- OctWildflowers on the plateau; variable weather
- NovMild, long evenings
- DecWarm but busy from Christmas
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platypus in Lake Dobson and the Tyenna RiverAll year · Dawn and dusk are the best chance; keep quiet and stay back from the bank. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Wombats, echidnas and eastern barred bandicootsSep–Apr · Most often seen at dusk along the roads and campground edges. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Tasmanian devilAll year · Present in the park but rarely seen; roadkill is the main threat. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Wildflowers on the tarn shelfOct–Dec | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Hobart
Brooker Highway north, A10 Lyell Highway to New Norfolk, then B62 and B61 Gordon River Road to the park turn-off.
1.5 h
Open the page →
From Hobart airport
Rental car via the same route; no public bus serves the park.
2 h
From New Norfolk
B61 Gordon River Road west, then the B609 turn-off to the visitor centre.
45 min
From Derwent Valley plan
Where to base, what else to see in the valley.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor centre and Russell Falls valley | Ticket office, shop, campground, Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees Walk. | Open with a park pass; sealed paths. |
| Lake Dobson Road and Mount Mawson | The 16 km (9.9 mi) mountain road to the sub-alpine plateau and the small ski field.The 9.9 mi (16 km) mountain road to the sub-alpine plateau and the small ski field. | Open to vehicles; may close in snow and ice. |
| Lake Dobson and the tarn shelf | Glacial lakes, Pandani Grove, and the long routes to the Tarn Shelf, Twilight Tarn and Lake Newdegate. | Walk-in; sign out for remote tracks. |
| Southwest backcountry | The park's western edge, adjoining Southwest National Park. | Experienced walkers only; designated campsites. |
Sketch map
- 1Mount Field Visitor Centre · Headquarters≈-42.682, 146.717Map ↗
- 2Park entrance · Gate≈-42.682, 146.719Map ↗
- 3Russell Falls · Viewpoint≈-42.677, 146.712Map ↗
- 4Horseshoe Falls · Viewpoint≈-42.676, 146.711Map ↗
- 5Lady Barron Falls · Viewpoint≈-42.691, 146.695Map ↗
- 6Lake Dobson · Trail≈-42.684, 146.592Map ↗
- 7Mount Mawson ski field · Summit≈-42.683, 146.585Map ↗
- 8Lake Newdegate · Trail≈-42.661, 146.561Map ↗
- 9National Park village · Town≈-42.686, 146.719Map ↗
Take the points offline
9 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions for orientation only; the visitor centre and entrance are within a few hundred metres of each other.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per vehicle, up to 8 people) | AUD 45 (≈ US$30) | vehicle | 2026 estimate; Tasmanian parks pass, day rate (check current price). |
| Park entry (per person, walking or cycling in) | AUD 22 (≈ US$15) | person | 2026 estimate (check). |
| Holiday pass (per vehicle, up to 2 months) | AUD 90 (≈ US$60) | vehicle | 2026 estimate; covers most Tasmanian national parks (check). |
| Mount Field Government Huts | AUD 45 (≈ US$30) | hut | Flat rate per hut per night; bunks, wood heater, no power (check). |
| Campground (unpowered site) | AUD 20 (≈ US$14) | site | 2026 estimate; powered sites cost more (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park pass permit or guide
Walk registration for remote routes permit or guide
Fishing licence permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- A$45≈ US$30
- A$22≈ US$15
- A$90≈ US$60
- A$45≈ US$30
- A$20≈ US$14
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service — park passes and fees before you go.
Park rules
- Park pass
- Every vehicle entering must display a valid Tasmanian parks pass; buy it at the visitor centre or online.
- Remote walk registration
- Sign in and out at the visitor centre before any overnight or remote track.
- Camping
- Only in the campground and in designated backcountry sites; no camping beside the tarns.
- Fires
- No campfires in the park; use fuel stoves only where permitted.
- Dogs and drones
- Pets are not allowed in the national park; drones need a permit from the parks authority (check).check
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or handle wildlife; keep food sealed and store it in a vehicle overnight.
Where to stay
In the park
Mount Field Campground
Powered and unpowered sites beside the Tyenna River near the visitor centre; first come, first served, no bookings.
In the park
Mount Field Government Huts
Basic huts near Lake Dobson with bunks, a wood heater and cold water only; keys from the visitor centre.
Near the park
National Park village
Hotel, cottages and a small group lodge about 5 minutes from the park entrance.
Near the park
New Norfolk
The valley's main town, about 45 minutes away, with motels, pubs and shops.
Safety
Snow and ice on Lake Dobson Road high
Wildlife on the road at night medium
Sudden cold and wet weather on the plateau medium
Slippery tracks and steps medium
No phone signal in the backcountry medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Russell Falls path is sealed and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers as far as the lower viewing platform.
- The visitor centre, shop and campground have accessible facilities.
- The Tall Trees Walk and Lake Dobson tracks include steps, roots and uneven ground.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on the boardwalks on the tarn shelf; the alpine plants are fragile and slow to recover.
- Carry out everything you bring in; there are no bins on the remote tracks.
- Check the fire danger rating and any total fire ban before walking in summer.
- Keep your distance from platypus and other wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mount Field National Park?
You need a Tasmanian parks pass. A day pass for a car with up to eight people is about A$45, and a walking-in day pass about A$22 per person (2026 estimate; check the current price). A two-month holiday pass for a vehicle is about A$90 and covers most other Tasmanian national parks too.
What are the best hikes in Mount Field National Park?
For most visitors: the Russell Falls Nature Walk (40 minutes return, sealed) and the Three Falls Circuit, about 7.5 km with roughly 400-plus steps, taking 3–4 hours. If you have a car and a clear day, drive Lake Dobson Road and walk the Pandani Grove circuit (1.5 km). The Tarn Shelf and Lakes Belton and Belcher are full-day routes for experienced walkers.
When is the best time to visit Mount Field National Park?
October to March for mild weather and long days, with November and December best for the alpine wildflowers. September has the fullest waterfalls after winter rain. Winter (June–August) is for snow and skiing, and Lake Dobson Road can need chains or close.
Can I visit Mount Field as a day trip from Hobart?
Yes. It is about 1.5 hours each way by car, so a half day covers Russell Falls and the Tall Trees Walk, and a full day adds the drive to Lake Dobson. There is no public bus to the park, so you need a car or a tour.
Do I need to book camping or the huts?
The campground is first come, first served with no bookings, and fills in summer and on long weekends. The government huts near Lake Dobson are booked through the parks service and keys are collected at the visitor centre.
Is there snow at Mount Field?
Yes, on the plateau. Mount Mawson has a small ski field with about 70 m of vertical that runs when snow allows, usually July to August. Snow can lie on the tarn shelf into spring, so carry warm layers and check the road status.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialTasmania Parks and Wildlife Service — Mount Field National Park
- officialTasmania Parks and Wildlife Service — park passes and fees
- officialUNESCO World Heritage Centre — Tasmanian Wilderness
- officialInland Fisheries Service Tasmania — angling rules
- secondaryWikivoyage: Mount Field National Park, revision 4978443 (CC BY-SA 4.0)